Understanding The Connection Between Mood & Food To Reach & Maintain Your Weight Goal
Good gut bacteria is essential for a well regulated mood and high energy levels. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin that help mediate our moods and help us feel alive and energized are produced in our GI tract. The neural pathways that effect the transport of these chemicals between the gut and brain are activated by good gut bacteria. Therefore, it’s essential to keep our good gut bacteria alive in order to have proper mood regulation as well as energy and vitality.
The good bacteria in our gut is compromised by consuming alcohol, sugar, and refined flour and enhanced by consuming vegetables, lean meat, and fermented food. Studies have compared traditional diets (based on whole food nutrition) to the “Western” diet (based on packaged and processed food and sugars) and have shown that the risk of depression is 25%-35% lower in those who eat a whole food diet.
Try eating a “clean” diet for two to three weeks- that means cutting our all processed food, sugar, and alcohol. See how you feel. Then, resume eating the processed food, sugar, or alcohol and see how you feel. My clients can’t believe how much better they feel both physically and emotionally by eating a diet that is free from sugar, flour, and alcohol and rich in vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fat. If you’re having difficulty eliminating sugar, flour, and/or alcohol from your diet, I can help. Book a free consult to get started on your path to freedom and empowerment.