Diet and Mood

What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. I'm sure you've experienced that after eating one too many cookies! Or on the flip side, you might feel amazing after eating a plate of veggies and lean protein. What you put into your body matters. But what does the science about the link between diet and mood?

The Gut-Brain Connection

The relationship between our diet and mood is deeply intertwined with the gut-brain axis.

UCLA Health says, “Animal and human studies show us that the brain and gut microbiome are intimately connected. When most people think about mental health, they only think about the brain, but there is bi-directional communication between the gut and brain. I tell people the gut and the brain are like BFFs. The brain and the gut are in constant communication with each other.”

A healthy gut means a healthy brain. Certain foods have been shown to support the gut microbiome and support a healthy brain. The article goes on to say, "Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, have anti-inflammatory properties that support both gut and brain health. Additionally, increasing the intake of probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can enhance the gut-brain interaction, leading to improved mood and cognitive function​."

Nutritional Deficiencies and Mental Health

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health. Psychology Today did a study on mental health and nutrient intake.

"Nutrition class contributed to up to 10 percent of the difference in depression scores, suggesting that diet has a significant but circumscribed impact on depression.

Nutritional deficiency was associated with the highest level of depression. Age and income protected against nutritional deficiency. Study authors report that prior research has found that psychiatric illness is associated with a lower intake of vitamins and minerals, a finding in the current data as well."

Processed Foods and Their Undesirable Effects

It's common knowledge that processed foods are not good for you, but how harmful are they, really?

An article by NASM says, "It has been well established that diets high in simple sugars promote inflammation throughout the body, disrupt endocrine processes, and cause gastrointestinal distress. Similarly, there has been much recent research conducted linking these diets to symptoms of depression." 

Diets high in simple sugars might be leading to depression!

A Healthier You

What you eat has an impact on how you feel! If you're stuggling with overeating and want to jumpstart your health, meet with a provider to talk about our Medical Weight Loss program. It just might be the thing you need to help you change your diet.

Temecula Medical Group is excited to offer GLP-1 medications to our patients. Get the benefits of medical weight loss along with the oversight and guidance of a medical provider.  If you think you'd benefit from medical weight loss, make an appointment or call us today! 

Start Your Weight Loss Journey

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Temecula Medical Group Place of Healing: We strive to make our clinic a healing space for all of our patients through compassionate care and active listening.