{"id":184372,"date":"2022-10-03T08:00:05","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T00:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/?p=184372"},"modified":"2022-10-03T11:15:48","modified_gmt":"2022-10-03T03:15:48","slug":"how-nutrition-affects-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/how-nutrition-affects-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Ever wondered how your nutrition affects your mental health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know about our gut instinct, and scientific research has documented that our gut is our second brain \u2013 which I experienced for the first time when my anxiety<\/a> skyrocketed. Many times when we\u2019re feeling stomach discomfort, we may think it\u2019s a digestive issue, but it may be due to your mental wellbeing \u2013 or vice versa. In fact, our diet and mental health go hand-in-hand and are interlinked. Aside from hitting the gym<\/a> and switching to a plant-based diet<\/a>, eating mindfully can also play a part in maintaining a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. Here\u2019s how your nutrition affects your mental health.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, seek professional help if needed.<\/p>\n

How your nutrition affects your mental health<\/h2>\n

Talk science to me…<\/h3>\n

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If you have a gut feeling that something\u2019s off about your mental health, chances are that\u2019s true! Our gut comprises over 100 million neurons, with over 30 different neurotransmitters (they send and receive signals to your brain) and 95% of our serotonin (happy hormones) are produced in the gut. Naturally, given the high number of neurotransmitters, there\u2019s a rapid connection between our brain and gut.<\/p>\n

Our gut also has 100 times more bacteria and microbes than the number of humans on earth and when the microbes go unbalanced, that\u2019s when you can start to develop symptoms of mental health disorders and mood swings.<\/p>\n

Some more science talk…<\/h3>\n

Basically, you can think of the organisms of your microbiome as the gatekeepers to the mucosal lining of your intestines. They help your body control the absorption of proper nutrients \u2013 letting some things in while keeping other things out.<\/p>\n

What you eat \u2013 and the proportion of what you eat \u2013 changes the composition and balance of organisms in your microbiome, which changes your body\u2019s ability to regulate the absorption of proper nutrients. Changes to your body\u2019s nutrition goes on to affect the metabolic pathways, like the synthesis and regulation of hormones, which eventually can affect your mental and physical health.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with my body?\u201d (Photography: @mittaluday via Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When I experienced anxiety and depression<\/a> (at the same time, yes, it was hell), I did multiple tests to detect infectious stomach bacteria, but the tests always came out fine. This only frustrated me even more (so what is wrong with me?) and my digestive health was only getting worse. Slowly, managing my mental health with baby steps is what eased my digestive issues. Bottom line, our mental health manifests in physical symptoms and we may not realise it.<\/p>\n

So here\u2019s a basic guide of foods to include in your diet and ones you should reduce for a healthy gut.<\/p>\n

What to eat to maintain a healthy gut<\/h3>\n