A growing body of evidence reveals that there is a relationship between nutrition and mood. There is also recent research showing a causative link between specific dietary patterns and symptoms of depression.
With a number of mental health awareness initiatives in Australia, such as ‘Liptember,’ a women’s mental health initiative for September, ‘RuOK’ day around the corner, October as ‘Mental Health Month’ and internationally recognised World Mental Health day on the 10th of October, we are being encouraged to bring the discussion about mental health and wellbeing out of the shadows.
By sharing what many people have been loath to discuss, we can help support people who are battling with mental health challenges. And with depression being the leading cause of disability globally, these discussions are critical.
Although personal situations and challenges significantly contribute to mental health and wellbeing, as do other factors such as age, genes, gender, fitness, sleep and general stress levels, the connection between mental wellbeing and nutrition is rarely discussed informally. This is unfortunate considering the impact that nutritional choices have on our physiology. After all, cognition occurs across a vast and very sophisticated network of cells and chemicals all of which are dependent on the nutrients that we consume.
1. Stabilise Blood Glucose to Manage Mood, Focus and Concentration
Our brains primary and preferred source of energy comes from carbohydrates. Although the brain is capable of using fat in the form of ketones as a source of energy when carbohydrate supply runs low, it evolved to use glucose derived from carbohydrate consumption. Through digestion and absorption, and using specific nutrients that need to be supplied by our diet, carbohydrates are converted into glucose. Glucose finds its way into the brain via our blood supply, in the form of blood glucose.
Nutrient- and fibre-deficient carbohydrates provide a quick rise in blood glucose, which is followed by a drop, leading to reduced mood, focus, concentration and learning. The desire for another quick boost in energy leads to the consumption of more such food, leading to an ongoing cycle of blood glucose ups and downs, including weight gain over time.
Poor food choices also impact the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which also impact mood and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, such food choices lead to gut and general inflammation over time, which also have a direct impact on brain function and mood, and provide few brain-required-nutrients overall.
Therefore, keeping blood glucose stable while also consuming brain-supporting nutrients is a foundational step to mood - and focus, concentration and memory - improvement. Choose raw or activated nuts, seeds and berries for blood glucose stability and nutrient-density and add fresh greens to at least one meal per day.
2. Use Mindfulness to Manage Stress (and blood glucose)
Stress impacts brain function directly, regardless of where it originates. Unfortunately, chronic stress can also lead to blood glucose instability over time. Such stress leads to the body constantly being directed toward a state of ‘flight or flight,’ which leads to ongoing surges in blood glucose – and later, dips - as the body prepares for survival.
Keep in mind that the brain does not distinguish between a real threat to survival and a psychological threat, although psychological stress introduces the human tendency for rumination, which extends the stressful experience. This situation also drives poor food choices, which combined with blood glucose instability leads to weight gain, which becomes another stressor for the individual.
Furthermore, stress on its own also impacts decision making negatively due to the brains preoccupation with survival. In addition, stress at work can also contribute to an individuals stress load. However, recent research showed a reduction in work-related stress via mindfulness training.
Managing stress, via mindful practices and stress-busting foods, are therefore important steps to take in managing mood and supporting optimal brain function.
3 Improve Mood, Cognition and Relationships
People that are in a good mood and feeling positive interact well with others and may collaborate and cooperate more willingly, leading to a state of thinking that researchers term ‘cognitive flexibility.’ On the other hand, people who are in a bad mood tend to limit their interactions with others and are also less creative.
A small study showed that people who were in a bad mood were more likely to delay dealing with emails, which may extend to other work-related responsibilities. In relation to blood glucose ups and downs, this instability can also lead to feelings of irritability, which further reduce positive interactions among people.
Every felt ‘hangry?’ This amalgamated word appropriately describes the extreme irritability, and even anger, that a hungry person can experience. Ever make a good food decision when in this state? Or any other decision? Low blood glucose leads to this negative mood state and individuals experiencing such are unable to think clearly. Unsurprisingly, research has revealed that blood glucose does indeed impact decision-making.
However, there is limited research that has examined how blood glucose and mood impact business directly, although if it impacts decision making negatively, it is likely to do the same for business outcomes. In addition, anyone who has dealt with a moody team member, or been exposed to such in a customer-client situation, will be hard-pressed not to see a likely correlation between such experiences and business success overall.
In addition, improving personal and business interactions, creativity, ‘cognitive flexibility,’ and decision making can combine to improve mental health, via different pathways - increasing positive feedback, personal efficacy and confidence.
In conclusion, although we have embraced the benefits of openly discussing mental health, we need to become more enthusiastic about discussing the potential role and possible domino effect of preventative strategies.
Managing mood and stress with natural strategies, such as specific food choices, exercise, sleep and mindfulness training has the potential to contribute significantly to improved mental health for those willing to embrace the latest evidence.
This approach has the potential to improve the mood and mental health of individuals, reduce stress levels, and improve the performance and experience of all team members in a work environment. #mindfullifetraining #RuOK #mentalhealth #feedyourbrain
Visit Mindful Life Training and 'September Stress Busting Strategies' for more on actioning mental health and wellbeing at work.