Mental Wellness and Nutrition
The Role Nutrition Plays in Mental Wellness
We know that eating well as a profound impact on our physical wellness, and while it may not be as commonly associated, there is plenty of evidence to support the impact nutrition has on our overall wellness including emotional and mental health. Research shows the connection between the gut and the brain is significant with our gut health being a primary factor in anxiety and depression. The gut plays a critical role in your hormone health including serotonin and stress hormones with 95% of serotonin existing in the gut and functioning to regulate happiness, anxiety, and mood.
Understanding an Optimal Daily Intake
When we heal our gut and support our physical bodies through proper nutrition, we often see a correlation to increases in mood and energy. When working with clients, we focus on building an understanding of what an optimal daily intake includes. It is important for an individual to understand what their maintenance level intake is including total calories as well as an optimal daily protein intake. Protein provides us with the amino acids we need to form neurotransmitters. An optimal protein intake will be close to your body weight (in pounds) in grams of protein. In addition to tracking protein intake, we also work with clients to find an optimal daily fiber intake. Fiber is a large contributor to gut health and wellness due to it’s role in eliminating toxins from the gut. Ideally, we want to consume 10-15g per 1,000 calories and focus on whole food sources of fiber.
While we focus primarily on what you can add to our daily nutrition to promote gut health and wellness, it is also important to consider what may be contributing to poor gut health and working to eliminate highly processed foods, added sugar and seed oils.
A Holistic Approach
We aim to take a holistic approach to nutrition and wellness, understanding that food is more than fuel, and the role food can play to bring people together, celebrate and honor traditions and culture is also a valuable role that contributes to our mental and emotional health, and should not be overlooked. Sharing meals and slowing down to chew and digest our food plays a powerful role in how we digest and absorb nutrients from foods we are consuming.
Nutrition is lifelong journey and commitment to our health and wellness goes far beyond physical health and longevity. Having support through the process and finding a lifestyle approach to support your nutritional goals as well as mental and emotional health is what nutrition coaching can provide. A coach and check-in space can be the catalyst for a healthier and happier life!
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
[2] https://www.drstacysims.com/blog/fuel-your-gut-for-better-performance
[3] https://drbrighten.com/how-to-increase-serotonin-levels/
