This is your Brain on Food

Did You Know?

• Inflammation and depression are closely linked. p. 32
• Probiotics and Prebiotics can heal your microbiome and decrease depression. p. 33
• High carbohydrate foods increase risk of depression. p. 36
• Artificial sweeteners can be toxic to the brain and increase mood disorders. p. 37
• Omega-3 fatty acids are central for mental health, and saffron is an effective antidepressant. p. 223
• Diets can help heal serious mental illness like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder p. 197

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Elif’s Notes

A few years ago, I realized I was suffering from leaky gut syndrome and had been for most of my life. Leaky gut syndrome is when the gut-wall weakens, allowing for bacteria and molecules to enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain(p.61). For me, this caused a range of symptoms from foggy brain to nervous system dysregulation to depression. Yet healing my gut was surprisingly easy. I had to have a relaxed, yet consistent diet and decrease my overall stress levels. Then I had to find a way to cleanse and detox the heavy metals in my system.

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Our gut and our brain work together as a unit. Research on the gut-brain relationship has gained recognition in its role in mental and holistic health these past few years and deserves to be explored in depth.

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When it comes to diet, I recommend anyone suffering from mental health to pay attention to any vitamin deficiencies. I will write about this further in my blog.  In “This is Your Brain on Food '' we have a wonderful, easy read, introducing us to the world of nutrition, enriched with recipes by Harvard nutritional psychiatrist, Uma Naidoo.  However, please take into consideration individual differences when reading.  For example, not everyone works well with certain diets, ingredients or recipes. Saffron might be great for one person but terrible for another, even though it is an evidence-based antidepressant.  Despite this, “This is Your Brain on Food” is still a good starting point for those looking to restructure their eating habits according to their personality and needs.