Did you know your brain is in your belly? It’s true!
We have heard for some time now that obesity is at an epidemic level in our country, and our culture does not support healthy eating habits. Further, childhood obesity and childhood diabetes are increasing at high rates. We further accept that ultra processed foods and foods high in sugars are helping to drive those numbers. Slipping under the radar, and likely highly correlative, are the skyrocketing numbers of children and adolescents who are suffering from mental health issues.
What are the correlations we can draw from food related illness and mental health issues? Ultra processed foods frequently contain chemicals and dyes for preserving and making them appealing to the eye, that adversely impact mental health. These products can negatively contribute to childhood ADHD and anxiety. Consider how sugary pop (it’s not called soda) consumed in adult quantities can affect a young person’s hyper activity or trigger their anxiety. Consider how unhealthy weight gain in a middle school student can affect self-esteem, self-image, self-concept, agency, and depression.
Through a different lens, food has a profound impact on the part of the brain that controls pleasure. Studies have shown the parallel effects of sugar on amygdala and hippocampus as compared to cocaine. Children who learn to consume a diet rich in sugar not only create a learned habit, they begin to feed an addiction.
The solution is not a quick or easy one, which does not pair well with our immediate gratification culture. Meals need to be home cooked and not store bought. We need to keep in mind the goal of restaurants is not nourishment. It is to make their food taste so good you will want to come back. Home cooked meals with lean meats and vegetables are shown to have the best physical and mental health outcomes.
But what about the coveted dessert? Fruits offer a more natural sugar as opposed to processed and refined sugars. They also carry the sugars by way of fiber which slows the digestive process, as opposed to the rapid processing and storage of refined sugar. You can buy popsicle forms and blend your favorite berries into a puree just right for a super healthy, super sweet treat! Enjoy guilt free knowing you are protecting your gut, brain, and likely preventing disease along the way.
