Food as Medicine

Gut-Brain

The gut-brain connection is a fascinating area of research that highlights how our diet impacts mental health. Sanjay Gupta explains that our gut, often referred to as our "second brain," contains trillions of microbes that influence our brain's function and mood 1. Uma Naidoo, a psychiatrist and nutritional specialist, emphasizes the importance of eating for mental health, noting that many people overlook this connection 1. She explains that the breakdown of food can lead to positive or negative brain responses, with inflammation from unhealthy diets contributing to conditions like depression and anxiety 1.

Some of this really goes back to our newer understanding of the gut brain connection. And I feel as though the evolution of the gut brain research has also explained that food mood connection.

--- Uma Naidoo

Naidoo advocates for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to nurture gut microbes and improve mental health 2.

   

Spices & Mood

Spices play a crucial role in enhancing mental health by alleviating mood disorders. Uma Naidoo highlights saffron and turmeric as spices with significant evidence supporting their ability to lower depression and anxiety 2. She suggests incorporating these spices into everyday meals to boost mental well-being without adding calories, sugar, or salt 3.

Adding in spices is a low calorie, sugar free, salt free way to amp up the flavor in your food and make it more interesting.

--- Uma Naidoo

Sanjay Gupta notes that adjusting one's diet doesn't have to be drastic and can be a gradual process towards better mental health 3.