Cebu City - Due to the complexity of our society, it is difficult to determine how the future will lay itself out. What we knew in the past may probably not be sufficient anymore to move forward into the future. We often ask ourselves at what cost does our happiness entail. As we try to figure this out, we find ourselves sacrificing the present for our future. We throw ourselves into our work, trying to get things done to live a reasonably comfortable life. In the end, life becomes hard. Society’s philosophical instability becomes clearer. Then we now often wonder if our lives have any meaning.
These doubts and existential angst can easily swamp our thoughts and lead to feelings of isolation and depression. These kinds of feelings we get undoubtedly comes from the complexity of society and from the food we eat. We know that heart disease and heart health is influenced by diet. It only stands to reason that the same would be true for the brain. The genetic expression which determines who experiences mood disorders or who doesn’t, may be activated by lifestyle issues, stress, and the environment. The same genetic expression may be deactivated through a nutritional diet.
Today, far too many people eat too many refined carbohydrates. The bacteria in our digestive system produces a lot of neurochemicals thus, making them play an integral role in the regulation of our mood.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, refined carbohydrates, sweets, and processed meats increase the risk of depression by 60%. Eating a whole food diet, decrease the risk of the disease by 26%. Complex carbohydrates boost the production of tryptophan and serotonin, which generally have calming effects to a person. Fiber stabilizes our blood sugar and helps the brain absorb and utilize tryptophan. Lean protein, fruits, and vegetables help with combating sluggishness and lack of focus. This time now, let’s take charge of our own happiness and be more mindful of what goes into our carts and into our mouths. // ND II Mary Carmeli Garrovillo, RND
