What are the effects of good nutrition on the body and mind?
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as good nutrition and our physical health. Both are interrelated; therefore, by taking care of one, we will be working on the other. It should be taken into account that mental illnesses can cause major problems in our daily lives, damaging interpersonal and work relationships and degenerating other physical aspects of our bodies.
According to medical research, the connection between good nutrition and a healthy mood exists; certain people lacking a balanced diet in their lives are more prone to suffer symptoms of mental illness or mental fatigue, while those who consume some types of foods rich in 3 Omega-3, vitamins and minerals in their diet maintain greater emotional well-being.
Relationship of a good diet to the body and mind
It is well known that eating a healthy diet on a daily basis has a positive impact on overall health. Even so, many people are unaware of the other aspects where good nutrition contributes, including mood.
Certain foods can provide endorphins and serotonin in our brains after consumption, which helps generate a happier mood by stimulating these hormones in the body. In this way, we can see how food clearly has an effect on our minds.
When we are happy, our appetite tends to expand, making the desire to eat less of a chore, while the opposite is true when we are sad or angry, because the brain controls not only the emotions but also the vital functions of the body.
It is essential to learn how to maintain a balance between our mind and body. When we eat foods full of fats and excessive sugars, we are not only affecting our physical health. We are also causing damage to our mental health.
This is possible because one does not work without the other. For example, when we experience unexpected physical changes, our brain begins to generate negative thoughts, which often lead to self-loathing, lower self-esteem, and reduced self-confidence.
The same happens when we go through situations of depression or anxiety. The more tired and distracted the brain is, the fewer possibilities we will have to perform activities and meet daily obligations, because the main engine for achieving them will be failing.
Therefore, by choosing the right food and good nutrition, we will be providing energy and positivity to the muscles, including the brain, where the neurotransmitters that make it up will begin to work in the production of hormones synthesised through food to provide the required nutrients and thus have a strong immune system and, of course, a strong mental health.
Diseases that can be caused by a poorly nourished mind and body
Poor nutrition, combined with a lack of physical activity, contributes to the deterioration of the body’s physical and mental health, which may include the following.
Anaemia
Caused by a deficiency of red blood cells in the blood due to low iron intake, causing tiredness, fatigue, pallor and even loss of appetite in those who suffer from it. When it comes to iron deficiency anaemia, it can be avoided or improved through good nutrition with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals found in foods such as vegetables, nuts, beans, and meats.
Obesity
This is an illness caused by an unbalanced diet, characterised by the consumption of highly processed foods, excessive condiments, and sugars, which leads to weight gain. This, in turn, causes damage to other aspects of the body, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and other ailments.
Benefits of good nutrition on the body and mind
Food in the mind has more power than everyone believes. They are able to influence the state of this, both for good and bad. Knowing how to use them is vital to getting the best out of our bodies. Some of the positive effects that we can enjoy from good nutrition are.
- Improves our self-esteem, as having a pleasant body image for ourselves allows us to gain more confidence and self-esteem.
- Increases our overall energy if we consume carbohydrates, unrefined fats, fruits and vegetables.
- It generates greater brain activity because the healthier we eat, the healthier our brains will be.
- It decreases the symptoms of depression because by giving the brain the nutrients it needs to function properly, it is less likely to suffer from this disease.
It can be said that good nutrition is the basis of general well-being. By taking care of what we put in our bodies, we are also taking care of the way we see ourselves. We help ourselves to be happier and live longer.
