No question that what you eat can affect how you feel, right?
 
Mental health and brain health are complex. So are the foods we eat, and the ways our bodies interact with those foods.  While, we don't know the exact mechanisms how food and nutrition help, we know a few ways food impacts our moods.
 
First, what we eat becomes the raw materials for our neurotransmitters. “Neurotransmitters” are biochemical messengers that allow our nerve cells to communicate (ever heard of serotonin?). They are important not just for thinking and memory, but also for mental health.
 
Second, what we eat affects our blood sugar. And having unstable blood sugar levels can contribute to mood swings.
 
Let’s talk about mood-boosting and mood-busting foods.
 
Mood-boosting foods
 
Some nutrient deficiencies look like mental health problems; this includes deficiencies in B-vitamins, vitamin D, and the mineral selenium. So, getting enough vitamins, minerals, (and other things like antioxidants) are key. These nutrients not only reduce inflammation but also fuel the biochemical reactions in our bodies. Including those that create neurotransmitters. So make sure you're eating a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, studies show that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables are the happiest.
 
Also pay special attention to vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin), as it’s not naturally occurring in too many foods. Selenium is an essential mineral found in Brazil nuts, walnuts, cod, and poultry. Try to add some of those to your weekly diet.
 
Second, make sure you get enough protein. Protein is your body's main supply of amino acids. Amino acids are very important for mood issues because they are the building blocks of neurotransmitters. Protein also helps to regulate blood sugar. I recommend eating protein with every meal; this includes dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, poultry, and meat.
 
Third, complex carbohydrates like sweet potato and quinoa are great too. They allow better absorption of key amino acids like tryptophan. Tryptophan is used by your body to make serotonin (your “happy hormone”) and melatonin (your “sleepy” hormone). So, if you want to relax, try these in the evening.
 
Fourth, fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids (nuts, seeds, and algae) are also mood-boosting. Omega-3s are definitely “brain food” and may help to ease some symptoms.
 
FUN FACT: One study showed that giving one multi-vitamin and one omega-3  fish oil tablet per day to prison inmates reduced the incidence of violent behavior by 50%!
 
Last but not least, make sure you’re hydrated. Mild dehydration can cause mood issues as well.
 
Mood-busting foods
 
You won’t be surprised to hear me say processed foods are mood-busters, right? One study suggests that eating a lot of processed foods devoid of nutrients can increase your chances of becoming depressed by as much as 60 percent! This is on top of the research that shows nutrient deficiencies can look like mental health problems.
 
“But it makes me feel good!”
 
Yes, some of these mood busters can make you feel better temporarily. Some big food companies study how to maximize the "pleasure" centers with the perfect amount of sugar, salt, and fat. Not to mention the color, texture, and taste; they can light up our taste buds and make us feel good… for now.
 
A few other things to avoid are:

• Alcohol (nervous system depressant)
• Caffeine (may worsen anxious feelings and ability to sleep)
• Sugar (messes with your blood sugar and can worsen inflammation).

 
Conclusion
 
Bad moods can lead to bad eating habits; and, bad eating habits can lead to bad moods. If you need a mood boost, stick to minimally processed nutrient-dense whole foods. Things like fresh fruit and vegetables (including leafy greens), nuts and seeds, eggs, fish, poultry, and meat. Avoid common mood-busting foods like alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.
 
And remember, sometimes “feel good” junk foods, only make you feel good temporarily. So, try my newest recipe for fruit salad, below.
 
Recipe (mood boosting): Fruit Salad
 
Serves 6-8
 
1-2 cups watermelon, cubed
1-2 cups cantaloupe, cubed
1-2 cups blueberries, fresh
1-2 cups blackberries, fresh
1-2 cups green grapes
 
Instructions
 
Place all fruit in a large bowl and gently toss.
 
Serve & enjoy!
 
Tip: Substitute or add any ready-to-eat fruit, like chopped peaches, or raspberries.
 
References:
 
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/food-and-mood
 
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/how-to-fight-depression-naturally-with-nutrition
 
https://nutritionfacts.org/video/foods-increase-happiness/
​

​Do you ever feel a bit “overextended” in the belly after a meal? Perhaps “gassy?” Have you ever carried a “food baby?”
 
Well, bloating is common. Up to 25-30% of people experience it regularly. It happens when you have trouble digesting. The symptoms come from excess gas, reactions to foods, or food not moving through you as well as it could.
 
There are many reasons you might experience these symptoms. Maybe because of a serious condition (disease), or a food allergy or intolerance (what you eat). It can also result from how you eat.
 
If you have a serious digestive issue like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), then make sure you eat accordingly. Same goes if you know certain foods give you gas. Simply avoid them.
 
If you’re already doing those things, and still experience bloating, here are some great tips for dealing with it naturally.
 
1 - Don’t overeat
 
If you overeat at a meal, then you’ll feel bigger around the mid-section. You’ll feel more pressure in your abdomen. Plus, you’re giving your digestive system a hard time. It’s better to eat until you feel almost full and not overindulge. Grab an extra snack or small meal throughout the day if you have to. Just don’t over-stuff yourself in one sitting.
 
2 - Avoid sugar alcohols
 
Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners made from sugars. In an ingredients list, they end in "-ol,” and include things like sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. They’re found in some chewing gums and sugar-free foods. Some people experience bloating after eating foods with these. So, try avoiding them and see if that helps you.
 
3 - Avoid swallowing air
 
Sometimes the gas that causes pressure in your digestive system is from swallowing air. Things like carbonated drinks are the biggest culprit here. You can also swallow air when you chew gum or drink through a straw, so try ditching these.
 
You can also swallow air when eating too quickly or while talking. Which leads me to...
 
4 - Eat slower, more mindfully, and less stressed
 
Eating too fast isn’t doing your digestive system any favors. You can help the food move along by chewing it thoroughly and slowing down your eating habits. Be mindful and enjoy the time you are spending eating your meals. Savour them.
 
The feeling of stress can also cause increased bloating. Stress-reducing techniques can help improve your digestion. Try meditating or deep breathing (but not while you’re eating). :)
 
5 - Try peppermint
 
Peppermint oil has been shown to improve bloating. It’s thought to increase transit time by relaxing the stomach muscles and increasing the flow of bile. Try steeping fresh peppermint leaves, or a peppermint tea bag, and drinking it slowly. See if that helps reduce your symptoms.
 
Conclusion
 
There are a bunch of natural ways to deal with bloating.
 
First, avoid it by not eating things that give you gas or aggravate a digestive issue. Try not to overeat, consume sugar alcohols, or swallow air. Also, eating more mindfully and reducing stress can help too. Finally, if you are experiencing bloating, enjoy a cup of peppermint tea.
 
If you do all of these, and still experience bloating, then you may have a food intolerance; this could be from an allergy or intolerance. If you have a major concern, then please see your doctor. Your doctor can help to rule out a serious and/or chronic condition.
 
Recipe (peppermint): Peppermint Mocha Creamer
 
1 can coconut milk
½ cup almond milk, unsweetened
2 tbsp cacao powder, unsweetened
½ tsp peppermint extract or essential oil (food-grade and safe for internal use)
3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
 
Instructions
 
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until well combined.
 
Store in a sealed container in your fridge.
 
Serve & enjoy!
 
Tip: While the non-peppermint ingredients in this creamer may or may not be “de-bloating” for you, try these ideas too:

• Grow peppermint yourself;
• Chew on the fresh leaves; and/or
• Steep them for tea.

 
References:
 
https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating/
 
https://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bloating/
 
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/fix-gut-fix-health