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Why We Must Pay Attention to What We Feed Our Brain
We all know that when we eat junk food, we’re likely to gain weight and put our heart health at risk. But what about our brain?
Of course it’s just as important to take care of our mental health, as it is our physical health.
Feeding Our Brain
But how do we do that? It’s actually quite simple – we eat foods that feed our brain. And it just so happens that those are the same foods that also keep our body in tip-top shape. Foods like: blueberries, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, olive and coconut oil, dark chocolate (yay!), avocados, etc.
Diets that mainly consist of “junk food” – fast food, salty snacks, sweet desserts, sugary drinks, etc. – are doing more harm than just adding a few inches to your waistline. They can be affecting your moods, and even lead to something more severe, such as depression or behavior issues.
What scientists have discovered is that large amounts of insulin, which is found in all junk food, can cause brain cells to not function properly. It can actually restrict our ability to think clearly and recall information because when the cells in your brain get too much insulin, they become resistant (and remember from biology class that we do need insulin to carry glucose to our bloodstream).
Type 3 Diabetes?
Some researchers are even labeling this finding as “Type 3 Diabetes” or “diabetes of the brain“, which is similar to Alzheimer’s (people with Type 1 and 2 diabetes are already more likely to develop Alzheimer’s). A Lancet study included 3 year olds as well as 8 and 9 year olds who drank juice with artificial colors and additives. They found that the juice increased hyperactivity in both age groups as compared to some kids who just got a placebo mix.
Another study by the Journal of Pediatrics found that children who consume large amounts of soda experienced “aggression, withdrawal and attention problems”.
Book: Junk Food & Junk Moods
So what can we do when we get those cravings for junk food? Well, my friend and coach, Lindsey Smith, wrote all about that in her book, “Junk Foods and Junk Moods: Stop Craving and Start Living!
In Lindsey’s book you’ll learn to:
- Stop focusing on food as your sole nutrient
- Treat your body like a lab to understand what you really crave
- Identify and satisfy deep needs in body, mind, and spirit
- Nourish yourself with a positive mindset
- Make manageable steps into a healthy lifestyle
How do you deal with any junk food cravings for yourself or your kids? I’d love to hear your tips.
And for more information on how to reduce attention and behavioral problems, such as ADHD, in children, download my webinar The Food Connection to Your Child’s Behavior.
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Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.
