For many people today, brain fog is a way of life, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Western medicine reports show evidence is increasing that nutrition and dietary choices significantly impact mental clarity. However, TCM has long maintained that there is a powerful connection between gut and brain health, and to reach optimum physical and mental health, we need to learn about these connections.
Health is a multifaceted discipline, and our physical health is just one aspect of the overall picture. Mental health often manifests in physical symptoms – and diet and nutrition are instrumental in managing it all. While there is no one “superfood” to heal every physical ailment instantly, many promising solutions exist.
Anxiety and Mental Clarity
Anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions (including eating disorders) have grown more prevalent over the last several years. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH):
- 19% of U.S. adults (nearly 1 in 5) had an anxiety disorder in 2021.
- Among those adults, an estimated 23% had a serious impairment.
- 34% reported moderate impairment.
- The largest group (44%) reported suffering only mild impairment.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Most people do not realize that gut bacteria can significantly impact mood. The brain and the gut are connected through the gut–microbiome–brain axis. A disrupted gut microbiome may contribute to diverse cognitive and mood disorders, including anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, sensory disorders, OCD, schizophrenia, psychosis, and autism.
The bacteria in your gut are much more potent than most people understand – the gut biome impacts how the body responds to stress. Significant amounts of gut microorganisms are vital for maintaining optimum health, and severe illness can occur when they are not balanced. Drawing attention to the gut-brain connection is essential when assessing your overall health and wellness.
Diet, Nutrients, and Mental Clarity
Inadequate nutrition appears to be correlated with some mood-altering diseases, including our inability to focus, concentrate and learn. Studies reveal a connection between impaired mental health in children and teens and a poor diet. Typical American diets consist of processed foods and refined flour, which have been associated with brain fog, learning disabilities, cognitive issues, and depression. Many people don’t even realize they are suffering from brain fog until they clean up their diet and experience mental clarity. It is described as a “cloud lifting.”
To help protect against mental disorders, individuals should strive for a diet rich in protein, healthy saturated fats, berries, vegetables, nuts, and dairy; while eliminating processed foods, refined sugar, and flour.
Vitamin deficiencies and a lack of necessary micronutrients in the body directly affect the brain. The most common deficiencies related to mental health are vitamin B-12, vitamin D, omega fatty acids, folate, iron, zinc, and selenium. People can increase their consumption of these nutrients with whole foods such as:
- brazil nuts (selenium)
- chickpeas and lentils (zinc)
- quinoa and broccoli (iron)
- cashews and almonds (magnesium)
- fatty fish (omega-3 acids and Vitamin D)
- shellfish, organ meat, and eggs (Vitamin B-12)
People can also speak to a certified dietician regarding proper supplementation as well.
To learn more about the connections between diet, gut health, and mental illness, call the holistic professionals at Longevity Wellness Clinic. We are here to help you to experience optimum health through natural methods and traditional Chinese medicine practices.
Dr. Cynthia Clark is a certified nutritionist and TCM practitioner. She works closely with the Sarasota area medical community to integrate these solutions with your current healthcare protocols.