Extensive research shows the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, which consists of fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil. Grains and meat products as a garnish or condiment. Simply enhancing your intake of natural or nature-derived foods can alter your biochemistry and has tremendous effects on your mood, thoughts and behaviors. 

Studies on young children diagnosed with ADHD demonstrate immediate results and improved cognitive and behavioral function just by making dietary changes alone with no other intervention. Processed food and sugar-loaded baked goods offer momentary pleasure and cause addiction as the brain circuitry is designed to seek sweets for a dopaminergic boost however western diets and children’s meals, rely heavily on sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. 

Clinical trials in Germany demonstrated a vast increase in academic functioning and acceptance of unfairness in children who had breakfast containing protein (for example, eggs) in comparison to children who were given a baked good or cereal. This led to a decrease in violent and aggressive behavior as a response to perceived unfairness. Making children more acceptant or their surroundings.

Gut microbiome / the gut as the 2nd brain is the leading school of thought in the mental health field as we discover that mood changes are often caused by disruption in healthy digestion. Hormones are developed in the gut based on what we eat.Research by Leslie Korn, MD emphasizes the importance of including nutritional assessment and intervention in treating mental health issues. Nutritional deficiencies and Mood disorders are also discussed by Mark Hyman, MD in his podcast and book ‘The Pegan Diet’ where he elaborates on the pathways of eliminating anxiety and depression, inflammation and disease through changing diet alone.

When we eat, what we eat and how much or how often we consume food all impact our daily mood!