Are Food and Happiness Connected? Research Says So

December 17th, 2021

By Alex ‘Earthie Mama’ Du Toit

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

What if I told you that if you changed your diet you could be happier? That food and happiness could be connected. Many people don’t realize that by becoming conscious about what you put in your mouth you can shift the state of your mental health. You don’t have to live your life everyday feeling tired, bummed out, hopeless, irritable or unhappy. There is a way to shift your mood and it’s by what you eat. Research says the right food can make you happy.

The planet is in a very concerning place right now and the people on it are no exception. There are too many people that seem unhappy and I can’t help to think about how are they treating themselves. One after another I hear of another surprising human that has taken their own life. There is an over population of people now on pharmaceutical pills that are supposed to help with anxiety and depression. These very pills include huge side effects one of them being suicide.

What if these pill prescribers gave their patients a prescription for a healthy nutrient dense diet? Perhaps the need for pills would lessen and the desire to end their life would be replaced by the motivation to fill their cup up with self care because with self love they can reinvent themselves. Sometimes feeling happy is just a matter of taking care of ourselves and the first step to self care is to figure out how to feed the brain.

Healthy brain from healthy food

Research shows that one of the most important ways we can feel happy is from what we eat. There are other ways to make our lifestyle a healthy one, but one of the most important things we can do is pay attention to what we put in our mouths. There are specific foods that can boost your mood which you can learn more about here. Foods have an effect on the pleasure centers of the brain and decades of research have linked high levels of certain nutrients to lower risks of depression. There is no happiness without a healthy brain and a healthy brain needs a healthy diet.

Diets high in antioxidants, omega-3 fats and fiber to lower risk of depression

A study done by Australian researchers, concluded that changing to a healthy diet can help cure depression. In the study, one half of the group of depressed people were told to follow a Mediterranean type diet which was heavy on fish, produce, whole grains, olive oil, seeds and some red meat. The other half of the group attended regular support group meetings. They studied them for 3 months and found that 32 percent of people in the group that made changes to a healthy nutrient dense diet were cured of their depressive symptoms which was high compared to the other group that had 8 percent cured from depression.

Inflammation linked to depression and other mood disorders

In a study published in 2009 in the Journal of Biological Psychiatry, researchers boosted peoples inflammation to be in a bad mood. They took 16 healthy people and injected them with a vaccine to trigger an immune response and inflammation. They watched as the participants happiness declined. Inflammation is caused by an unhealthy diet. Focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet will help alleviate the mood.

An anti-inflammatory diet can improve mood

Many studies have shown that a diet packed with fruits, veggies and seafood can lower inflammation and improve mood. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods are seafood, onions, garlic, turmeric, dark leafy greens and more. The Master Tonicis a great anti-inflammatory supplement.

Antioxidants protect your brain

Antioxidants are important to protect your brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. They neutralize free radicals and protect your brain and mood. Antioxidants are in fruits that are high in Vitamin C like citrus and berries, in Vitamin E in seeds and nuts and Flavonoids in dark produce like dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, sweet potatoes and blueberries.

Healthy gut healthy brain

Did you know that your gastro-intestinal tract is lined with neurons that are sending and receiving messages to and from the brain constantly? The GI tract is also packed with helpful bacteria and gut micro biomes. The micro biome keeps the gut lining in tact which is important in keeping the toxins out and still allowing the nutrients to get through. It also regulates the production of mood protecting neuro chemicals such as serotonin. Studies have shown that a diet full of carbohydrates, processed foods, additives, unhealthy fats and preservatives can have negative effects on mood but a diet high in fruits, vegetables and seafood have strong beneficial effects on the gut and mood.

By beginning to include a diet full of antioxidants, omega-3’s and fiber which looks like, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, seafood, nuts and seeds we will discover that our bodies work better and feel better. Our bodies will have low inflammation, our gut tract will be regulated to let all the nutrients in and the toxins out and we can feel happy and healthy because our brain health with be running at optimal level.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, just feeling blah or any other mood disorders, getting healthy might be your answer. Please do consult the appropriate therapist or psychiatrist if you feel you are in danger to yourself or feel like you need outside help. Otherwise, if you are looking for a place to start I highly recommend putting yourself on a full detox cleanse. I run a 21 day Detox Cleanse which is a great way to learn to eliminate what no longer serves you, reset your body, learn new healthy living habits and ultimately feel better click here for more info. You will find for yourself that healthy food can be your pathway to happiness.

If you are wondering if a detox is right for you CLICK HERE.

Feel free to write me below with questions or comments!

Be healthy, Be happy,

~ Alex

Originally published at Earthiemama and reproduced here with permission.

About the author:

Alexandra is a true Earthie Mama, helping others tune into their most natural, thriving state while bringing harmony and balance into all areas of their lives. She hosts a well-known blog, EarthieMama.com, where she writes about health and wellness, conscious parenting, green living, self sustainability and getting off the grid. Alex also has an MA in Psychology, and is a registered Yoga Instructor, environmentalist, conscious mother, green living advocate and natural birthing expert. She also sells all natural products and her ebooks through her website.

Please check out her website at EarthieMama.com, connect with Earthie Mama on Facebook, or sign up to the free EarthieMama e-newsletter!