How food affects the brain and body

Published on Jan 31st, 2023

How food affects the brain and body

WHAT YOU FEEL INFLUENCES WHAT YOU THINK.

Are you anxious about making the presentation in front of the class? Do you notice an increase in your heart rate? Do you often start knuckle-cracking? Or you dare to speak up because you are at ease, composed, and relaxed. Your feelings will guide your thoughts.

When you're nervous versus confident, what are your thoughts like? When you are stressed, you might believe that the world is ending. You may feel vulnerable or in danger. When you're optimistic, you can assume you are resilient and robust.

On the other hand, You can experience more calmness and relaxation if you view images of parks or different natural settings. In contrast, you could feel more anxious if distressing images overrun you.

While watching the news, you might have gotten the idea. Seeing natural disasters and violent events on television and social media can be unsettling and stressful. If you are in danger, your body's stress response begins to work.

The mind-body link describes how your ideas and feelings communicate. A type of experience that manifests in the state of mind is called a feeling. All of your emotions are characterized by bodily sensations.

IS THERE ANY LINK BETWEEN MIND AND BODY?

There has always been confusion regarding the relationship between the mind and body. We are here to clear up your mess. 

Indeed, there is a strong link between the mind and the body. When it comes to human cognition, action, attitude, and behavior—and, most crucially, physical health—our mind plays a crucial role.

The mind-body connection has been acknowledged and incorporated into healing techniques across many of our cultures and nations for thousands of years. There is some debate among scientists regarding the ideas of mind and body. However, scientists have also demonstrated that our emotions affect our bodies.

SCIENTIFIC POINT OF VIEW

Scientific research is continually demonstrating the physical consequences that hormones and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) connected to emotion can have. They can influence our appetite, blood pressure, heart rate, and sleep patterns.

IS THE CONNECTION POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?


Both positive and negative interactions between the mind and body are possible. It will assist us in reducing and minimizing our bodily stress if we think positively and in our favor. 

On the other hand, if we have terrible or negative thoughts, it will be damaging to our health.

Chronically low moods like stress, depression, and anxiety can damage immune system health and impact other natural activities. On the contrary, good emotions can lead to various positive health outcomes, including a drop in disease symptoms, a decrease in pain, and an increase in longevity.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CASE OF PROS AND CONS?

Pros: Positive feelings have been linked to improved immunity outcomes in immune-depressive illnesses, including cancer and HIV. 

Cons: General population in terms of immunity and illness after exposure to the flu virus. Through a common chemical or hormonal language, the mind and body communicate with one another in numerous ways. An imbalance in these substances brought on by stress may result in complex health issues like:

  • heart issues
  • depression
  • mental health issues

These negative thought patterns are challenging to overcome and can have detrimental effects on one's health. Mind-body therapies can be helpful in this situation.

If you feel the disconnection between the body and mind at any point in life, you may concern a doctor. The disconnection can happen for numerous reasons, such as a lack of a healthy diet, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep.

HOW CAN YOU CALM MIND-BODY DISCONNECTION


1. GIVE YOURSELF A "ME TIME

A mind-body disconnect could result from not caring for your physical and mental needs because you're too busy. Consider scheduling self-care time if you want to maintain your physical and psychological well-being.

Self-care can take the form of daily self-care activities that positively impact your mind, body, and soul. Think about engaging in a mind-calming activity that helps you be mindful in every moment of your day.

Take a break from your hectic routine and engage yourself in a calming and relaxing activity, for instance:

  • Listen to music 
  • Meditating 
  • Gardening/ Travelling / Painting
  • Deep breathing
  • Progressive Muscle relaxation 
  • Tension and trauma-releasing exercises 
  • Yoga/ Gym 
  • Therapies/ Massage Therapy
  • Reading your favorite book/Spending time with your loved ones

2. HEALTHY DIET


"Healthy diet healthy life"

Your body is fed food. A balanced meal is an excellent method to give your body the necessary nutrients.

Incorporating one of the six Ayurvedic tastes into every meal is one method to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. These are a few of them:

  • Sweet 
  • Sour
  • Salty 
  • Bitter 
  • Pungent 
  • Astringent

3. KEEP YOURSELF FIT


Fitness supports the mind-body connection because it benefits your mental well-being. Endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers, are released when you exercise.

Physical Exercise causes biochemical changes in the body that enhance the brain's ability to learn and do other cognitive activities.

Getting into an exercise regimen will also help you feel better physically, which might make it simpler to concentrate on your accomplishments and achievements. Your body and mind may feel better, and Exercise may boost your immune system.

Following are the ways you can keep yourself fit

  • Walking 
  • Running 
  • Dancing 
  • Gyming 
  • Yoga

4. FIX YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE 


A mind-body imbalance may be present if you feel sleepy in the middle of the day. Sleep allows your body to rejuvenate and heal itself. Studies have shown how important sleep is for both physical and mental well-being. Aim to sleep for max 8 hours per day.

  • Set your alarm and go to bed at the same time every day.
  • Avoid using gadgets right before bed (phone, computer, tablet)
  • Make sure you are comfy on your mattress and pillow.

5. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS


Social interaction is crucial for both your physical and emotional wellness. A good buddy you can trust can lift your spirits. When things are difficult, or you want an outside perspective on a life situation, it might be beneficial to have someone to talk with.

  • Volunteer at any social gatherings
  • meeting up groups membership
  • enrolling in a book club
  • joining a team in a sport
  • participating in after-work events

We hope you found this article to be interesting.

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