We eat three times a day everyday so its important what we each and yes diet does have an impact when it comes to our brains and bodies. Even our moods, cravings, and fatigue levels are affected by what we eat and when we eat it. Depending on how much we we can say that we either feel light or heavy. For example after eating a large meal with lets say potatoes steak and gravy we start to feel tired and maybe want to go to bed. What if we could just feel energized and light like we are ready for an activity instead. Your entire routine would change and you would do alot more of what you love. These routines matter because your life matters and sometimes we don’t think about our life in this way or we lack the awareness for this. This is why staying informed is so important.
According to National Institute on Aging research there is a link between cognitive function and diet. Here are the results of a 10 year long study: 4% of people had a lower risk of cognitive impairment as a result of adherence to a Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet. This diet included vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and one serving of fish per week. All other foods like red meat, sweets, cheese, fast food and fried foods are limited. This dies was intended to help prevent and treat hypertension but i can also reduce or delay the risk of dementia. This dies had a great affect on female participants with a massive 8 percent having a lower risk of cognitive decline but no change in males. The research. (National Institute on Aging, 2024)
Results from another study suggest a link between general brain health and diet. A diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low fat dairy, decreased amounts of added sugar, saturated fats, and salts with a 5:2 intermittent fasting diet. The intermittent fasting diet led to greater improvements in executive function, improved cognition, and insulin resistance. More weight loss was also observed. The results of Dementia or Alzheimer’s onset did not change. These results came about after studying the neuron derived extracellular vesicles to examine neuronal usage of insulin. Cognitive performance was measured using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the pace of the brain aging and brain usage of glucose. (National Institute on Aging, 2024)
In conclusion what we eat matters and how we feel matters. Sugars and other unhealthy foods that are a part of our routine define our routine and sluggishness or fatigue is something we all can watch for when choosing what we eat. Its not easy due to all the choice of foods in the grocery store. The marketing campaigns are great for all unhealthy foods and so we ultimately have to see through the colors and words to choose how we want to feel and reap the benefits of long term healthy eating.
Citation:
National Institute on Aging. “Diet May Improve Brain Health in Older Adults with Obesity.” National Institute on Aging, 17 Oct. 2024, www.nia.nih.gov/news/diet-may-improve-brain-health-older-adults-obesity. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
National Institute on Aging. “Healthful Diet Linked to Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline.” National Institute on Aging, 18 Oct. 2024, www.nia.nih.gov/news/healthful-diet-linked-reduced-risk-cognitive-decline. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.