Research in the health and wellness industry continuously tells us that, “we are what we eat”. In an article published in Neuroscience News, research from Binghamton University recently found this to be true, and different depending on age.
“Diet and dietary practices differentially affect mental health in young adults versus mature adults,” said health and wellness professor Lina Begdache. The report highlighted that this difference was especially pronounced regarding nutritional influence on mental health. Lisa Cutforth, Clinical Nutritionist, wrote an article explaining some of the correlations between nutrition and mental health in her post: Food and Mood – The Link Between Nutrition Status and Depression?
Research from Binghamton University reports that young adult mood is particularly sensitive to chemicals produced by proteins found in meat, especially those that promote positive mood-related chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. A similar effect is produced through exercise. They report that, “young adults who ate meat (red or white) less than three times a week and exercised less than three times a week showed a significant mental distress.”
Similarly, as we age, the mature adult brain becomes increasingly sensitive to chemicals that inappropriately elicit a stress response, such as the well-known ‘fight or flight’ response. Thus, we become more susceptible to foods that trigger stress responses, such as caffeine and benefit more from foods rich in antioxidants.
Nutritional wellness is one aspect of the dimensions of wellness that underpin the approach of The Banyans Health and Wellness Residence. We believe in a tailored, individualised program for each guest so that you can experience long-lasting change and lifestyle transformation. With the most experienced team of highly qualified individuals in Australia, we can provide medically assisted rehabilitation and recovery programs for people experiencing conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, eating disorders, burnout and more.
If you feel that the comprehensive program at The Banyans would benefit you or someone you love, please call +61 1300 BANYAN (1300 226 926) or fill out an online enquiry here.
To read the full article from Neuroscience News, click here.
