We’re happy today to bring you an article from Jack Burke, an avid writer and researcher on topics in men’s health.
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Diet and nutrition, along with good fitness and sleep, are all essential aspects of healthy living. The food we eat is fuel for our bodies and minds, powering us all day long. While most people understand the effects it can have on weight and energy levels, there are several other ways that it can impact our lives. Below are just some of the surprising ways that what you eat can change your life.
Hair health
Diet can have a significant impact on hair, root, and scalp health– specifically, foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients help promote cell growth, natural scalp moisture, and hair follicle strength. So, a deficiency in these vitamins can lead to hair loss or thinning.
If you experience unusual hair loss, consider increasing your intake of these vitamins by eating citrus fruits, dairy products, and seeds. If your thinning has become noticeable, you can also double-down while addressing it. Ask your doctor about different treatments that could help slow or even stop your hair loss and support the efforts of your dietary changes.
General mood
The nutrients we ingest fuel our brains, and thus, affect our mood, thoughts, and behavior. In fact, almost all of the body’s serotonin supply is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which is why certain foods, and the way they’re digested, affect the way we feel. Additionally, certain “good” bacteria (like that in fermented food or yogurt), help improve gut health and have been linked to boosted mood and lowered risk of developing depression.
Try incorporating more Mediterranean-style foods into your diet, as nutritionists believe they have the most positive effect on mental health. This means a diet based around fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and olive oil. Then, top it off with some raw kombucha to give your gut, and brain, a little fermented love.
Sleep patterns
The old tradition of drinking a warm glass of milk before bed may have had good intentions but was, in fact, a little misguided. While it’s true that certain foods can improve sleep, dairy products aren’t on the list. Milk is fairly heavy and can lay in the stomach while you try to fall asleep, often causing nausea. Instead, try some almonds, avocados, bananas, or oatmeal which all contain melatonin, the natural sleep hormone.
If you’re still experiencing issues falling asleep, you can speak with your doctor about possible prescribed sleep aids. This, paired with a healthy snack and soothing bedtime routine, should help improve your sleep patterns and avoid feelings of restlessness.
Bone & joint health
The food you eat can also influence the strength and condition of your bones and joints. Vegetables containing vitamin C can help stimulate the production of the cells that form bones and improve density and mineralization. Additionally, calcium, the most important mineral in bone and joint health, is consumed in several different healthy foods.
Try to up your intake of stalk vegetables like broccoli, and calcium-rich foods like milk and cabbage throughout the day. These will help your bones and joints get the nutrients they need in order to support better skeletal function. And, this is the case for both children and adults; bone health is a lifelong concern and should always be taken into consideration when planning your diet.
There are certainly other benefits to a healthy diet other than weight loss. Use these points as some added motivation to improve your nutritional choices and be sure you’re fueling your body and mind with the best!
About Fitness for Health:
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Tags: nutrition, sleep, health, mood, wellness, weight management, bone health, bone and joint health, brain health