How Processed Food Impacts Your Mood & Hormonal Balance

It may seem like the effects of processed food are mostly physical. Sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and refined grains are often linked to a variety of health issues. But a little-known fact is that processed foods also impact mental well-being, mood swings, and hormonal imbalance.

If you’ve taken part in Vacaville’s aerobics lessons and felt anxious, irritated, or outright depressed, chances are that the main culprit behind it is the modern diet. In today’s article, we’ll explore how highly processed food impacts the way you feel, think, and even perform. Let’s dive in!

What does processed food do to your mental health?

It’s no secret that processed food causes inflammation and fatigue, but the impact isn’t just physical. Artificial foods can disrupt neurotransmitters and contribute to mood swings, anxiety, brain fog, and other mental health issues. The opposite is also true. Opting for a nature-based eating style brings numerous benefits to cognitive functions and facilitates long-term mental wellness:

• Omega-3s from fish have been shown to reduce brain inflammation and improve clarity (Huberman, 2022).
• Collagen and glycine improve sleep quality and restorative rest (Asprey, Super Human, 2019).
• Protein-focused meals regulate blood sugar levels and nourish neurotransmitters (Lyon, 2023).
• Fermented foods help with gut balance, which is linked to serotonin production (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2021).

For this reason, choosing animal-based foods is the best way to support lasting health, both mental and physical.

What are animal-based superfoods?

In a nutshell, animal-based superfoods are nutrient-rich ingredients that come directly from natural sources and play a key role in our health and survival. By incorporating them into our diet, our bodies gain complete proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that support brain function, hormonal balance, and muscle repair. Some of the examples of animal-based superfoods include:

• Livers & organs: Supplies retinol, K2, heme iron, and B vitamins in optimal nutrient balance.
• Bone broth & collagen: Helps maintain connective tissue, supports gut recovery, and enhances skin health.
• Eggs: Provide complete protein and choline for optimal brain and hormone function.
• Fermented foods:  Supports gut microbiome linked to brain health.
• Wild fish & shellfish: Packed with DHA and EPA, critical for mental clarity and inflammation management.

On the other hand, kale smoothies and almond bars, often considered “superfoods”, contain high levels of oxalates and seed oils, which actually end up working against your health.

4-week transition from processed to Ancestral

While it may seem like it’s just another diet, in truth, ancestral eating is nothing more than a return to the eating habits of our ancestors. Which is exactly what makes it effective and healthier in the long run. As Dr. Berry put it, the human body doesn’t need a new diet – it simply needs to avoid toxic foods.

Returning to traditional eating patterns doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the change can happen gradually, over 30 days:

• First week: Eliminate harmful food additives such as seed oils, sugar, and refined carbs
• Second week: Introduce animal-based proteins such as beef, salmon, eggs, and bone broth.
• Third week: Opt for cucumber, avocado, squash, berries, and other plants with low levels of oxalates and lectins.
• Fourth week: Complement your palate with nutrient-dense superfoods – liver, collagen, and fermented foods.

Evidence from clinical studies confirms the positive impact of these changes:

• Virta Health (2022): Low-carb, ancestral-style diets reversed Type 2 Diabetes in 60% of patients.
• DiRECT Trial (Lancet, 2018): Whole-food eating pattern reversed almost half of diabetes cases. 

Who in Vacaville offers expert-led aerobics lessons?

The answer is clear! No matter if you’re located next to Vacaville High School or anywhere else in the city, Maximum Fitness is the go-to choice for anyone who wishes to complement ancestral eating methods with an effective fitness regimen that actually works.

Our facility hosts state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated team of fitness veterans, ready to craft a personalized workout plan, help you reach your fitness goals, and build the best version of yourself. Reach out today, and let us guide you on your journey to lasting wellness!

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