Gut Brain Connection!!

Hello Vegans, once again I can vouch for your wisdom as I am an RN and recently learned quite a lot about our brain functions, and how it can regenerate new nerve pathways and regain some lost functions (after trauma or stroke occurs) and also to develop new ways of thinking, new habits, and MOODS.  WE CAN CHANGE OUR BRAINS!!  The food we eat is like a drug and will affect our mood (DEPRESSION) and brain function.  It is a 'no-brainer' that the food we eat affects our physical body and shape we are in, but did you know it affects the way we think and act?? Our gut produces 95% of our serotonin, and most other hormones (remember the feeling you have in the gut when you are nervous?)  The foods we eat, and the liquids we drink have an immediate affect on this production, in a good or bad way.  As vegans, you are on the RIGHT PATH, as there is so much scientific documentation now that this type of diet enhances our health.  The foods we eat are like DRUGS and if we eat the right foods (these are regular foods right at your local grocery store) we can eliminate medications and feel better!!  If anybody is interested in this type of information, I would be happy to post an article a week about different foods and how the body/brain is affected.  It is fascinating to me, and I have already changed some eating habits because of this.

I would love to read some articles on this. I think its amazing that after I became a vegan, I didn't feel stress or depression anymore. I failed a college class and I honestly know its wrong, but I can't bring myself to obsess over it. I would have a year ago, but now I feel so free. I'd really like to learn some of the science behind the way food affects our bodies, thanks!

That is great to hear! I am part of a cancer support group (I was just declared in remission from multiple myeloma, hallelujah!) as well as a raw foods support group. Both groups have talked about the importance of making sure you take in enough fat calories, balanced between Omega 3 and Omega 6. Your brain, hormones, and a lot of other critical functions require fat to operate correctly.

Post away, and I will alert the other members of my groups about this forum. It's amazing how the advice I've read about this topic all reinforce each other. It's great!

yeah- it is slowly becoming alarmingly clear to me that scores and scores of people suffer needlessly because good information just is not readily available. i was diagnosed with clinical depression in my early teens (sometimes seems like my entire generation was) but the medications made me wacky... some how i stumbled upon some literature (rudolph steiner, maybe?) that made the food / mind connection and so i have spent years regulating my mood via diet, excercise and meditation... and I will tell you that when I am on it (eating vegan / yoga / mindful in all my daily interactions) I can see a huge difference in the stability of my mood... I wish there was a way to share this with others- guess maybe that is why i am here- ha ha! please please please share what you have learned!

I would absolutely love to read more about this topic.  I am very new to this lifestlye, but love it so far and not planning on quitting - EVER!  From reading the replies, and actually thinking about it, I am definitely less depressed and stressed.  I have always tried to go with the flow, but sometimes its easier said than done.  I am much happier and much less moody.  I also have Type 2 diabetes and have noticed my blood sugars have definitley started to even out - which I am very delighted. Can't wait to learn more!!

I would love to read more too. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which comes with anxiety and depression about five years ago. I'm also on medicines for migraines. I hate being on medicines but every time I get off of them I seam to wind up in some mental hospital... x.x I just started this new diet and became a vegan I have noticed a change in my mood but I figured it was from loosing weight and feeling better about myself. I would love to get off my medicines but I'm nervous to try. I would love to take a wholeistic approach to my health and any further information about this would be much appreciated!