Maybe it’s not what you are eating…but what is eating you?

As we attempt to navigate the often chaotic world of modern life, the range of emotions we experience in a day can change dramatically. We are bombarded with stimulus from technology, traffic, and demands to keep up at work and at home. Our fast-paced world has us grabbing food on the go, and sometimes skipping meals. There is so much focus on diet and exercise when it comes to looking at wellness. And that is where much of the focus should be! Our physical health is essential. But are we talking enough about addressing our emotional health? Maybe the more important question to be asked is, “How are psychological health and physical health connected?” There is no doubt that there is an increase in people experiencing negative emotions. Feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and the inability to focus. There is more and more research that points to physical and mental health being inseparable. Our mood and emotions affect our physical health as we send signaling messages. Such emotions influence the body’s excretions of chemicals such as dopamine, cortisol and serotonin. More and more evidence is pointing to what is happening with our microbiome and nutritional imbalances and how that is affecting our mood and emotions.

So let’s take a peek at both!

First, the physical. If you are not already familiar with what the microbiome is, it is the amazing world of bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms that live throughout our body. Scientists are just scratching the surface as to the hundreds of interactions our microbiome effect in our body. When they are off-balance, they can create signals that are near impossible to ignore, creating cravings and affecting mood. In one study published in Science News, specific microbes were lacking in people that tended towards feelings of depression. In her article, Nutritional Psychiatry: Your Brain on Food, Dr. Selhub explains that what you eat directly affects the structure and function of your mind and, ultimately, your mood and emotions.

Things that you can do to support your emotions from a physical aspect include eating whole foods, mostly plants, that are high in fiber (have you heard this before??). Eating fermented foods and consider supplementing with a quality probiotic. Fill in the gaps with a food-based supplement.

Let’s not forget exercise. Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and looking great; studies show that exercise releases a variety of chemicals that help offset feelings of depression, anxious feelings, difficulty in focusing and is a great way to relieve stress.

Now, let’s peek at the mental. Health problems can arise when we fail to pay attention to what we are feeling. It is when we push through or ignore our feelings that our physical health can be impacted. Slowing down, taking time to smell the roses, or any of the other wonderful plant smells out there can go far to keeping us well!. Our sense of smell is more powerful than we think it to be. It has significant influence over our thoughts, emotions, moods, behavior and memories.

Olfactory, or smell, receptors were initially thought to be found only cells nasal cavity. However, more recent and extensive study suggests that the receptors occur in nearly the entire human body, appear to have any more critical functions than previously suggested. So what this suggests is that smells actually can affect cells throughout the body! They have been shown to affect both Serotonin and dopamine productions. EEG (electroencephalograph) studies have revealed that various scents affect spontaneous brain activities and cognitive functions. Various studies have demonstrated that olfactory stimulation through essential oil inhalation exerts multiple psychophysiological effects. Essential oils are complex in their components and we are just beginning to understand their impact on the endocannabinoid system, dopamine receptors, cortisol levels and other neurotransmitters.

Aromatherapy is NOT a miracle cure for serious emotional issues. Still, there are a plethora of studies that suggest that they do help emotional change states easily and quickly. Careful and proper use of essential oils can go a long way in balancing your emotional health. So without getting into the science, here is a quick primer of how to choose oils to affect your mood. We can look at categories of oils to get a sense of how they affect us.

Citrus: uplifting or energizing

Trees and Grasses: musky or sensual in nature are grounding or strengthening

Flowers: sweet-smelling can be romantic, comforting, cheery

Spices and Mints: stimulating, invigorating, boost memory

Herbs: calming, grounding, emotionally balancing

We are complex. Physical affecting emotional and emotional affecting physical. What you put in, on and around your body, affects BOTH.

Are you ready to experience how essential oils and whole food supplements can support your health and mood? Are you looking for support around lifestyle changes to help you feel your best? Click here to set up a time to explore the tools that will work best for you!