Mind and Body

Research increasingly demonstrates that the interrelationship between the body and mind is important, particularly in viewing the body as a whole, integrative system where all parts are necessary in maintaining good health. To be healthy is to feel our best emotionally and physically – which requires nourishing both our body and mind – further emphasizing the significance of this connection.

Our body is not a separate system from our mind or even our emotions. It is intimately connected. Each deep breath we take, for instance, during yoga or meditation, helps to restore our whole body system - body and mind. Getting outdoors in nature, allowing ourselves to be fully present, also has an influence on our overall health. Living in harmony with our body and mind is essential to feeling our best.

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Ways to balance & nourish the body and mind:

• Meditation
• Mindfulness. A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness, in a loving manner, on the present moment.
•  Adequate sleep. (At least 8 hours).
• Exercise. (Get your heart rate going each day even if it is a quick walk down the street). This helps to release endorphins- which are natural “feel good” chemicals in the brain.
• Engage in regular sex with or without a partner. This helps in releasing oxytocin, another “feel good” chemical. Sex can also alleviate stress.
• Meaningful relationships
• Managing stress in adaptive ways such as exercise or leisure activities.
• Sufficient hydration: The best way to do this is to eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like romaine lettuce, and also add a pinch of Celtic sea salt or Himalayan sea salt to water or other beverages. This increases electrolytes, which conduct electricity and energy throughout our bodies.
• Nutrition. The foods that we fuel our bodies with, as well as the daily lifestyle choices we engage in, have a direct influence on how we feel physically, as well as emotionally. To feel our best- we want to feel good in both of these domains.

Nutrition: Nourishing the body and mind

The foods we eat impact our brain activity, as well as our physical health. This is because nutrition plays a vital role in brain functioning, as well as our physical health. Nutritional deficiencies-not fueling our bodies with the proper nutrients it needs- greatly affect how we feel physically and emotionally.

Inadequate nutrition can manifest in low mood, irritability, brain fog, fatigue and even anxiety.

The B Vitamins: (B1,B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) are also essential for our body’s functioning and well-being. These are excreted in the urine, as well as depleted under chronic stress. B vitamins are necessary for a number of processes in the body; including energy production, regulating our mood, and nervous system functioning.  Good sources of foods rich in B vitamins include: legumes, whole grains, turkey and tuna. They are also essential factors in metabolism of stress hormones. Some women do best by taking them as supplements. Antioxidants, most notably, Vitamins C and E, can also be deficient or compromised. These substances help to prevent further damage from every day stress. So, loading up on foods abundant in these are essential in terms of restoring the body and mind. Good sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables.

Digestion and mal-absorption issues can also compromise well-being and health. The gut-brain axis is a profound example of this. This is because the bacteria in the gut communicate to the brain, and vice versa. Ninety percent of our serotonin is actually produced in our gut- so when our gut isn’t feeling well- our mood is compromised.

Good GI or gut health helps to promote positive physical and emotional health. Therefore, it is important to consume nutrient rich foods that aid in healthy digestion and detoxification. Good sources of fiber include flax seed, fruits and vegetables, as well as oatmeal. These food sources are also rich in vitamins and minerals which are needed for healthy metabolism and energy production.

The body/mind connection is far more important than previously thought. Therefore, nourishing our bodies properly-consuming real and nourishing foods- as well as engaging in everyday healthy lifestyle choices, is crucial if we are to feel our best.

What's been your experience with the body/mind connection?