28/01/2025
The winter season challenges the nervous system, due to less (and less direct) sunlight, more time indoors, and shorter days. This can mean higher levels of depression, including SAD. If you struggle this time of year with a dysregulated nervous system, consider the effects of what you are eating!
A dysregulated nervous system can make it hard to heal your gut, hormones, metabolism, or just about any chronic condition, so nourishing it with the right foods is essential for healthy living.
You can work on regulating your nervous system with breathwork, movement, prayer, and meditation…
But what about food?
Let’s take a look:
➡️ Protein
Protein provides amino acids that are the building blocks for neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which are necessary for emotional regulation. Eat more whole food proteins, like poultry, wild fish, lean red meat, eggs, yogurt, and organic tofu!
➡️ Fats
Fats are the main structural component of nerve cell membranes, and therefore critical for communication throughout the nervous system. Eat more wild fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, and extra virgin olive oil!
➡️ Sugars
Blood sugar swings trigger a physiologic stress response and activation of the sympathetic nervous system, putting your nervous system on edge. Limit sugary foods and treats to once per week.
➡️ Alcohol
Alcohol gives an initial sensation of calm, but it also triggers the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which can dysregulate the nervous system over time. Consider reducing the number of drinks you have each week, ideally just 1-3.
➡️ Caffeine
Caffeine activates the sympathetic nervous system, meaning that too much caffeine or caffeine too late in the day can leave your nervous system frazzled and on edge. Keep caffeine to 200 mg or less per day.
Our nervous systems rely on whole foods to stay regulated and resilient. What's one change that you may find helpful in feeling more regulated and resilient this season?