June 27, 2021, 5 minutes readEntrepreneur contributors do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed.Many entrepreneurs don't realize how diet and stress affect their mental health. Our collective mental health has suffered greatly over the past few years due to our isolation in quarantine, poor food choices and other factors. The uniqueness of being in business for yourself has given rise to a unique understanding of how our mental health can be affected. Our ability to perform at the highest levels as business owners can also be affected by our diet.Every year, more research is published that shows how food choices affect our ability and ability to deal with the daily stress of running a business. Not only is it more difficult to cope with anxiety and depression when we eat the wrong foods, but also because of how they affect our general well-being. Every year, a greater number of people are affected by mental disorders. Research shows that more than 26% of adults suffer from some type of mental disorder, including anxiety, depression and Alzheimer's. This is a growing number, particularly among business owners.Science behind food and our emotionsTo be a successful entrepreneur, you need to fuel your system mentally and physically to allow for creativity and growth. The difference between success and just getting by is how you choose to fuel your business.Sugar, simple carbs, and saturated fat are known to cause inflammation in the brain. They also affect insulin levels, which can in turn impact the neurotransmitter's function. SAD (standard American Diet) foods increase the body's fight or flight response, thereby increasing inflammation. This vicious circle feeds on itself, becoming an endless loop. These foods also have very low levels of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are essential building blocks for the brain and body's communication with one another. Our nervous system can become depressed if we don't have the necessary building blocks to make dopamine or serotonin. Our nervous system can feel helpless, and even cause us to experience anxiety that can lead to suicide adulation. When this happens, our nervous system is more susceptible to stress and can lead us further down the road of mental illness.Related: Is Covid-19 a tipping point for mental health?How to eat better to improve your entrepreneurial mental healthYour mental health will be greatly affected by how you eat. Your brain's ability to think creatively and plan for the future is severely affected if it isn't properly nourished. A well-fed and fueled biological system is essential for your business's success. It allows you to adapt quickly and allows you to grow quickly. You can increase your vegetable and fruit intake by following what I call the paleo Rainbow diet (all colors of the rainbow). This will increase your body's need for vitamins, minerals and organic grass-fed animal protein as the building blocks of our neurotransmitters.Higher nutrient densities of food will make you more adaptable, healthier, and more open to growth. Consider drinking a cup of every color in the rainbow each day. Why put bad fuel in your car?Supplements can also be used to reduce inflammation and improve mental health. You can take certain supplements to improve brain function and reduce mental health problems. These are some basic supplements that you can add in:The B-complex formula, which reduces and supports the nervous systems along with whole-body detoxificationEssential fatty acids (Omega 3s). Docosahexaenoic acids (or DHA) are essential for brain function and brain plasticity. You should aim to have a supplement with a higher DHA content. Our society is low in omega 3, which causes cellular rigidity in the body, including blood, brain, and vasculature. In men, this can lead to erectile dysfunction.Folate: It is important to check your methylation genes and blood status in order to determine if your body has folate issues.Nootropics are brain-boosting supplements. These are supplements that can boost your brain's function after you have addressed all other problems. These supplements should not be used unless the root cause is addressed.Related: What my First Appointment with a Psychiatrist Really Was LikeYour environment is directly reflected in your mental state. Your system will output what you surround yourself and fuel it with. Garbage in the environment equals garbage out. Poor business results are the result of a poor body and mind. Your business will benefit from the paleo-rainbow diet, which provides optimal fuel for your nervous system and body. It is important to eat right and exercise. Strong business, strong mind and strong body.Related: 3 Sustainability Trends that Drive Change in the Food and Nutrition Industry
