Food and mental wellbeing
Food and mood go hand in hand. Discover how eating well can support your mental wellbeing and boost how you feel.
Food and mental wellbeing
Stress and food: how they’re connected and what it means for your wellbeing
The link between stress and food is complex, affecting your hormones and digestion. Learn to use nutrition and mindfulness to manage stress eating.
Food and pleasure: finding balance at the festive table
Find out how mindful indulgence can support your mental wellbeing this holiday season.
Why we crave carbs in autumn and how to stay satisfied
Shorter days can trigger carb cravings. Find out how to stay satisfied and support your mood through winter.
Eating together: the simple habit that boosts wellbeing
Find out how eating in company creates stronger social bonds and boosts your mental wellbeing.
Intuitive eating for busy lives: how to reconnect with hunger cues
Discover hunger cues, meal prep tips, and sustainable healthy habits.
Mindful eating: how to build a better relationship with food
A kinder way to feed yourself
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions for Food and mental wellbeing
Inside your digestive system lives a bustling community of microbes: bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms. Together, they make up your gut microbiome. These microbes help break down the food you eat, support your immune system and, crucially, produce many of the same chemicals your brain uses to regulate mood.
One of these chemicals is serotonin, often linked to feelings of calm, focus, and emotional stability. And here’s the surprising part: around 90% of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut.
But it’s not quite as simple as “gut serotonin = happy brain.” The serotonin produced in the gut doesn’t actually reach the brain, as it can’t cross the blood-brain barrier—instead, it helps regulate digestion, like nutrient absorption and gut motility
Eating too quickly can cause more problems than you think. Taking your time at meals doesn’t just help you feel better; it can also help your body work better.
Improves digestion: Ever feel full and uncomfortable after racing through a meal? You’re not alone. Eating too fast is a common habit and can cause indigestion, which can be bad for your body over time. Eating slowly gives your stomach the time it needs to digest food properly.
Helps with hunger cues: It can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to realise you're full. So, slowing down helps you understand your body better and avoid overeating.
Helps absorb nutrients: When we chew our food well, it’s easier for our bodies to break it down and absorb nutrients. Taking time to eat slowly also helps calm our nervous system, allowing the digestive process to work more efficiently.
Reduces bloating: Eating too fast can cause us to swallow excess air, which often results in gas and bloating. Mindful eating prevents this uncomfortable feeling and can also better support digestion.
Omega-3 fatty acids are the fats your gut and brain loves. They’ve been linked to lower levels of depression and improved memory. You’ll find them in chia seeds, flax, walnuts, and oily fish like sardines. Try adding ground flaxseed to your yoghurt or stirring walnuts through pasta.