Rethinking Food and Health
Coca-Cola, known for its refreshing taste, has an unexpected use in cleaning toilets, raising concerns about its safety for consumption. This idea was highlighted by Christina Amblard, my Dijon tour guide, who stressed the significant impact of food on our physical and mental health. Inspired by this, she quit drinking Coca-Cola to safeguard her well-being. Furthering this, I wanted to study whether France as a whole pays more attention to what they are putting in their body and its effect on the mind.
U.S. vs. France in Mind-to-Gut Connection
In the United States, the mind-to-gut connection is an emerging field of study. The gut-brain axis, facilitating communication between the gut and brain, is crucial for overall health. A balanced gut microbiome can enhance mood and cognitive functions, while an imbalance may contribute to mental health disorders. Processed foods negatively affect mental health, whereas fiber-rich diets promote it. Stress harms gut health, and neurotransmitters like serotonin, produced in the gut, influence mood regulation. Holistic practices such as mindful eating and probiotics are gaining traction to support gut and mental well-being. However, despite the evidence, there is little action to promote healthier eating in the United States.
In contrast, France boasts superior dietary practices and food quality. French cuisine has more emphasis on fresh, whole foods, prioritizing gut health and overall well-being.
French Culinary Insights
French diets rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, alongside probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, promote a healthy gut microbiome. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support both heart health and gut function. Lean proteins, especially omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon, contribute to brain health and reduce gut inflammation. Herbs and spices like turmeric offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Moderate consumption of red wine, known for its antioxidant content like resveratrol, supports heart and gut health. These elements highlight how French cuisine fosters a balanced intake of nutrients crucial for maintaining a healthy mind-to-gut connection.
Pioneering Microbiota Science in France
France’s pioneering efforts in microbiota science are evident through the ambitious Gut Project in Lyon. Lallemand Health Solutions, a leading probiotic manufacturer, focuses on gut health and its profound impact on mental wellness. They said, “The French Gut Project is a national initiative dedicated to mapping and comprehending the diversity of intestinal microbiota in healthy individuals, exploring influencing factors, and studying deviations observed in chronic diseases.” This initiative underscores France’s commitment to exploring the intricate relationship between gut health and overall well-being, potentially revolutionizing preventive and therapeutic healthcare strategies.
Nurturing the Mind-to-Gut Connection
Amblard explained how Dijon mustard, originally used to mask the taste of poor-quality meat, led to the exploration of robust flavors and spices that enhance both meals and health. In French cuisine, chefs are mindful of the spices they use, unlike in the U.S., where oversalting and unhealthy eating habits are more common.
Further research into French cuisine revealed that certain spices can positively impact mental health by influencing hormones and serotonin levels. For example, turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Similarly, cinnamon has been linked to improved cognitive function and mood stabilization. Amblard discussed the importance of spices like these, especially when talking about the ingredients in mustard, as being good for the body. Amblard emphasized the detrimental effects of junk food and fats on the mind-to-gut connection, noting that they can lead to clogged veins and arteries, affecting mental well-being.
Discovering how harmful junk food can be for both the body and mental well-being underscored the importance of dietary choices in fostering a healthy mind-to-gut connection.
Food is Medicine
One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Amblard was her saying, “Food is medicine.” This phrase is often misinterpreted in the United States and goes much deeper than eating for survival and energy. Proper nutrients and food education are crucial, with research increasingly linking diet and mental health. Consuming gut-friendly foods profoundly influences your thoughts and feelings daily.
In France, the mind-to-gut connection is deeply integrated into culinary and health practices. Through my experiences and conversations in France, I learned that this connection is extensively studied and vital to their approach to health and well-being. The French emphasis on fresh, whole foods, balanced diets, and mindful eating habits underscores an integral approach prioritizing both physical and mental health. This understanding of how diet impacts overall well-being has shown me that food truly is medicine, and taking care of your gut is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.
My Mind-to-Gut Connection
Personally, I have been exploring ways to improve my everyday life in terms of mental health, happiness, sleep, and overall well-being. Although I have studied the impact of exercise on the mind, I still wasn’t feeling 100% mentally and physically. Something I have been passionate about investigating is whether the food I consume is holding me back from achieving optimal mental and physical well-being.
Throughout this journey, I have tried new foods and cuisines and eaten completely differently than usual, and I have noticed a significant difference in my mind and body. For example, eating herring instead of fried fish, which is more common at home, didn’t make me feel as tired and groggy the next day. Additionally, certain fresh fruits and vegetables gave me more energy, as opposed to making me feel sluggish after eating.
Overall, when answering my question above, France has proven to me in many ways that they focus more on the importance of foods and the mind-to-gut connection. I cannot wait to take what I have learned about eating fresh foods home and continue to work on my mind-to-gut connection. By not just relying on exercise but also paying attention to putting good foods into my body, I am optimistic about improving my overall well-being after my France experience.
Kylie's Collection 