Keto-licious: brain gains and gut glory

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates

At the beginning of this year, I decided to change my attitude towards food. Instead of eating indiscriminately, I focused on a healthier diet. I chose the Keto diet, which not only allowed me to lose 13 pounds but also made me feel better, have more energy, and think more clearly. I am convinced that diet is crucial for the functioning of our brain, especially the cerebellum.

Prof. Jeremy D. Schmahmann, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, explains that "the cerebellum plays a key role in cognitive processes such as attention, planning, mental flexibility, and emotion regulation." It's worth noting that the cerebellum contains 80% of our brain's neurons, while comprising only 10% of the brain's volume. The number of neurons affects memory and motor coordination, which is particularly true for the elderly.

Just as important as children's intellectual development is taking care of our own health, including the digestive system. Dr. Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist, points out that "dozens of studies show that the bacteria in our gut affect brain health and behavior." Maintaining a healthy gut flora, or microbiome, supports both brain and gastrointestinal function. We can achieve this by drinking plenty of water and eating natural probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are live microorganisms found in products such as pickled cucumbers, yogurt, kefir, beets, sourdough, sauerkraut, and apple cider vinegar. Prebiotics are substances that provide nutrients for probiotic microorganisms but do not contain microorganisms themselves. They can be found in oatmeal, barley, legumes, garlic and onions, asparagus, artichokes, bananas, potatoes, leeks, tomatoes, and chicory, among others.

Making conscious dietary choices and tailoring the diet to each person's individual needs impact mental health and well-being. Eating right and providing the body with the proper nutrients aid brain development, improve digestive function, and allow you to perform better in your studies, work, or everyday life. Proper eating habits are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and positively impacting our performance in various areas.

In conclusion, changing my approach to eating has brought me many benefits. I have realized that taking care of my health, both my brain and my digestive system, is extremely important. Incorporating healthier products rich in probiotics and prebiotics into my diet has had a positive impact on my mood and cognitive abilities. I encourage you to pay attention to the quality of the foods you consume and adjust your diet accordingly, as it truly pays off.