Your diet is one of the most important ways you can stay healthy. Food is your fuel for life, and it is how your body keeps ticking over. If you don’t pay close attention to the foods that go into your body, it could have a negative affect on your health. However, by making small improvements to your diet, you could transform your physical and mental health. Here are all the ways in which diet can affect every part of your body, and what foods you should incorporate in order to improve your lifestyle. 

Heart

Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, if not the most important. Your heart keeps the blood pumping around your body, and allows you to function. However, many people put strain on their heart and risk heart disease because they have a bad diet. If you want to strengthen your heart, there are many foods that you can incorporate into your diet that will benefit your heart. For example, leafy greens vegetables, whole grains, berries, avocados, beans, tomatoes and seeds are great examples of foods that are amazing for your heart. The link between heart disease and diet grows stronger as scientists do more research, so improving your diet could lower your chance of developing heart disease. 

Lungs 

Consuming a highly nutritious diet is one of the best ways in which you can improve your lung health. Coffee, fatty fish, peppers, oysters, blueberries and pumpkin have all been proven to significantly improve lung function. Lungs often develop severe conditions such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, which can significantly impact your quality of life. However, updating your diet to be filled with nutrients can help protect your lungs and even reduce lung damage. 

 

Brain

Your brain is one of your many organs that functions better based on the types of foods that you are consuming regularly. Foods that have a high amount of refined sugars are particularly bad for your brain as it promotes inflammation and oxidative stress. Many studies have found a connection between refined sugars and low brain function, and even worsened mental health. Making sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables can massively improve your brain health – diets such as the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet are proven to be better for your brain. 

 

Stomach

Certain foods are harder for your stomach to digest, and can cause stress on the stomach. This stress could then result in stomach pain and heartburn, which is bad for your overall general health. Fatty and fried foods are notorious for causing stress to your stomach and impacting your digestion. Instead, eat more lean meat and fish, milk, and grilled foods. You should also eat plenty of fibre rich foods such as wholemeal bread and fruit to aid digestion. Drinking plenty of water also helps you have a healthy stomach and healthy digestion levels. 

 

Eyes 

Did you know that your diet could potentially be affecting your eyes? If you were ever told to eat carrots to help you see at night, you’ll know that there was some truth to the saying. Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc to helping prevent eye diseases such as cataracts. Foods that are dense in these vitamins and minerals are fish, carrots, broccoli, nuts, legumes, seeds, citrus fruits, eggs and beef. Add some of these into your diet in order to improve your eye health. 

 

Skin 

Your diet also has a massive impact on your skin health. Foods that are high in fat and sugar can make your skin break out or become dry. Foods that are dense in antioxidants are one of the best ways to improve your skin through your diet choices. Make sure that you are always having a minimum of 5 fruits and vegetables a day. Vitamin C is also known for making your skin glow – foods such as blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes are meant to be amazing for keeping your skin clear. Make sure that you drink plenty of water also. 

 

Nails

Are you always dealing with your nails breaking and snapping, especially in the winter? Your skin and nails are very similar in the sense that their health is directly impacted by the diet you have. However, adding more of the right vitamins and nutrients into your diet can strengthen your nails as well as your hair and stop your nails breaking. Foods such as almonds, whole grain cereal, eggs and healthy fats are great sources of zinc and are fantastic for improving the health of your nails. 

 

Hair 

Your diet also impacts the health of your hair, just like your skin and nails. If your diet is extremely low protein, you could be dealing with low hair growth and breakages. You need protein, iron and plenty of vitamins in order to stimulate healthy hair growth. Biotin and Omega 3 are particularly important when it comes to stimulating hair growth and shine. Nuts, legumes, meats and fish are known to be the best sources of zinc, protein and minerals which can make your hair feel and look fantastic. You can also put natural food masks on your hair in order to improve its look and shine!

 

Joints and Muscles

The joints and muscles in our bodies are fundamental when it comes to moving around and exercising, which are important for our general health. If our muscles and joints start to deteriorate and become unhealthy, it can impact our health massively. That’s why it’s important to eat right to mitigate the risk of bone diseases and joint inflammation. Cherries and strawberries have been shown to reduce exercise induced muscle soreness. Ginger and turmeric also contain components that ensure your joints and muscles stay healthy. Leafy greens and red peppers are also known for this, so make sure to add these into your diet to keep yourself moving well. 

 

Teeth 

Your diet can have massive effects on your oral hygiene and health. Sugary foods can lead to you getting cavities and needing root canal treatment done. Furthermore, if you don’t stay hydrated, dry mouth can lead to gingivitis and other mouth diseases which can be significantly damaging to your overall health. Expert dentists who specialise in dental implants Solihull based have given advice on what to add to your diet to significantly improve your dental health.

-Eat foods rich in Calcium, like milk, cheese and yoghurt. 

-Brush your teeth after eating or drinking sugary foods

-Drink fizzy drinks through a straw to mitigate the damage done to your teeth