A healthy lifestyle by the principle "the physician treats, but nature heals" is our passion and vision. We intend to implement this principle in our project. We adhere to an unconventional way of eating: healthy meals without white sugar,
prepared on the spot with fresh, local products, no processed food, or herbs from our herbarium. We have this experience because of our recognized brands in the region: Vocational Development and Training Centre "Healthy Kitchen" and "Station
Zero".
Healthy eating has a significant influence on both physical and mental condition. It consists of taking substances beneficial to health to ensure or improve it. Providing adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals every
day, avoiding sugar, trans fats, and salt improves overall health and improves the quality of life.
Here are a few rules that we will follow in Sweet, Sweet Home:
- The regularity of eating meals and paying particular
attention to the breakfast menu. It significantly influences the stabilization of the glycemic level and reduces the risk of energy drops. Irregular meals contribute to fatigue, apathy and lack of willingness to act. Eating a nutritious
breakfast also affects starting the day in full strength and in the right mood.
- The type of diet and composition of meals. The amount and ratio of substances in the food (including nutrients) determine neurotransmitters'
work and thus regulate well-being. A healthy diet is of utmost importance for people who take medications, as weight gain is a side effect of certain drugs.
- The proper level of hydration. Dehydration causes headaches, feeling
irritable and weak, and problems with concentration. The elderly are a particular group susceptible to the effects of dehydration. It is essential to drink the right amount of fluids, mainly water, i.e. about 30 ml per kilogram of body
weight per day (2-2.5 l).
- Avoiding stimulants. A cup of joe stimulates concentration, while excessive caffeine consumption may have a disruptive effect on energy levels, mood and well-being.
- The condition
and composition of the intestinal microflora strains. Numerous studies have confirmed the influence of the composition of the intestinal flora and substances secreted by intestinal bacteria on the mental state. On the other hand, one determines
the composition of their microflora through their lifestyle and daily eating habits. Rebuilding the proper intestinal flora may have a positive impact on improving the mood and protecting mental health. The following interdependencies
are observed: (1) between diet and the condition of the intestines and (2) between disturbed intestinal flora and the condition of the psyche.
What else determines our mental condition?
The proper amounts of:
-
Calories. Avoid fasting and provide the necessary amount of energy in your meals every day.
- Protein and amino acids, e.g. tyrosine (a chemical building block of dopamine). Tyrosine deficiency can lead to drowsiness, distraction,
memory problems, fatigue and even hypothyroidism. It is worth ensuring that each meal contains products that are a source of protein, e.g. cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, meat or legume seeds.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3
acids (DHA, EPA) are a component of neuronal cell membranes. They reduce inflammation, have a preventive effect on the occurrence of depression, and support the treatment of mental disorders.
- Tryptophan. Tryptophan is a
precursor to serotonin, a hormone responsible for mood, sleep regulation and appetite. Its low level causes fatigue, malaise and a deteriorated mood. It is probably the strain of Bifidobacterium infantis that regulates the production of
serotonin by influencing the metabolism of tryptophan. Serotonin exhibits a wide range of physiological functions, modulating anxiety, stress response, sense of reward and social behaviour.
- Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 has a significant
impact on cognitive functions. Its deficiency increases the risk of depression, mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
- Magnesium and vitamin B6. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are responsible for the proper functioning of neurotransmitters
(including dopamine) and for mood and stress resistance. We will do everything to ensure that our residents, thanks to healthy nutrition, enjoy good psychophysical condition for as long as possible.
