How Your Diet Can Affect Mood, Cognition, And Sleep

August 2, 2023

Most of us are aware that what we eat can affect our waistline. But did you know that the foods you eat can also impact your brain, which means they can affect your mood, cognition, and sleep?


Think of Your Brain Like an Expensive Car


Cars need fuel to operate. Some cars do fine no matter what type of gas you put in the tank. But expensive cars typically only do well when you fill the tank with premium gas.


Your brain is like an expensive car. You can try and feed it what YOU want and what YOU think is delicious, but it probably won’t operate optimally. In fact, your brain can actually become damaged if you feed it the wrong foods. For example, many processed and refined foods are harmful to your brain, causing inflammation and toxic overload. Diets high in refined carbohydrates not only promote inflammation but also oxidative stress and worsen your body’s regulation of insulin. 


All of this damage affects how your brain operates. That means when you eat poorly, you increase the risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression and anxiety, a cognitive impairment (making it hard to think clearly or remember information), and sleep issues.

And then it becomes a vicious cycle, because once our sleep takes a hit and our mood takes a hit and we can’t focus well, we intuitively want to reach for comfort foods that are usually unhealthy, and the cycle starts all over.


Making Lifestyle Changes Your Brain Will Thank You For


Life is easier and just feels better when our brains are working for us, not against us. With that in mind, here are some lifestyle choices you can make that will keep your brain working optimally:


Skip the Soft Drinks

One of the easiest changes you can make is to stop drinking soda, even sugar-free sodas, which can still impact your insulin levels. Opt for water instead. 


Eat Plenty of Healthy Fats

Your brain is 60% fat. It needs fat to thrive. But not all fats are created equally. Stay away from trans fats. These are fats made in a laboratory and are found in processed foods. Seed oils, vegetable oils – these are bad fats!


Healthy fats are those from grass-fed or pastured animals as well as nuts and avocados!


Take Care of Your Gut

Your gut health directly impacts the health of the rest of your body, including your brain. To be healthy, your gut needs a lot of good bacteria – AKA probiotics. So be sure to eat foods rich in probiotics. This can include sauerkraut, kimchi, Greek yogurt, kefir, and any fermented veggies you like!


Your brain does an awful lot for you. Isn’t it time you start paying more attention to what it needs? Eat right and you will experience a big change in your mood, how you think and how your sleep!


RESOURCES:

Woman seated on sofa, eyes closed, hands on chest, practicing deep breathing in sunlit room.
January 16, 2026
Discover proven anxiety relief strategies for adults, including natural techniques and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve daily well-being.
Man sitting with hands covering face near a window, appearing distressed.
December 19, 2025
Discover 10 natural depression treatments without medication, including therapy, nutrition, neurofeedback, and lifestyle changes that support recovery.
Purple silhouette head with a brain-shaped thought bubble containing a butterfly; six blue butterflies arch above.
November 21, 2025
Discover how neurofeedback supports trauma recovery by retraining brain patterns for emotional balance, resilience, and long-term healing.
Glass cup and teapot of herbal tea with mint sprig, beside an open book.
October 17, 2025
Want better brain and body health? Explore 5 antioxidant drinks you should add to your diet and read more about their benefits today.
Rainbow ribbon looped into an infinity symbol on a light blue background.
September 19, 2025
Explore how neurofeedback therapy benefits a high-functioning autism brain. Find out how a neurofeedback therapist can help improve focus.
Silhouette head with
August 22, 2025
Understand the impact of Neurofeedback ADHD on attention and behavior. Find out why this therapy is gaining attention. Read more here.
Person in green dress holding clipboard, facing another person with hands outstretched, seated on a couch.
July 23, 2025
See why In-Person Therapy offers benefits virtual sessions can’t. Learn how face-to-face counselling can support your mental wellness today.
Woman wearing glasses, hands on face, looking at a laptop in front of a white mug.
June 19, 2025
Discover what genetics reveal about Stress Resilience. Apply insights to reduce stress, improve focus, and support mental wellness now.
Woman in a school uniform, resting chin on hand, looking at a classmate in a classroom.
June 8, 2025
The brain has three main executive functions: working memory (which helps you remember what you’re doing at the present moment), cognitive flexibility (which helps you shift your thinking from one topic to another), and inhibition control (which helps you focus and stop yourself from saying and doing certain things). Executive dysfunction disrupts these functions, making it difficult for someone to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What Causes Executive Dysfunction? Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes executive dysfunction, but studies suggest that it can result from various conditions, including: Addiction Alzheimer’s disease Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Autism spectrum disorder Brain tumors Cerebral hypoxia Exposure to certain toxins Dementia Depression Epilepsy Head injuries Huntington’s disease Infections Multiple sclerosis (MS) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Schizophrenia Strokes Treatment for executive dysfunction will usually depend on the condition that caused it. What Are the Symptoms of Executive Dysfunction? Executive dysfunction can produce different symptoms in different people. If you have executive dysfunction, you may: Be easily distracted Find it hard to focus on one thing Daydream when you need to pay attention Focus too much on one thing Lack impulse control Have a hard time explaining your thought processes Struggle to motivate yourself to start difficult or boring tasks Have trouble planning or completing tasks Get easily interrupted partway through tasks Find it difficult to move from one task to another Learn More About Executive Dysfunction If you think you might be experiencing executive dysfunction, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Our experienced therapists understand the impact that executive dysfunction can have on a person’s life, and we would love the opportunity to help you overcome the challenges you’re currently facing. Contact us today to get started.
Person crouching inside a taped square on the floor, looking distressed
June 1, 2025
You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the relationships you have with those around you since they can help you feel respected instead of resentful. But did you know that there are numerous types of boundaries? Here are three of the most common: Physical boundaries – You communicate how you want to be touched and how much personal space you need. For example, you can let a colleague know that you’d rather shake hands instead of hugging or kissing. This doesn’t just apply to your body, either—you can also let your in-laws know that you don’t feel comfortable having them enter your bedroom while they’re babysitting. Material boundaries – You communicate when you’re willing to lend out money and possessions and how you want them to be treated. For instance, you can let a friend know that you can’t afford to lend them more than $100. Or, you can tell your son that he can only borrow your car if he returns it with a full tank of gas. Time boundaries – You communicate how you want to use your time. For example, you can tell your boss that you can’t stay past the end of your scheduled workday. Or, you can ask your spouse to refrain from calling and texting while you’re having dinner with friends except in case of an emergency. Start Setting Boundaries in Your Life If you need help implementing any of the boundaries described above, contact us today and ask to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled therapists on our team. We understand the many benefits that healthy boundaries can offer, and we’ll work with you to identify the steps you’ll need to take to set them in your life.
Show More