#253: Food for a Better Mood with Dr. Will Cole

Inflammatory Foods

Inflammatory foods are a significant contributor to chronic diseases and mental health issues. Will Cole emphasizes that processed foods and the chemicals used in agriculture, like glyphosate, exacerbate these problems by disrupting the microbiome and creating a genetic-epigenetic mismatch 1. This mismatch is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and autoimmune disorders. He advises minimizing gluten-containing grains, industrial seed oils, and added sugars, while increasing nutrient-dense foods like broccoli sprouts, which support detoxification and brain health 2.

Our DNA hasn't changed in 10,000 years, but yet so much has changed in such a few generations.

--- Will Cole

Understanding the impact of these foods can help mitigate their negative effects on health.

   

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats play a crucial role in maintaining overall health, yet the modern diet often skews the balance of essential fatty acids. Will Cole explains that while seed oils are prevalent in many foods, the real issue is the imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids 3. He suggests that consuming a variety of healthy fats, such as those from fatty fish and nuts, can mitigate the negative effects of seed oils. Additionally, saturated fats are essential for brain and hormone health, contradicting the outdated belief that all fats are harmful 4.

It's actually healthy for most adults to be having 25% of all our body's cholesterol in our brain.

--- Will Cole

By focusing on nutrient-dense sources of fat, individuals can support their body's needs more effectively.