Many people might not immediately connect their diet to their business success. However, the link is undeniable. Our brains, just like any other organ in our body, are profoundly affected by the fuel we provide them.

The Groundbreaking Insights of Dr. Georgia Ede

Dr. Georgia Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in nutrition, wrote "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind,"  a book that fundamentally shifted my thinking about food and mental health. Her research revealed that what we eat has a more significant impact on our brain health than medications alone. Essentially, it all comes down to chemistry. The components of the foods we consume directly influence how our brains function.

​Our brain is an organ, and it is impacted by our nutrition in the same way the rest of our body is. Specifically, our brain works by firing neurons, a process that requires essential elements like glucose, sodium, potassium, and calcium. These aren't just abstract chemical terms; they are the fundamental building blocks of your cognitive abilities.

Essential Nutrients for a High-Performing Brain

The brain is a remarkably energy-intensive organ. To operate efficiently, it requires a constant supply of high-quality nutrients.

What's Good for Your Brain is Good for Your Body

It's important to remember that what is good for your brain is good for your entire body. All of your cells require the same basic nutritional care. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods for your brain, you are simultaneously supporting the health and function of every other system in your body.

Interestingly, the brain benefits from spending time in ketosis.  This metabolic state can be achieved through various methods, including fasting, intense exercise, restricting calories, or following a ketogenic diet.

Unlocking the Power of Ketones

All of us can benefit by spending time in ketosis on a regular basis. When your body switches from using glucose to ketones for fuel, several positive changes occur:

On the other end of the spectrum, high blood-sugar levels can lead to brain fog, that frustrating feeling of mental sluggishness and difficulty concentrating.

The Refined Carb Trap

These high blood-sugar levels are often caused by eating foods high in refined carbohydrates, which unfortunately seems to be the majority of the standard American diet these days. This dietary pattern leads to inflammation and oxidative stress, which disrupts crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin and glutamate. These neurotransmitters play a significant role in regulating your mood, and their disruption can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. As a business owner, maintaining a stable and positive mental state is paramount.

The Critical Recommendation: Eliminate Refined Carbohydrates and Vegetable Oils

The single biggest recommendation Dr. Ede makes is to avoid refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils by eliminating ultra-processed foods. These foods are often packed with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that can wreak havoc on your brain chemistry. She claims that most people can normalize and stabilize their blood sugar levels in days by switching to a low-carbohydrate diet.

As an added benefit, eating too many of the wrong carbohydrates too often causes a rise in stress hormones. This creates a vicious cycle where poor diet leads to increased stress, which can then lead to further unhealthy eating habits. The single most important thing you can do is stabilize your glucose and insulin levels, which will, in turn, stabilize your neurotransmitter systems, leading to improved mood, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Focusing on just eliminating refined carbohydrates is the single most impactful decision you can make on your brain health, and your brain health is the single most important aspect of maintaining your business. A clear, focused, and resilient mind is your greatest asset as an entrepreneur.

The Challenge of Avoiding Refined Carbohydrates

However, this is a very difficult thing to do in the US. Almost every food you buy has some sort of sugar or refined carbohydrate – even seemingly healthy options like your salad dressing and those pre-cut, frozen sweet potato fries. This pervasive presence of refined carbohydrates in our food supply makes conscious effort and planning essential.

Practical Strategies for Success

The best way to avoid refined carbohydrates is to make as much as possible from whole foods. This gives you control over the ingredients and helps you avoid hidden sugars and processed components.

Personally, I have struggled in and out of this journey, and I find that pre-planning helps me immensely. I plan my menus for the week using tools like Paprika (which allows me to clip recipes from the web), and then I build my grocery list based on those planned meals. Having meals planned out means I am far more likely to stick with the plan and not be tempted to cheat with something ‘easy’ but ultimately unhealthy. I go through waves of being ‘good’ with my diet, but as someone with a big sugar addiction and a history of gestational diabetes, I know it is something I need to be constantly mindful of.