Your brain needs a variety of nutrients and adaptation mechanisms to thrive, and when our hormones are out of balance, it makes it difficult for your brain to process and filter the information coming in. The leads to an increase in adrenaline, mimicking symptoms of anxiety; because our brain is having to adapt to more things than it should.

So, what can we do to support your brain during this time?

Eat a little bit of everything

Our brain needs fat to function properly. To improve endocrine function, avoid simple sugars and carbs and focus on a diet filled with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, oysters, walnuts, chia and flax seeds. Add fiber-rich foods like raspberries, oats, carrots, and bell peppers. Include foods loaded with protein like eggs, cottage cheese, and Skyr yogurt. And include medium-chain triglycerides like coconut oil or avocados.

Control stress

The main culprit of stress is the hormone cortisol. In a healthy body, once the stress has passed and cortisol levels decrease, the hypothalamus signals to the pituitary and adrenals to stop hormone production. But this doesn’t happen when chronic stress is involved. It becomes a loop of continual release of all of the stress hormones. The result? High blood pressure, heart disease, hair loss, cognitive impairment, skin problems, digestive problems—you name it.

Get some sunshine

There is no substitute for a pleasant day of sunshine. After being exposed to direct sunlight for a few minutes, your skin will naturally produce a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. The recommended amount of time outside per day is at least 15 minutes, but I know you can do more than that… for your brain’s sake.