Nutrition and mental health: Hope Foods flags gut-brain axis importance in tackling depression

18 May 2020 --- The importance of the gut-brain-axis is increasingly highlighted by research which links the microbiome to mental well-being. In this spirit, plant-based player Hope Foods and non-profit organization Hope For The Day (HFTD) have teamed up to promote mental health awareness and healthy diets through training sessions, educational events and social media campaigns. The partnership is also stressing the connection of unhealthy diets to depression and the limited information on the topic available to the public.

“Too often diet isn’t even part of the conversation with doctors and other health advisors,” notes nutrition author Dr. Ian Smith. “However, more research is being conducted and new studies are being released about the gut-brain-axis that tell us diet can be incredibly impactful in nourishing one’s mental health. The more awareness we can generate around this issue, the more lives we can help save,” says Dr. Smith.

Emerging science suggests that a nutritious diet and a healthy gut may play a crucial role in fighting depression and mental illness. Hope Foods believes that using certain natural ingredients can play an important part in the way the physical body affects mental health. According to estimates, 90 percent of the body’s serotonin, a naturally occuring chemical affecting one’s emotions and happiness, is generated in the gut. This suggests diet plays an important role when fighting depression.

Previously, researchers established a correlation between depression and a group of neurotransmitter-producing bacteria found in the human gut, further expanding clinical evidence of the gut-brain axis. Another study flagged that people who experience anxiety symptoms might be helped by taking steps to regulate the microorganisms in their gut using probiotic foods and supplements. 

Hope Foods believes that using certain natural ingredients can play an important part in the way the physical body affects mental health.Moreover, reducing the intake of red and processed meat as well as refined grain consumption can lower depression and improve the quality of life of bowel cancer survivors, according to research funded by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) Network. NutritionInsight previously reported on the gut-brain-axis phenomenon with researchers in this space explaining how overall health is not only dependent on nourishing ourselves, but also on sustaining the microbiome inside of us.

Healthy ingredients
Hope Foods customers can find a positive, encouraging message from HFTD on each protective seal on their hummus products. From there they are directed to Hope Food’s website where they can learn more about HFTD, mental health and will have the opportunity to donate to the cause. Finally, the company will be promoting mental health awareness through all of its social media channels for the month of May.

Foods with ingredients such as almonds, garlic, onions, chickpeas and avocado are all nutrient rich and support a healthy gut, the company states. Hope Foods uses such foundational ingredients to create delicious and nutritious hummus and its new Cashew & Almond dips boasting flavor profiles such as Avocado Ranch Cashew & Almond Dip. Other nutrient-packed offers include Spicy Avocado Hummus, Roasted Garlic Cashew & Almond Dip, Black Garlic Hummus and Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus. All Hope Foods products are non-GMO Project verified, gluten-free, kosher and dairy- and soy-free.

Hope for mental health
Hope Foods carries a plant-based dips and spreads range which is hailed as part of a nutritious diet, while HFTD is a non-profit organization focused on mental health education. Since 2011, HFTD has taken a holistic approach to addressing mental health awareness through proactive outreach, education and action in an effort to prevent suicide. It has succeeded in helping thousands of people suffering from mental health issues educate themselves on how to address their problems and to live better lives.

“We’re passionate about what we do and those we partner with,” says HFTD Founder, Jonny Boucher. “So many people out there are struggling and don't realize there are helpful resources that can help them get through the good days and the bad but also live a better, healthier life.”

As part of the ongoing partnership, during the month of May (Mental Health Month) Hope Foods will match up to US$5,000 in donations to HFTD supporting tools and training resources for HFTD’s suicide prevention education. The company will also continue to support HFTD training throughout its local community in Colorado, US, as well as supply products for the non-profit’s events. Booth space and education materials will continue to be donated for HFTD’s cause at important trade shows.

“Our partnership with Hope Foods expands the ability to use their platform to break the stigma around mental health,” Boucher continues. “They’re contributing on so many levels and helping us spread awareness of this important issue. With their help we hope we can reach even more people struggling with depression or mental illness and let them know, it's okay not to be okay.”

Edited by Kristiana Lalou