Motion helps our brains to be more alert. When muscle fibers are activated, blood circulation increases. The brain receives more oxygen and neuroplastic messengers are released that support nerve cell growth and synaptic switching. Students’ brains are more alert, and they are emotionally more engaged – conditions which have a positive impact on school performance.

Greek physician Hippocrates suggested there is a correlation between our diet, our health, and our ability to heal ourselves based upon our diet. Now, Hippocrates was more than likely referring to our physical bodies in this quote, but does this same philosophy apply also to the healing of our minds? Is there a direct parallel in what we eat and mental health illnesses such as anxiety, chronic depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder? Can a change in diet change our minds — literally? Some medical professionals believe so, others not so much.