One Health

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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You're absolutely right, Kayla-nutrition plays such a crucial role in our overall well-being.

Unfortunately, in the U.S., we're not really taught which foods truly nourish our bodies and minds. Instead, we're surrounded by cheap, sugary processed foods-many of which are actually banned in other countries due to the harmful chemicals we've been conditioned to crave.

I've been a vegetarian (almost vegan) for nearly 30 years, though I do get eggs from a friend who raises her chickens ethically on her farm. I also follow a diet focused on neuroplasticity, which has been a game-changer for my health. The article "Neuroplasticity and Nutrition: The Role of Diet in Brain Resilience and Repair" explains just how important the right foods are for both mental clarity and overall well-being. I can always tell when I've had too much sugar or salt-I feel sluggish, foggy, and totally drained.

It's amazing how much of a difference food makes in the way we think and feel! The same goes for our companion animals. When they do not get the nourishment their bodies need, they are not at their best either. The article, "Healthy Tails: How to Choose the Right Food for Your Pet" helps people decide what food is best for their companion. 

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Hi Kayla & T',

Thanks for the posts!

Yes, therapeutic nutrition holds the key for resolving many physical health and emotional-related imbalances. When formulating our Cat Food Stew, now in trials for preventing feline kidney disease, when one new ingredient was added ( a few months back) one of our formerly feral kitties starting demonstrating more self-confident behaviors. Such as coming into the living room and sitting looking out the sliding glass door window AND she started laying on a south-facing window ledge (curtains are drawn for privacy in her room). That room had been her room for about 3 years ... and after adding that ingredient she has been basking in the warm sunshine. 

Studies have also been done on how the proper balance of EFAs (essential fatty acids) can reduce anger and violent behaviors in prison inmates and German Shepherds.

Balanced nutrition from whole real foods truly holds the key to resolving many health and behavior issues for animals and people.

Here locally I teach classes on the concerns of dry kibble dog and cat food, problematic additives and poor quality ingredients. There's so much info online sometimes is challenging to know which info is correct. I also find that because of the way I formulate and feed our homemade recipes for our dogs and cats that I use very few medicinal herbs to help restore balance. And yes, junk food for people is comparable to dry kibble diets. Here we work on educating animal loves about the value of nutrition from whole real foods for their dogs and cats AND for themselves. It's a process. And we're beginning to see that raising awareness about nutrition helps people make healthier decisions for themselves, and this in turn helps create positive social change.

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Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV
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I tend to sleep better when I haven't eaten a large meal in the evening. I've started drinking less coffee in the mornings and I can really tell a difference. Whereas I used to need it to wake up, now I can take it or leave it. 

I notice that when I eat a lot of carbs I feel heavy and tired. I also notice hydrating is so important. I feel so much more calm and alert when I've been drinking fluids.

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Kade Alexie
Donor Support Specialist
Stray Cat Alliance
CA
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You make a really good point. There is still a lot we are learning about the connection between nutrition and mental health, but it is clear that what we eat plays a major role in how we feel day to day.

Highly processed foods and excess sugar can definitely impact energy levels and mood. When we rely too heavily on those types of foods, it can lead to crashes, irritability, and even increased feelings of anxiety over time. On the other hand, balanced diets that focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats tend to support more stable energy and better overall mental clarity.

The Mediterranean diet is often praised for that reason. Its emphasis on whole, nutrient dense foods and healthy fats like olive oil seems to support both physical and mental wellbeing. It is interesting that many long living populations follow similar eating patterns.

At the same time, approaches like calorie restriction and intermittent fasting still need more research when it comes to long term mental health effects. Everyone responds differently, so paying attention to how your own body and mood react is important.

On a different note, just like staying mindful about what we put into our bodies, it also helps to stay organized with everyday essentials. If you shop for pet supplies, you can easily manage orders, autoship, and prescriptions through Chewy My Account at Chewy.com.

Overall, I have definitely noticed that when I stray too far from a balanced diet, my mood and energy shift. It really shows how connected nutrition and mental wellbeing truly are.