Last week we explored some of the ways that economic factors can impact our food choices.  In this second part, we will take a brief look at how food choices in turn can impact our ability to think clearly and even help us to manage our finances!

Proper brain function is what allows us to translate our intentions- whether for wealth, health, or otherwise, into reality.  If the brain does not function properly, all aspects of our life can suffer as a result.  In particular, impaired function of an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex can have a significant impact on the decision-making process.  This area of the brain is responsible for the following abilities:

• Differentiating among conflicting thoughts
• Evaluation of consequences of actions
• Learning from "mistakes"
• Working toward a defined goal
• Choosing long-term over short-term rewards
• Prediction of outcomes
• Forming reasonable expectations
• Self-control in social situations

As it turns out, all of the main functions of the prefrontal cortex that are needed to successfully execute a nutrition and exercise program are also the same abilities that can assist in maintenance of financial stability!

Whether it is following a prescribed diet plan, or working to get out of debt, cognitive function is a key element that should not be overlooked.  Willpower is important, but if a person lacks the physiological basis to translate will into action, willpower becomes degraded into wishful thinking. 

It all comes down to brain function.

Brain function is dependent on the intricate balance and coordination of several key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine.  While each of these neurotransmitters has specialized functions in the brain, they all have one thing in common- they are synthesized using protein.

While teasing out the details of a neurotransmitter imbalance can be a lengthy process that can involve the investigation of genetic abnormalities, it stands to reason that if the body doesn’t have even the most basic tools and building blocks necessary to manufacture these important molecules, it won’t have even a fighting chance at maintaining neurological balance.

Sometimes, despite adequate nutritional intake, the body still has a difficult time maintaining neurological balance.  In that case, it is well to seek a health practitioner who can offer extra support to the system via dietary supplements and/or pharmaceutical agents.  However, it is best to start with the basics, and that means taking a closer look at protein.

There are five main sources of protein in the diet.  They are meats (including fish and fowl), eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds, and beans.  How much protein the body needs depends on activity level.  For an active person the exact amount of protein generally falls between 1.0 and 2.0 grams per kilogram body weight.

Herein lay the first hurdle for the financially challenged and making proper food choices.  Since protein is generally more expensive than carbohydrate, there is always a temptation to skimp on the protein and choose high-carbohydrate foods instead. The result is a diet that, despite an excess of calories, is nutritionally deficient.

The second difficulty comes with the timing of protein in meals.  Due to the fact that the body has very limited storage capacity for protein (about 30 – 40 grams) in the blood, it is important to give the body protein on a regular basis.  The simplest way to ensure proper protein intake is to include a lean protein source with every meal.

In summary, adequate protein intake is crucial to proper brain function, and should be made both a financial and nutritional priority.  When shopping for groceries it is important to take into account the entirety of the body’s nutritional needs.  While certain foods may be less expensive in monetary terms, the price that one pays in terms of neurological function does not justify choosing foods based on price alone.