Food Affects Our Feel

What you choose to eat and drink enters your body and affects your whole being. Sugary foods can cause you to develop cellulite, a cup of coffee can kick start your day (or keep you awake at night), and chocolate can instantly make you happy. That’s how powerful food is. 

How Food Affects Your Feelings 

You are what you eat? Maybe not, but you do feel what you eat. Research suggests that certain foods affect mood—for better or worse. Dietary changes can trigger chemical and physiological changes within the brain that alter our behavior and emotions. Here's a closer look at how your diet could affect your mood. 

Certain foods contain nutrients or chemicals that affect how the brain functions and, as a result, affect your mood. Some foods can improve focus, ease mild depression, and increase your energy levels, while others can make you feel crappy. 

Connection Between Diet and Depression 

Research has shown that maintaining a healthy gut by sticking to a balanced diet lowers the risk of depression. The Mediterranean diet has been seen to fight against depression. Also, some foods contain nutrients that can help prevent and treat mild depression. Foods like mussels, oysters, salmon, spinach, watercress, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, and strawberries can help prevent depression. 

Other Pieces of the Puzzle 

Eating more nutrient-dense foods can help your mood, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. You cannot eat your way out of feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed. You also need to make sure you move, sleep enough, connect with loved ones, address your thinking pattern, and reach out for professional help if you need more support and service. Please remember that when this article talks about mood problems, it refers to mild and moderate forms of depression and anxiety. 

Neglect Important Nutrients  

Research suggests that getting too little iron can spell depression, fatigue, and inattention. Iron-rich foods include red meat, egg yolks, dried fruit, beans, liver, and artichokes. Scientists have also found that insufficient thiamine can cause "introversion, inactivity, fatigue, decreased self-confidence, and a poorer mood. Equally important: is folic acid, which helps fend off depression. Green veggies, oranges, grapefruit, nuts, sprouts, and whole-wheat bread are good sources. 

Suggested Foods and Diet for a Better Mood 

Following a strict and healthy diet may be hard for some. It may be costly too. This is better compared to eating crappy foods that can affect your health in the long term. 

Eat Healthy Carbs 

The connection between carbs and improved mood is about the non-essential amino acid called tryptophan. Although foods containing carbohydrates do not contain tryptophan, they cause insulin to be secreted in the body. 

Consume Dark Leafy Green Vegetables Every Day 

Dark, leafy, and green vegetables can also improve your mood. We’ve been told since we were little how vegetables are good for us. That’s because it has been established that greens confer many benefits to the body. 

Eat More Omega-3 Fats 

One of the food nutrients that improve a person’s mood and prevent depression is omega-3 fats. Examples of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed, walnuts, and fish. 

Conclusion 

Chew your food well and take time to pause while you’re eating by putting your cutlery down between each mouthful. It may help you feel more relaxed and help you enjoy your eating experience. Slowing eating can allow your body to recognize when it is full, as it’s thought that this process takes about 20 minutes to occur.