Often, we hear the saying, “you are what you eat”. It is an old saying, but its words are golden. Studies have found that there is a variety of food that improves one’s mood while others make it worse. The better and healthier your diet, the better your mood. It has been established that an unhealthy eating routine can cause severe mood swings. This is because the essential nutrients present in the food affect the brain chemistry and impacts cognitive function. Our minds and body will continue to be imbalanced if we do not encourage a healthy diet. Food has a massive contribution to depression and anxiety; because it has a role to play in the mental health condition of an individual.
The same way food can cause depression is the exact way it can help people feel at their best by giving them the energy to go through their daily activities. Healthy food encourages the growth of “helpful bacteria”, which positively affects neurotransmitter production. This allows the brain to receive and transmit the right messages from the surroundings. When your diet is healthy and steady, there will be a reduction in your mood fluctuations. Good eating habits also reduce the case of dementia. Dementia is a term that refers to a decline in the thinking ability of an individual, which affects his daily performance and productivity level. One of the primary ways to keep one’s brain strong is through the meal we eat daily.
Does what you eat affect your mood?
Yes, what you eat has a significant impact on your mood. Certain foods help the brain and body focus and energise, respectively. Similarly, food keeps the body’s spirit weak and unnecessarily anxious.
There are several ways in which food can affect your mood. It will be best to understand these ways to control it.
When you overeat processed foods
When you overeat processed foods
When you over consume processed food, it leads to insulin imbalance. This is because most processed food has a high sugar content which can lead to a rise and drop in the level of insulin. They also contain a high amount of salt and fat, and are low in quality. Increased consumption can expose you to the risk of many disease conditions, which can be prevented by reducing processed food intake. Poor nutrition is one of the reasons why most individuals end up on a hospital bed. Most people think of how convenient processed food can be, but this even makes it riskier. The more the processors try to package and make these foods attractive and convenient, the more the amount of added chemicals and flavour. Increased consumption of this is detrimental to health due to the high amount of sugar and saturated fats.
When you don’t eat regularly
Overeating can lead to obesity and other health challenges. However, when you fail to eat at a regular interval, it can lead to low energy and reduce productivity at work. The same way we need reassurance is the exact way our body needs it. The only way we can assure our body of nourishment is by eating at a regular interval.
You forget to add minerals and vitamins to your meal
A diet that lacks essential vitamins and minerals can alter your mood and disrupt your behaviour. More than anything, you need vitamins and minerals to support your growth and boost your immune system. Even a small amount of these nutrients is vital to keep your body cells and organs healthy. You don’t have to wait till a doctor asks you to add vitamins and minerals to your diet. The goal of dieting is to eat healthily and in proper proportion. If you find it challenging to create a healthy eating plan, you can seek the service of an experienced dietician.
Ways to improve your mood through food
Are you feeling down? You may wonder whether any food can improve your mood. Yes, there is food that can improve your mood, but you need to notice the sugar content of the food. Some variety of food does not just improve mood; it also enhances your brain’s health. Here is some food that you can consider eating when you feel down.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolateChocolate is the best when it comes to improving one’s mood and relieving stress. However, it would help if you were careful with your choice of chocolate. Preferably, dark chocolate should be consumed, and it is low in sugar. It also contains flavonoids to boost the state of the mind and brain.
Berries
Vegetables and fruit consumption are linked together. Fruit helps to lower the rate of depression significantly, and it helps to prevent mood disorders. It also contains a high quantity of antioxidants that helps control inflammation.
Proteins, e.g. fish
Fatty fish is an example of the source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for body growth. This protein helps to lower the risk of depression among individuals.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is an example of fermented food. The fermentation process has to do with allowing live bacteria to grow on it. This process allows for the conversion of sugar into alcohol. Fermented food is the primary source of probiotics. Probiotics support the healthy state of our lungs, skin and reproductive system. Other examples of fermented food include cheese, bread (bread leavening), kimchi, fermented sausage and more.
If you are curious about what happens to your body when you start drinking water, start your journey of clean water consumption today and track your progress. Instead of being told, you have an opportunity to feel good.
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Stay hydrated! We drink ionised water.
Recommended books for further reading
- Water – The Wonderful and Unique Life Source
- The 4 Pillar Plan: How to Relax, Eat, Move and Sleep Your Way to a Longer, Healthier Life
- The Clever Guts Diet: How to revolutionise your body from the inside out
- The Stress Solution: The 4 Steps to Reset Your Body, Mind, Relationships & Purpose
- Perfect Health
