Many factors can affect how we feel, one of which is the type of food we eat.
Diets have a powerful effect on our psychological well-being. Our relationship with food can determine how we function on a daily basis.
In fact, some studies show that certain diets are associated with a lower risk of depression or depressive symptoms.
On the flip side, evidence suggests that some diets can negatively influence a person’s mental and emotional well-being. As such, a basic understanding of how the food we eat affects our feelings can help us curb our diets and change them for the better.
For more information, here are three ways your diet can affect your feelings:
Lack of nutrition can lead to mood swings
Most diets are designed for a universal audience, which means they don’t take into account individual needs. This is especially the case with fad diets that may not provide enough vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body. Often, these can lead to micronutrient deficiencies that can have devastating consequences like irregular hormones, impaired cognitive function, and extreme mood swings.
Because everyone has different dietary needs, customized diet plans will give you an exact list of the food you require to improve or maintain your physical and mental wellbeing. Eating from a list of foods tailored to your preferences and body condition will surely keep your mood light by boosting serotonin levels in your brain and keeping your energy levels up throughout the day.
Drinking stimulants can cause anxiety
If you’re feeling anxious, it’s important to consider the drinks you incorporate into your diet.
Stimulants like coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks can provide a quick energy boost but can also lead to anxiety. These beverages contain caffeine, a powerful mood stabilizer.
Stimulants interfere with dopamine production in the brain—the chemical that helps us feel pleasure—which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. They also raise the heart rate and blood pressure.
Too many of these drinks can make it difficult to determine whether your anxiety is caused by caffeine or something else. Cutting out stimulants is one way to detoxify your mind and body. So, if you are prone to anxiety, avoid them as much as possible.
Skipping meals can trigger irritability
It’s not just food that can affect your feelings—it could be the lack of it.
Skipping meals can trigger low blood sugar, which can cause feelings of anxiety and irritability.
After a meal, your body releases hormones called insulin and glucagon. Insulin is responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Glucagon stimulates the release of stored energy from the liver into the bloodstream.
When you eat regularly, these hormones work together to maintain an even blood glucose level. But, when you skip meals, these hormones become unbalanced and can lead to low blood sugar levels.
In order to keep your mood stable and avoid the negative consequences of low blood sugar, make sure you eat a balanced meal in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You can also consider eating smaller meals every three hours to stay satiated throughout the day.
Your diet can have a significant impact on your feelings and energy levels. Maintaining a balanced diet can keep your mood stable and your mind in top shape.
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