Mood and food!!
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Apr 11, 2019
- 3 min read
Can Food Put You in a Happier Mood?
Eating banana or a piece of chocolate make you happier, believe or not this is true!
Many food has been linked to improved mood and lower depression risk.
Food can not be cure for depression or other disorder but it can help in improving mood.
The Link between Food and Mood
There are endless situations when food and mood are linked. You may feel energized at work after consumtpion of snakc or feeling happy after chocolate consumption.
Depression, which plagues over 19 million Americans, is due to a chemical imbalance so perhaps a change in diet is in order. Autism has been linked to studies on brain function and brain chemistry, so it is no wonder that many treatment plans include changes in diet. There are many other conditions for which altering the diet is among the recommendations.
Numerous studies show that among the symptoms of itchy throats, hives, stomach aches, and headaches, are reports of the so-called “brain fog” and mood-related issues that accompany food allergies.
Food allergies and intolerance have been linked to mood swings and changes this is due to the reaction of body against the food as it identifies it as foreign. Moreover, this reaction will change brain chemistry and neurotransmitters balance
Celiac patients have long reported “brain fog” when they have mistakenly consumed gluten. Anger and irritability is often seen in kids who have a dairy allergy. Many countries have even banned the use of artificial coloring in foods, as it has had detrimental behavioral effects on children.
For people with allergy they need to focus on symptoms along with nutrient deficencies that may be linked to depression and upset mood.
The brain is our most complex organ doing the most work. It must be working at all times, even when you are asleep. For this reason, what you eat has a direct impact on your brain function and behavior, namely mood.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating things like appetite, mood, sleep and controlling pain. Serotonin is mainly produced in the GI tract and diet play a key role in its production.
Adenosine is another neurotransmitter found in the brain that can act as a natural depressant. Caffeine n the other hand, has been linked to blocking, adenosine production, a chemical that can prevent brain-boosting energy, making depression worse. Yet, another way in which food and mood have been linked.
Foods to Boost Mood
There are many food options to boost your energy and mood. You need to have plenty and variety of food to boost your energy level. Moreover, if you have allergies you need to avoid some food while still keeping track on food that make you happier.
Perhaps starting with these simple food suggestions can set you on your way to a bigger smile.
Bananas
This fruit is both nutritious and rich in tryptophan, which is the chemical that is converted into serotonin leaving you feeling happy and relaxed in no time at all.
Salmon
It is rich in omega-3 especifically one called EPA. This omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to boost your brain and ease depression.
Dark Chocolate
It stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the brain chemicals that bring on feelings of pleasure.
Blueberries and Blackberries
They are rich in antioixdants which serve to aid your brain in the production of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine plays a critical role in memory and mood.
Eggs
A great high biological value protein helps to keep your blood sugars even, to help maintain an upbeat mood.
Greek Yogurt
It is rich in calcium when your body has the right amount of calcium levels, it sends a signal for your body to release neurotransmitters that make you feel good. Without appropriate levels of calcium, often depression and anxiety can be exacerbated.
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