Did you know that the food and drinks we choose can greatly impact how we feel emotionally? For example, diets high in sugar have been shown to increase feelings of depression and anxiety. But don’t worry—supporting your mood through diet can be simple and enjoyable.
Gut Health and Mood
One of the easiest ways to boost our mood is through a healthy gut, which plays a key role in producing serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical. Serotonin helps regulate mood, promoting calm and balance. Foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables, which support gut health, can help increase these good feelings and create a sense of well-being.
Foods that naturally contain probiotics can support gut health. Foods like yogurt and kefir; fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles" These can help increase these good feelings and create a sense of well-being.
Stay Hydrated to Feel Your Best
Dehydration doesn’t just affect our physical health—it can lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and poor concentration. Drinking water consistently throughout the day is a simple way to improve focus, energy, and even state of mind.
Balancing Blood Sugar for Emotional Stability
Blood sugar swings from sugary foods and drinks can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even anger. By choosing proteins like chicken, lean meat, fish, seafood, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats such as avocados, you can help stabilize blood sugar and maintain a steady mood.
The Connection Between Inflammation and Mood
You may not realize it, but inflammation from certain foods, like those high in sugar or fats, or highly processed foods can affect both mood and mental clarity. Foods like berries and leafy greens can help reduce inflammation, making it easier to think clearly and feel positive. While berries and green, leafy veggies have some of the highest amounts of fiber, fruis, and vegetables generally have fiber, so try and eat the rainbow when you can!
Try It Out!
Even small changes in diet can lead to increased energy and improved mood. Try incorporating some of these simple tips into your daily routine, and notice how they might shift your mental and emotional outlook.
References
- How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Mental Health. (2022, March 16). Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health
- Knüppel, A., Shipley, M. J., Llewellyn, C. H., & Brunner, E. J. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientific reports, 7(1), 6287. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-05649-7
