The Food affects emotionally those who consume them. Beyond nutrition or the calories they provide, food can also influence our mood.
In recent years, not only has our diet changed, but also the way we view our nutrition. The obsession to find organic or untreated or processed products is becoming a need increasingly present in homes. And this not only has to do with the good quality of the food we want to consume, but also because we know how important it is for our body to eat in one way or another.
What factors influence the loss of mood?
Low levels of serotonin provoke depressive states, pushing our body to the intake of sugary foods to compensate, through increases in sugar, our feeling of well-being. But this rapid sugar rush doesn't last long. This is because our body releases insulin to counteract this elevated blood glucose level, which is toxic to us.
"Beyond nutrition or the calories they give us, food can also influence our mood"
Medical studies
For medicine focused on the digestive system there have also been significant changes before the turn of the population's eating habits. What has been discovered? What the intestine is ours a second brain, and that by giving it the care it deserves, it can completely change our state of mind and, therefore, our general well-being.
For example, studies in populations vegetarian and vegan, They show that they have a higher risk of long-term depression, especially men, due to the lack of vitamin B12 (present in foods of animal origin), as well as low consumption of iron, which is found in red meat. The same risk run those who undergo unhealthy diets to lose weight, without medical supervision.
"The most important thing is to avoid foods that prevent the correct manufacture of serotonin such as those that produce inflammation or nutritional deficiencies"
Tips by CanaryDoctor
If you are not aware of what types of foods affect the organism or not, take note:
- Blue Fish: like salmon and tuna. They are characterized by their contribution in vitamin D, which plays a fundamental role in the reduction of seasonal affective disorders (the typical sadness and "fall" autumnal-wintry).
- Dark chocolate: excellent source of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of serotonin. It has an effect enhancing happiness and positive mood.
- Yogurt: rich in probiotics. Probiotics can alleviate the symptoms of depression while helping to improve gastrointestinal distress according to an investigation of the McMaster University of Canada.
- Green leafy vegetables: like spinach or kale. They are very rich in folate, a vitamin B group that has been associated with lower risk of depression.
- Fruits of the forest: Wild cranberries whose antioxidant supply is excellent are especially recommended. The fruits of the forest together with broccoli, with and beet, improve the bacterial diversity of the intestine and reduce inflammation, both essential to enjoy a positive mood. Several studies have shown that fruits of the forest improve the symptoms of dysphoria, depression and stress reduction.
- Nuts: very rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. They have a calming effect, help with concentration and provide a "stabilizing" power of the mood.
- Oatmeal: it is a cereal rich in proteins that contains many antioxidants and vitamins and, thanks to this, has many benefits for both physical and emotional health. Regarding the latter, it provides vitality, that is, it combats tiredness and low levels of energy. In this sense, it also improves the mood.
- Pineapple: it is a fruit that favors the production of serotonin, so it helps to improve the mood, reassure and provide more vitality. It also seems to help you fall asleep.
- Vegetables: specifically, onion, leek, garlic, carrot, beans, artichoke and beet. Delights from the garden rich in soluble fiber and resistant starch, properties that give them prebiotic characteristics. Several studies have demonstrated the anxiolytic properties of prebiotics.
What do carbohydrates give us?
Hydrates are formed by simple or complex sugars, which are the source of energy of our body. Complexes are always recommended over simple ones and a poor intake can cause hypoglycemia. A lasting hypoglycemia can cause lack of concentration, nervousness, fatigue or irritability.
Why are proteins necessary?
They are combinations of amino acids that form the structures within the organism. They are also the support for the generation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which regulates circadian cycles and mood.
What is the relationship between minerals and mood?
Of all those present in food, one of the most important is the iron. This mineral intervenes in the function and synthesis of some neurotransmitters. Hence, people suffering from anemia have a tendency to decay and fatigue. The iron deficit is related to the decrease in concentration, attention and memory capacity, which can cause a decrease in school or work performance.
En CanaryDoctor we want to highlight how important it is to fill your basket of natural happiness enhancers as well as to avoid the ingredients that harm emotional energy. Therefore, we must avoid foods that prevent the proper manufacture of serotonin such as alcohol, refined sugars, sweeteners and processed. In our hands is the key to enhance our health and happiness!
