Friends, have you ever given a thought on what you eat may swing your mood in the end. Can our diet put us in good or bad mood? Now the experts say that your diet may be responsible for your mood swings, and this theory is based on scientific evidence.
As per scientists, our moods are determined by the Serotonin levels in the brain, and therefore, if the food that we eat does indeed affect our mood. The initial findings of the studies carried out indicates that food we eat can put us in a good mood or in depression or help us get out of it.
This concept of what you eat can affect your mood, is based on the fact that the food we eat, can bring about changes in our brain structure. These changes may be chemical and physiological and this can lead behavioural changes in a person. Indirectly it means that it is possible for us to change our dietary patterns to remain in good mood. Person should also be able to identify the food which brings about bad mood.
Generally people say that low carb diet is healthy diet, but as per research it indicates otherwise. The mood relating chemical Serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter is produced naturally in brain, with the help of tryptophan, a nonessential amino acid, with the help of some Vitamin B. If more tryptophan enters the brain, more Serotonin is produced and mood remain good. To boost tryptophan level, a person needs more carbohydrates, and research has found that low card diet, may find oneself fatigued or losing out on the will to exercise. There needs to be a balance found in eating carbs by switching to smart carbs like fruits and vegetables, whole grain and legumes. Food like fish also helps in increasing the Serotonin levels in the brain.
In the end what is balance diet. This diet contains fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, cereals and plenty of legume, this balance diet will help a person fighting depression. Scientists have found a link between folate and depression, and folate in diet help in preventing the same.
Mostly having a balanced breakfast is also said to be a good eating pattern that can put a person in a good mood for the day. This could simply be due to fact that not having healthy breakfast can cause fatigue and irritability, and having a good healthy breakfast can help one stay calm, think better and also have the necessary energy to tackle the day. There is a saying that the breakfast is the most important meal of the day and skipping the same is not healthy, as it can swing your mood also.
Low Selenium, specially in seniors, can also affect the moods, and put people in mild depression. Hence it may be good idea to include food rich in Selenium, like seafood, nuts, whole grains, lean meat, beans and legumes and low fat dairy foods. Having more Selenium can also affect a person adversely and care should be taken to keep daily intake to 55 mg.
It is generally said that too much caffeine also can affect the mood. To put simply, if one pays attention to what one is eating, a lot can be changed about being in good mood.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
26th Mar 2020
R. N. Mungale.
Useful information.