How Food Affects Your Mood and Brain Chemistry

How Food Affects Your Mood and Brain Chemistry

The Food Mood Connection: How Food Affects Your Mood and Brain Chemistry We all love food and we all know that eating too much of anything isn’t good for you. But what you may not know is how certain foods affect your mood and which food ‘vices’ are actually good for boosting your mood- in moderation, of course. Here are some mood boosters and mood downers to keep in mind: Mood Boosters: How Food affects your moodChocolate: First up on the list should come as no surprise. Some refer to it as an aphrodisiac while others refer to it as pure bliss in a bar. It’s chocolate of course. Chocolate boosts serotonin in the brain, which is what accounts for our happy moods. In fact, anti-depressants work in a way that allows for more serotonin uptake in the brain. But having too much of a good thing always has its down sides, like serious health risks when there is a high blood sugar level, not to mention energy ‘crashes’ from drops in blood sugar levels. But, for the sake of boosting your mood in a pinch, go right ahead and indulge. Bananas: You know that enormous pleasure you feel when you emerge your body under a hot shower or bath? That pleasure sensation comes from a chemical in the brain called dopamine. And surprise surprise, the sweet banana has it all wrapped up under one peel. Plus, don’t forget all the healthy vitamins and minerals it contains too, such as potassium, vitamin B6 and iron. So add a banana to your snack routine and you’ll be sure to get a little bump in your mood. Sunflower Seeds: Hello, sunshine! As sunflower seeds have a high concentration of folate and magnesium, 2 substances that account for regulating and boosting mood, these may just hit the spot. And, many nutritional experts recommend this snack as a natural way to increase your serotonin levels. Mood Downers: Sugar: From sugary drinks like soda to cookies and cupcakes galore, these junk foods with excessive amounts of sugar will cause major fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which account for major changes in energy and mood- not to mention putting you at a significantly higher risk for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Processed Foods: Additives in these foods can really wreak havoc on the body and put a lot of stress on organs, as processed foods are foreign to the body and not easily processed throughout the body. These foods also tend to have lots of trans fats, which are linked to increased aggression and irritability. Yikes! On the flip side, more natural foods help put you in a better mood, which should come as no surprise. Caffeine: For a quick pick me up, caffeine is like a miracle drug. And, it’s not even recommended that you quit caffeine all together. Rather, limit or minimize your consumption to counter the effects on your dopamine levels after that wave of energy passes. Half-Caff coffee anyone? Tea is another great alternative, which still typically contains caffeine, but in lesser amounts. Make sure to 'Like Us' on Facebook so you'll be kept up to date with lots more health, consumer and fun facts news and insights!

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