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Don't eat these foods if you want to be happy!

Don't eat these foods if you want to be happy!

Do you ever notice that you feel sad and gloomy after eating certain types of food?

It might not just be in your imagination!

Research suggests that a diet based on whole grains, lean protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables lifts the mood and helps avoid depression. And there seems to be a link between eating too much "junk" or highly processed food and feeling sad.

But intriguing evidence is emerging that for some people, specific foods can affect their mental well-being. So which are the foods to avoid - and which ones should you eat to improve your mood?


Which foods can make you sad?

Processed foods

Many people notice that their mood improves when they cut out processed foods. Because there are so many different ingredients in processed food, it's hard to identify which ones affect your mood.

Trans fats, sometimes known as partially hydrated oils, are high on the list of suspect ingredients. They are found in some biscuits, pastries and cakes. Emulsifiers included in some processed products are also believed to have a detrimental effect on the gut.

Avoiding heavily processed foods and eating more whole foods will improve your gut health; your gut is sometimes called your second brain, and good gut health is linked to good mental health. So if you're feeling dejected, cutting out processed foods could help you to feel happier.

Sugar

When we eat sugar regularly, our gut lining can be damaged and become "leaky", allowing some molecules to pass through the walls of the gut into the blood. This causes inflammation in the body. While scientists still do not fully understand the link, inflammation increases the risk of depression.

We often turn to sweet, sugary foods when we're feeling low or need a quick pick-me-up. But the energy provided by a sugar rush doesn't last long, and a few hours later, you find yourself starting to flag. Both low and high blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on your mood. So if you often find yourself feeling tired and "hangry", try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and reduce the sugar you consume.

MSG

Many people report that they suffer from symptoms ranging from headaches and bad dreams to skin rashes after eating foods containing monosodium glutamate or MSG, a flavour enhancer. However, scientific testing has uncovered no evidence to support these beliefs.

It's impossible to exclude sensitivity to MSG in some people. Still, these symptoms could equally be caused by other ingredients in the dish, such as spices, high levels of fat, or just because you've eaten a too-generous portion. When your gut's unhappy because you've overindulged, it's sure to let you know!

Gluten

People who have coeliac disease are intolerant to gluten, a substance found in bread, cakes and a host of other products containing wheat flour. If they eat foods containing gluten, they risk symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue and pain. While around 1 in 70 people is coeliac, many believe they are sensitive to gluten without being diagnosed.

They say that gluten makes them unwell both physically and mentally, causing anxiety, bad moods and depression. But so far, there's little scientific evidence to support the belief that gluten can make non-coeliacs unwell. When people feel better after avoiding gluten, it could be that they've also replaced processed products with healthier foods and generally adopted a healthier lifestyle.

Which foods should you eat to be happier?

Now you know which foods might make you feel sad, it's good to know that there are plenty of foods to eat that will help lift your mood. The following foods are rich in nutrients that boost your body's production of the "happy hormones": dopamine and serotonin.

Chocolate

Chocolate's mood-boosting power is thanks to phenylethylamine, the chemical that is responsible for that walking-on-air feeling you get when you're in love. It also contains tryptophan, a substance that triggers the body's production of serotonin. Dark chocolate is more nutritious than milk chocolate as it contains other valuable minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc. Don't overdo it though, a few squares a day are plenty!

Other foods to choose from include:

  • Turkey - low-fat meat that contains high levels of tryptophan
  • Eggs - Egg yolks also contain tryptophan as well as tyrosine, choline, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Pineapples are rich in serotonin. Tomatoes are another excellent choice: their serotonin content actually increases as they ripen, so choose nice red ones.
  • Cheese - another delicious food with a high tryptophan content.
  • Soy - the perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians. Tofu and other soy products make great substitutes for fish or meat in mood-boosting recipes.

A final thought

If you're feeling gloomy and depressed, Bach Flower Mix 65 is formulated with pure flower essences to help banish dark clouds, improve your sleep and help you feel happier. Rather than focussing on particular foods, most dietitians recommend eating a balanced, healthy diet. And if you find yourself "crashing" and reaching for sugary snacks, try eating "little and often" to stabilise your blood sugar levels.


Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/how-food-affects-your-moods#:~:text=As%20more%20tryptophan%20enters%20the,include%20fish%20and%20vitamin%20D

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/about-food-and-mood/

Created by Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch

Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.

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Feeling blue?

Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.

Isn't depression just a fancy word for feeling a bit down?

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety affect around 1 in 6 people at some stage of their life. Despite it being such a common problem, many sufferers wait months or even years before seeking help.

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According to figures from the World Health Organisation, more than 260 million people worldwide suffer from depression. And it's not only adults who are diagnosed with this illness. Children as young as three or four years old can experience depression.

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Don't eat these foods if you want to be happy!

Don't eat these foods if you want to be happy!
Don't eat these foods if you want to be happy!

Do you ever notice that you feel sad and gloomy after eating certain types of food?

It might not just be in your imagination!

Research suggests that a diet based on whole grains, lean protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables lifts the mood and helps avoid depression. And there seems to be a link between eating too much "junk" or highly processed food and feeling sad.

But intriguing evidence is emerging that for some people, specific foods can affect their mental well-being. So which are the foods to avoid - and which ones should you eat to improve your mood?

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Which foods can make you sad?

Processed foods

Many people notice that their mood improves when they cut out processed foods. Because there are so many different ingredients in processed food, it's hard to identify which ones affect your mood.

Trans fats, sometimes known as partially hydrated oils, are high on the list of suspect ingredients. They are found in some biscuits, pastries and cakes. Emulsifiers included in some processed products are also believed to have a detrimental effect on the gut.

Avoiding heavily processed foods and eating more whole foods will improve your gut health; your gut is sometimes called your second brain, and good gut health is linked to good mental health. So if you're feeling dejected, cutting out processed foods could help you to feel happier.

Sugar

When we eat sugar regularly, our gut lining can be damaged and become "leaky", allowing some molecules to pass through the walls of the gut into the blood. This causes inflammation in the body. While scientists still do not fully understand the link, inflammation increases the risk of depression.

We often turn to sweet, sugary foods when we're feeling low or need a quick pick-me-up. But the energy provided by a sugar rush doesn't last long, and a few hours later, you find yourself starting to flag. Both low and high blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on your mood. So if you often find yourself feeling tired and "hangry", try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and reduce the sugar you consume.

MSG

Many people report that they suffer from symptoms ranging from headaches and bad dreams to skin rashes after eating foods containing monosodium glutamate or MSG, a flavour enhancer. However, scientific testing has uncovered no evidence to support these beliefs.

It's impossible to exclude sensitivity to MSG in some people. Still, these symptoms could equally be caused by other ingredients in the dish, such as spices, high levels of fat, or just because you've eaten a too-generous portion. When your gut's unhappy because you've overindulged, it's sure to let you know!

Gluten

People who have coeliac disease are intolerant to gluten, a substance found in bread, cakes and a host of other products containing wheat flour. If they eat foods containing gluten, they risk symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue and pain. While around 1 in 70 people is coeliac, many believe they are sensitive to gluten without being diagnosed.

They say that gluten makes them unwell both physically and mentally, causing anxiety, bad moods and depression. But so far, there's little scientific evidence to support the belief that gluten can make non-coeliacs unwell. When people feel better after avoiding gluten, it could be that they've also replaced processed products with healthier foods and generally adopted a healthier lifestyle.

Which foods should you eat to be happier?

Now you know which foods might make you feel sad, it's good to know that there are plenty of foods to eat that will help lift your mood. The following foods are rich in nutrients that boost your body's production of the "happy hormones": dopamine and serotonin.

Chocolate

Chocolate's mood-boosting power is thanks to phenylethylamine, the chemical that is responsible for that walking-on-air feeling you get when you're in love. It also contains tryptophan, a substance that triggers the body's production of serotonin. Dark chocolate is more nutritious than milk chocolate as it contains other valuable minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc. Don't overdo it though, a few squares a day are plenty!

Other foods to choose from include:

  • Turkey - low-fat meat that contains high levels of tryptophan
  • Eggs - Egg yolks also contain tryptophan as well as tyrosine, choline, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Pineapples are rich in serotonin. Tomatoes are another excellent choice: their serotonin content actually increases as they ripen, so choose nice red ones.
  • Cheese - another delicious food with a high tryptophan content.
  • Soy - the perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians. Tofu and other soy products make great substitutes for fish or meat in mood-boosting recipes.

A final thought

If you're feeling gloomy and depressed, Bach Flower Mix 65 is formulated with pure flower essences to help banish dark clouds, improve your sleep and help you feel happier. Rather than focussing on particular foods, most dietitians recommend eating a balanced, healthy diet. And if you find yourself "crashing" and reaching for sugary snacks, try eating "little and often" to stabilise your blood sugar levels.


Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/how-food-affects-your-moods#:~:text=As%20more%20tryptophan%20enters%20the,include%20fish%20and%20vitamin%20D

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/about-food-and-mood/


Marie Pure

Other articles


Feeling blue

Feeling blue?

Feeling blue? You're not alone! We all feel sad at times; it's a normal human emotion. Sometimes, it's clear to see what has triggered our depression. Common reasons for feeling sad include bereavement, the end of a relationship, losing your job or money problems. But it's not always so clearcut.

Read the complete article

Isn't depression just a fancy word for feeling a bit down

Isn't depression just a fancy word for feeling a bit down?

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety affect around 1 in 6 people at some stage of their life. Despite it being such a common problem, many sufferers wait months or even years before seeking help.

Read the complete article

Subtle signs your child is unhappy

Subtle signs your child is unhappy

According to figures from the World Health Organisation, more than 260 million people worldwide suffer from depression. And it's not only adults who are diagnosed with this illness. Children as young as three or four years old can experience depression.

Read the complete article

I don't want to!

I don't want to!

Motivation can be somewhat elusive - some days, you just can't seem to make yourself do the stuff you don't want to. But putting things off just leads to stress, frustration and a sense of guilt.

Read the complete article

How to know when to say no

How to know when to say no

It's often difficult to say no, but some people never do! So how do you know when to say no and when to say yes?

Read the complete article

Live Forever the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life

Live Forever: the Habits of People Who Live a Long, Healthy Life

Legends of immortality have been told and retold throughout history. From ancient Greek myths to modern movies and novels, the dream of eternal youth has been passed down from generation to generation.

Read the complete article

The Top 6 Reasons People Fall Short of Their Dietary Goals

The Top 6 Reasons People Fall Short of Their Dietary Goals

While sticking to a diet can be difficult, our Bach Flower Mix 51 will help you maintain discipline while providing a dose of courage when the going gets tough.

Read the complete article

Signs you're slipping into a burn-out

Signs you're slipping into a burn-out

Learn how to recognise the signs of stress and avoid slipping into a burnout or a bore-out

Read the complete article

How to spice up your life

How to spice up your life

Do you feel you're always doing the same things and not getting anywhere? It's common to feel stuck in a rut, treading water and just going through the motions.

Read the complete article

Choose for your happiness

Choose for your happiness!

Being happy is something everybody strives for, but unfortunately there are a lot of people who go through life unhappily. A lot of people take life how it is.

Read the complete article

Bach Flowers are not medicinal but harmless plant extracts which are used to support health.

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