How Mood Boosting Foods Change Mental Outlook

 

The type of fuel we put in our cars can make a difference in how vehicles operate. The same principle goes for the food that fuels our bodies. Depending on our diet and how our bodies process the food we put in it can determine how we feel, both physically and emotionally. If you are feeling down in the dumps and can’t understand why, you may need to look into your diet and introduce your body to more mood boosting foods.

Mood Boosting Foods Can Change Body and Brain Chemistry

Sadness and depression can reroute brain chemistry through an influx of cortisol. Most of us reach for a food such as one that is sweet and rich to comfort us. However, this only compounds the problem by causing wild blood-sugar spikes that can make us feel worse. Instead of grabbing something like a greasy, delicious doughnut, ice cream or cake or drowning our sorrows in a stiff alcoholic drink, you want to keep your blood sugar on an even keel.

Mood boosting foods through a different form of carbohydrates are healthier alternatives. This doesn’t means giving up all our sweets, but limiting them a bit more and not overdoing. Unprocessed carbohydrate such as whole grains, beans and vegetables are easier for the body’s blood sugar to process.

A buildup of toxins that we are carrying around in our digestive track can also cause a bad mood and depression. In addition, unprocessed carbs contribute fiber to help clear out the system of toxins.  Our brain chemistry, body weight, and complexion will change for the better. Clearing out the system with plenty of fiber, water and the help of mood boosting foods such as beans, yogurt, apples, and fermented foods like sauerkraut can be all it takes to feel happiness set in.

 

The first order of business should be increasing the supply of B vitamins since these regulate the nervous system and how it translates into our emotions. Though all the B vitamins are important, the depleted ones such as B6 and B12 can be prime culprits. Mood-boosting foods that can help when we are feeling blue are ones such as whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, leafy green vegetables, poultry, and eggs are just some excellent sources.

Something else to ask yourself is the way that you are feeling possibly due to starting a new weight loss diet? For example, when we deny our body enough protein, the brain pays a price. The reason is because protein provides amino acids that help fire up our neurotransmitters. When we don’t get enough protein, then bad things happen since the brain can’t produce serotonin to cheer us up since it is what does control our moods.

According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), you need at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a calculator to determine what your body’s protein needs that are good to check out.

Getting a balanced intake of protein at least twice a day is what we should strive for.  You don’t necessarily have to eat two protein meals, but also turn to a protein snack such as a wedge of cheese, Greek yogurt, hard-boiled egg, etc.

Dark, gloomy weather can play a part in our mood. Sunlight gives us that crucial vitamin D. Without enough sunshine, our moods without proper lighting can plummet. Therefore, you may want to turn to mood boosting foods such as oily fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel, dairy, eggs, and cheese in case that you are lacking.

Everyone has some normal bouts of stress, sadness and depression. The information with mood boosting foods that I presented here is just a likely explanation for the food-related causes of what your mood can mean and not any medical diagnosis.