Food and personal well-being: discovering the foods that can negatively affect our mood, and which is therefore good to know and consume in moderation
When it comes to the combination diet food and wellness attention generally falls on foods that contain substances that can relieve stress, fatigue and insomnia and are therefore able to stimulate a good mood. In particular, these are foods characterized by a high content of tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that regulates mood in the brain. While on the one hand it is good that these "foods of good humor" are present or that they are introduced as part of a balanced diet, on the other it is also important knowing and limiting the intake of those who, otherwise, can increase negative sensations and feelings.
What are "foods of unhappiness"
It should be noted, first of all, that to decree what these foods are from unpleasant side effects on our happiness it's science. This category of foodstuffs and food products, in fact, is mainly characterized by a high quantity of refined sugar and refined and starchy carbohydrates, but also hydrogenated fatty acids and sodium. All these substances, although initially giving a pleasant sense of fulfillment, then end up being harmful both for our body and for our mood. In particular, the increase in the blood sugar level can cause symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating; the consumption of hydrogenated fats (or trans fatty acids), on the other hand, can make us more nervous and aggressive since, in addition to decreasing the level of good cholesterol and having effects on the metabolism, they hinder the intake of Omega 3 fats, able to regulate mood and behavior.
Attention to "comfort junk food"
The bad news is that, as we have seen, foods that can worsen mood often hide behind the deceptive label of "comfort food", or foods, often associated with traditions, habits and happy personal memories, from which we feel more easily attracted. Although some comfort foods are healthy, low-calorie and nutritious, most of them contain the harmful substances that we have analyzed before and that, in fact, give us a fleeting happiness and then leave us with a sense of irritability, sadness, listlessness and, last but not least, with great feelings of guilt. To make it more complicated is that the temporary feeling of well-being is a chemical effect of contained sugars and fats, which initially increase the release of dopamine, or the famous neurotransmitter that stimulates pleasure and personal motivation.
The pursuit of happiness can begin at the table: which foods to limit
In short, these high-calorie foods that can worsen mood are a real trap that is easy to fall into. Among the many foods for which moderate consumption is recommended, there are first of all packaged, frozen, or freeze-dried foods and baked goods that are high in hydrogenated fats, refined sugar, and salt; they range from potato chips in bags to sweet and savory snacks to less suspicious food products, such as canned foods, cereals, yogurt, fruit juices or energy bars. Knowing how to read and understand food product labels is essential, also because the danger often hides behind reassuring labels and terms such as "light", "vegan" or "palm oil free". It is good then, to pay close attention to alcohol and carbonated drinks, often rich in sugar, and last but not least, in drinks and foods they contain caffeine. This substance, in fact, can have positive effects on mood if consumed moderately, otherwise it can cause agitation and anxiety.
In short, a varied and balanced diet is not enough to be happy, but it is also important think about the effects of what we eat on our feelings and what we feel and choose the foods that make us smile and feel good.
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