Many people think that a healthy diet is the key to a healthy body and a slim figure. But our eating habits affect more than just the body. They also act on our minds and our psyche. Sometimes we have a great mood, we feel full of strength and energy. On other days, for no apparent reason, we feel slowed down, tired, feel a sense of sadness, and do not want to do anything.
And the reason for this may be wrong eating habits. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the connection between them and anxiety and depression. In this article, we will guide you about the list of foods and beverages that can trigger depression and anxiety.
List of Foods That Cause Depression
Some foods do not do any good to your health and consuming them in excess causes depression. Our eating habits are closely related to our emotional state. So if you find yourself feeling depressed or anxious, take a look at your diet and make it healthier.
Addiction To Caffeine
And when caffeine is not ingested, the amount of serotonin decreases, and this causes anxiety, irritability, and a decrease in concentration. Therefore, you need to avoid drinking too much coffee throughout the day. If you really want a cup of coffee due to work exhaustion, you can drink it in moderation. Although coffee is a stimulant and is known to suppress hunger in most people, there are some who feel hungry after drinking a cup of coffee. To know whether coffee makes you hungry or not, read the article by clicking on the link.
And when caffeine is not ingested, the amount of serotonin decreases, and this causes anxiety, irritability, and a decrease in concentration. Therefore, you need to avoid drinking too much coffee throughout the day. If you really want a cup of coffee due to work exhaustion, you can drink it in moderation.
Drinking Alcohol
Many people know that alcohol abuse causes depression. However, they often fail to stop in time and drink alcohol in excess amounts. At such moments, people do not think about the consequences. And these consequences start from the very next morning in the form of a headache or even a hangover.
Alcohol not only causes depression but also leads to other serious health problems. It inhibits the production of the neurotransmitter glutamate and increases the production of neurotransmitters that have an inhibitory effect on the immune system. As a result, a person’s thoughts, movements, and speech slow down. The more we drink, the more pronounced this effect will be.
Alcohol also often causes aggressive or overly impulsive behavior. Moreover, those suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) are also more likely to have substance use disorder. According to statistics, addiction and trauma co-exist, damaging a person’s health. Therefore, if along with addiction, you are suffering from depression, PTSD, or any other mental disorder, consult a doctor.
Eating Too Much Sugar
For many, the usual dose of sugar per day is at least 16 tablespoons. Of course, this is too much. Excess consumption of sugar and sugary foods is one of our worst eating habits.This leads to a decrease in the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that regulates various functions in our body:
- Sleep cycles
- Pain control
- Maintaining the right level of carbohydrates
- Digestion
When serotonin lacks in the body, it causes depression. Often this increases the pressure and increases the production of cortisol.And this, in turn, can cause an increase in the production of thyroid hormones and problems with digestion.With a lack of serotonin in the body, problems with the reproductive system and fertility, as well as miscarriages, can be associated.
Eating Too Much Fried Food
When we feel bad, we are often drawn to eat something delicious. We think that after that we feel better. Usually, many prefer fast or deep-fried foods at such times. These include:
- Pizza
- Hamburgers
- Chips
And how often did these foods actually make you feel better? Maybe it’s just your bad eating habit, which you stick to only because you don’t know how much such foods affect your body and psyche? Such products are fried in hydrogenated oil, and they contain trans fats that are harmful to the body. They contribute to weight gain and also lead to depression.
Too Much Or Too Little Salt
If you are the type of person who loves salty foods, you should know that too much salt is dangerous for your health.Salt causes an increase in blood pressure. As a result, an additional load is placed on the heart.But if there is too little salt in your food, problems also arise. Both body and mind suffer. These are the problems:
- Depression
- Feeling frustrated
- Fatigue
- Hostile feelings (toward someone or something)
- Negative emotions
It is important that your diet contains a balanced salt content. To many, unsalted food seems tasteless, but you can gradually reduce the amount of salt (if there is too much of it) in your diet. With time, you will notice an improvement in your health. Read this article about Himalayan Salt vs Sea Salt to know more about healthier salt alternatives.
Going Without Breakfast Is Also Bad
Some people prefer to do without a normal breakfast. But did you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? When you don’t eat breakfast, the brain goes into low energy mode. But if you are, say, prone to depression, the brain must receive all possible energy in order to remain in a normal state.
Without breakfast, you can skip lunch, simply because you do not feel hungry. This is because your body is getting used to low energy consumption.But this is a bad eating habit, it has a bad effect on health. Therefore, it is better to have a normal breakfast, your body and brain will appreciate it.
Take Away
The lifestyle and eating habits of a person directly impact his or her mental health. We mentioned a list of foods and beverages that lead to depression and even anxiety. Therefore, you must refrain from their consumption to lead a healthy and happy life.
