Moody Foods: How Your Diet Can Affect Anxiety And Depression
It’s no secret that the food we eat affects our physical health. It might not be as commonly-known that there are also some close associations between our food choices and our mental health, especially when it comes to anxious and depressed feelings. In fact, what you eat can dramatically alter your mood. If you’re not feeling like your best self, it’s helpful to know what foods have been linked with an increase in anxiety and depression. Some of them, such as tomatoes, might come as a surprise, while others, like artificial sweeteners, are more well-known to cause issues.
Fast Food
Indulging in fast food might not seem like that big a deal. After all, it’s cheap and convenient when you’re on the go. However, the negative effects of fast food on your physical and mental well-being might not be worth the splurge.
In fact, research published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience in 2017 revealed a link between eating lots of fast food and an increase in “perceived mental distress.” Fast food tends to be high in trans fats, saturated fats, and omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause an inflammatory response when consumed in large doses. Past research has linked inflammation to both anxiety and depression.
