Eating isn’t only about getting the right nutrients and satiating your craving for your favorite foods. It’s also about ensuring that your body feels good and runs properly. If you experience depressive symptoms, the foods that you consume may be the root of your problem.
Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Watching your diet and limiting your sugar consumption helps shed unwanted pounds. But eliminating sweets and foods high in fructose corn syrup can reduce your feelings of depression.
High fructose corn syrup negatively reacts to the happy hormone best known as serotonin. When you consume excessive amounts, you may feel more fatigued. If you’re looking for a snack, opt for natural sugar found in fruit.
High in Sodium
Teen mental health issues should be taken seriously, as they can lead to more complicated problems later into their adulthood. Counseling alone may be enough to help you through your depression. There are also other things that work in tandem with therapy.
Eliminating foods high in sodium can be good for you neurological system. Per the American Heart Association, limit yourself to approximately 1,500 mg of sodium per day. To ensure that you consume less salt, it’s important to read labels.
Artificial Sweeteners
When you cut sugar from your diet, you may find the item replaced with artificial sweeteners. Although they may be a way for you to enjoy sweets and diet sodas, studies show that artificial sweeteners may lower a person’s serotonin levels.
This means that your body is more susceptible to feelings of depression and anxiety. The artificial products hold absolutely no known nutrients and can even cause an individual to crave carbs and sweets. When you’re shopping for food, it’s important to read the label to determine sugar grams and if a product is made using artificial sweeteners.
Alcohol
A glass of wine or hard liquor may be relaxing when first sipped, but it’s a depressant. The more you drink of the substance, the more that you’ll become dependent and depressed over time. If you want to have a cocktail, do so in moderation. Limit it to when you go out with friends or a special occasion.
Foods High in Pesticides
Certain foods are grown using high levels of pesticides. But the toxins can be detrimental to your mental wellness. Found in the fruit and vegetable section of your market, the chemicals used keep bugs from permeating the food.
Instead of purchasing peaches, apples celery, nectarines, peppers, berries kale, grapes cherries and potatoes in the regular section of the market, opt for the organic versions. Your mind and body will thank you.
Foods to Consume instead
Part of that reason is because the foods that are available today have changed. With fast food restaurants on every corner and processed foods taking up the majority of space in your local market, individuals have come away from naturally eating.
The above mentioned items are fine in moderation. But if you want to change your life and feel better, your focus should be on making healthier choices such as veggies, fruits, whole-grains, fish and lean meats. Depression wasn’t quite as prevalent back in the day.
Take a close look at the foods you eat, as they can do so much more than provide nourishment to your body. When you make the right choices, certain options have the ability to lift your mood, boost your energy and make you feel happy.
But choosing the wrong items can wreak havoc with your brain chemicals and leave you depressed and fatigued. That’s why it’s important to read labels and follow the above tips when you make your next trip to the grocery store. Armed with the right information, you can ease your symptoms of depression and take control of your life.
