Are you feeling so down because of everything you often hear from the news and all those things you see on social media? With what is happening across the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, know it is inevitable to feel that way. Though we can never do anything with regards to the increasing number of cases and deaths, experts say it is still better to fight off negative emotions than to let yourself be devoured by it.
Did you know that one of the ways on how you could manage your emotion is by having a balanced and nutritious meal? Here are some of the most crucial things you need to know.
CAN THE FOOD YOU EAT AFFECT YOUR MENTAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH?
Several studies were conducted that showed the relationship between the food we eat towards our mental, emotional, and psychological health. According to the results, people are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar affective disorder, and other mental health issues once they don't embrace a healthy diet. This is most likely to happen to those who are deprived of nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and tryptophan, as reported by Family Doctor.
WHAT ARE THE FOOD THAT YOU SHOULD AVOID?
Sugary drinks like soda, juices, and other beverages might be a good source of an instant boost and kick to become more productive during the day. But did you know that it could also make you irritable, tired, and depressed even more?
Once consumed, the sugar content of these drinks are easily absorbed by the body. This eventually could cause a rapid increase in one's energy. Unfortunately, once it crashes, your energy levels, mood, and even blood sugar levels could be negatively affected by it big time.
Other foods that are worse for your mental health are those that have refined carbs, aspartame, and high trans-fatty acids. Some of these foods are cereals, pasta, white rice, bread, cheese, cakes, sausage, bacon, hotdogs, gum, yogurt, fast foods, pizza, and stick margarine. Also, drinking anything with alcohol in it could make you feel even worse.
WHAT IS THE BEST DIET PLAN?
According to Medical News Today, though there isn't a specific diet that focuses on improving your mental health, the Mediterranean diet is the best diet that could help lessen the risks of having mental issues. This is basically due to its high vitamin D, methyl folate, fatty acids, and s-adenosylmethionine content. The Mediterranean diet usually consists of a balanced meal of potatoes, whole grains, fruits and veggies, beans, nuts, fat, poultry and meat, and wine.
