Suffering From Mood Swings? Time To Change Your Diet
June 11, 2007
The phrase you are what you eat is widely used but if you stop to think about this statement – it honestly stands true. Our complexion, wellness, level of fitness and moods all depend on what we consume.
Many victims of mood swings tend to gulp down ice cream, whipped cream and even bars of chocolate when they are upset. This sugary treat relaxes them and helps to change their mood. Depression, rejection, loneliness and many such negative emotions get thumbs up with a tub of comfort foods. These foods supply glucose – a form of simple sugar to the brain and instantly they are pepped up. The drawbacks are unnecessary weight gain, dependency on sugary treats and the feel of elation lasts for few hours. When there is a drop in the sugar level again, they leave the person fatigued and low.
Similarly tea, coffee, colas or cigarettes are commonly consumed to keep us awake, fill in between meals and sometimes relaxes us in stressful times. These give us a high followed by a low again. These stimulants only elevate the mood and affect the stomach lining when consumed on an empty stomach causing ulcer and other gastric complications.
The best way to control such mood swings is to start the day with milk and milk products like yoghurt, cottage cheese. You can also include whole grain cereals, a variety of nuts and fruits. These type of food are knows as low glycemic index foods as they help the body to sustain the release of glucose in a controlled manner. There are no highs and lows when we consume them. Apart from that these food contain a lot of minerals and essential nutrients which revitalize us in our morning activities.
In the middle of the day, instead of drinking numerous cups of coffee change the mood to drinking chilled, fresh citrus juices or vegetable juices. You can also try green tea as it has various benefits which have been explained in my previous post – “The Cup Of Life.”
A diet rich in iron in addition to vitamin C improves iron stores in the body and improves mental functioning. Iron is know to supply oxygen to the starved brain cells, releasing a number of chemicals and keeps us mentally agile. Protein rich foods contain B-complex group of vitamins like choline which is involved in processing memory. These are found in groundnuts, pulses, beans, soy products and in vegetables like beetroot, carrots, turnip and cabbage.
Without getting too deep into science and scientific terminologies and make this confusing, the simple solution is to eat right. Strike a balance in your diet, without skipping meals. Avoid high calorie content in foods and drinking plenty of water.
We all encounter mood changes in our daily lives. Controlling it and being productive is the key. Try the change in your diet with the pointers which have been mentioned in this article and you will definitely feel the difference.
©Nayna, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
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