How Food Affects the Mood

How Food Affects the Mood

Introduction

We manage our body three times a day with the food we eat. The cleaner your diet, the better you feel. In addition to general health, opting for healthy food, you can significantly improve your mood. Mood affects everything - from too much caffeine, to the lack of whole grains. Do you feel irritated or sad? Or maybe tired? Change your diet and change your life. Here's how (mayoclinic.com, 2009):

Background

Certain foods can influence how we feel. It affects the body's metabolism, hormones and neurotransmitters (mood chemicals that are produced in the brain), and these in turn influence our emotions, concentration and energy. Proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins in foods work to keep our metabolism, hormones and neurotransmitters in check, which also balances our moods. By contrast, consuming too much sugar, alcohol and caffeine can cause low moods by bringing on an inflammatory response in the nervous system.

Food is a powerful tool that's often overlooked in its effect on mental health.

Previous Research suggests that a number of specific nutrients and other active substances in foods are thought to have a direct impact on mood. Researcher explores the evidence linking food with aspects of mood and behaviour. Areas usually covered include premenstrual syndrome, chocolate craving, mood swings, and how we eat in relation to specific mood states such as fear, happiness and anxiety.

Statement of the Problem

The impact of food on our mood

Significance

It is commonly believed that what we eat and drink has an impact on our moods. As moods, in turn, are linked to behaviour and mental and physical performance, it is important to determine whether these food-mood relationships are real or imagined.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant facts and figures related to the impact of food on our mood. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of current scientific understanding of how foods and nutrients affect mood and behaviour.

After reading this article you should be able to:

Examine the evidence demonstrating that particular foods and nutrients have an effect on mood.

Appreciate the complex nature of food-mood inter-relationships and how they vary between individuals.

Appreciate the impact of psychological factors on mood and food consumption

Recognise that modifications to diet, physical activity and attitudes to food can be managed to help improve mood.

Rationale

,Although still relatively poorly understood, there is increasing scientific ...