5 Common Foods That Are Making You Sad

Life can bring about a lot of situations that can cause lots of sadness and grief. But what about what we eat? Turns out your diet can not only have a direct effect on your physical health, but your mental health as well. Here's a small list of foods that can cause depression:

1. Cereal. Although very convenient as well as tasty, there are a few down sides to eating cereal. Studies have shown that cereal can cause depression mainly due to the fact that it's refined and processed. This means that it has been completely stripped of its nutritional value, leaving it to be nothing more than empty calories. Also, refined carbs have a high glycemic index which can cause spiked blood sugar, which can ultimately lead to the blues.

2. White Bread. A very popular staple in many pantries, people are unaware of the effects that white bread can have on your mental health. White bread goes through a process that removes all its vitamins & nutrients, and replaces them with loads of chemicals. These chemicals can trigger a hormonal response in the body and cause blood level reduction. In turn, this can cause changes in your mood, fatigue, and symptoms of depression.

3. Coffee. Sure it tastes great and gives us that excellent boost of energy in the morning but that's not all coffee does to us. Studies have shown that coffee can have long-lasting negative effects on the brain. One study was conducted among college students both average and high coffee consumers, and they all scored high on a depression scale in comparison to those who consumed coffee way less. Taking precaution and drinking coffee in moderation, can greatly decrease your chances of developing depression in the long-run.

4. Fries. Like most fried foods out there fries contain artificial trans fats. During manufacturing, fries go through a process that involves hydrogenated oils which can contribute to depression. Adding olive oil to your diet can prove much safer for your overall health and well-being, as it can help lower your risk of depression by 30%.

5. Diet Soda. You can't actually lose weight from diet soda but you can become depressed from it. Diet soda contains the ingredient aspartame which is an artificial sweetener. Aspartame is comprised of 3 chemicals: phenylalaline, asparatic acid, and menthanol which are all very dangerous. When consumed, aspartame can cause phenylalaline levels in the blood to increase (which can be found in significant areas of the brain) thus decreasing serotonin levels in the brain. This can lead to emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.

It may not be easy but working on your diet will greatly benefit you in the long run. Take it one day at a time and always remember, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical.


 By Acacia Jones


Article Source: 5 Common Foods That Are Making You Sad