We often eat to calm down or cheer up when we're feeling stressed or depressed. Now new research suggest there's a reason: food changes our brain chemistry. These changes powerfully influence our mood. But can certain foods really make us feel better? Nutrition experts say yes. But what should we eat and what should we avoid ? Here are the foods that work the best, as well as those that can make a bad day worse.
The Outsmart Stress
What's good ? Recent research suggest that foods that are high in Carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, and pasta, can help you calm down . Researchers say that Carbohydrates cause the brain to release a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin makes you feel better.
What's bad ? many people drink coffee when they feel stress. The heat is soothing and the caffeine in coffee might help you think more clearly. But if you drink too much, you may become even more anxious and irritable.
The Soothe the Blues
What’s good ? introduce more lean meat, chicken, seafood and whole grains into your diet. These foods have a lot of selenium. Selenium is a mineral that helps people feel more relaxed and happy. You can also try eating a Brazil nut every day. One Brazil nut contains a lot of selenium.
What’s bad ? when they're feeling low, many people turn to comfort foods – or foods that make them feel happy or secure. These often include things like sweet desserts. A chocolate bar may make you feel better at first, but within an hour you may feel worse than you did before.