You are what you eat: An Approach to Better Health While driving home down a highway, you encounter a billboard that advertises your particular delicacy. Craving sets in and immediately you are feeling uncontrollably excited, aroused to satisfy it. What does one do when faced with that dilemma? Food and life are nearly synonymous since food is essential for the survival of both human and animal species. Beyond satisfying physiological needs, food may also exert a powerful influence on feelings and emotions. As a matter of fact, eating is known to extend well beyond the need to stay adequately nourished. Scientists and researchers have suggested that food has a significant influence over our mood and how we feel. Consequently, our
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Several studies indicate that foods and nutrients might be used therapeutically to treat such common problems as depression, insomnia, hyperactivity, chronic pain and carbohydrate cravings. For example, in his book “A Psychology of Food: More Than a Matter of Taste”, Lyman argues that foods determine our moods and our moods determine what we eat. When an individual is in emotional distress such as depressive state and anxiety, they are more likely to crave sweet carbohydrate and fat rich snacks such as ice cream, candy bars, and desserts. “The sensation of sweetness is innately pleasant. These foods when consumed are known to offer temporary mood improvement’ (Lyman …show more content…
First and foremost are probiotic fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir. These foods have been shown to reduce the reactivity to sad mood. Scientists have determined that the type and amount of bacteria in your gut impacts your mood. It was observed in a study carried out at McMaster University in Canada that aggressive mice became calm when they were fed probiotics. Another powerful mood-enhancing food is the flaxseed. Flaxseeds contain high levels of tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids which are known to contribute to increased levels of serotonin. Omega 3 fatty acids have been used to treat depression and makes up a large portion of brain nerve cells that are very important. According to findings from a study conducted by Young & Martin, it is advised to take 1-2 teaspoons of flax seed oil to see dramatic improvement on your mood (Young & Martin
Several studies indicate that foods and nutrients might be used therapeutically to treat such common problems as depression, insomnia, hyperactivity, chronic pain and carbohydrate cravings. For example, in his book “A Psychology of Food: More Than a Matter of Taste”, Lyman argues that foods determine our moods and our moods determine what we eat. When an individual is in emotional distress such as depressive state and anxiety, they are more likely to crave sweet carbohydrate and fat rich snacks such as ice cream, candy bars, and desserts. “The sensation of sweetness is innately pleasant. These foods when consumed are known to offer temporary mood improvement’ (Lyman …show more content…
First and foremost are probiotic fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir. These foods have been shown to reduce the reactivity to sad mood. Scientists have determined that the type and amount of bacteria in your gut impacts your mood. It was observed in a study carried out at McMaster University in Canada that aggressive mice became calm when they were fed probiotics. Another powerful mood-enhancing food is the flaxseed. Flaxseeds contain high levels of tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids which are known to contribute to increased levels of serotonin. Omega 3 fatty acids have been used to treat depression and makes up a large portion of brain nerve cells that are very important. According to findings from a study conducted by Young & Martin, it is advised to take 1-2 teaspoons of flax seed oil to see dramatic improvement on your mood (Young & Martin