You are what you eat...
There is a
nice article on the link between nutrition and emotional states at MSN - although the article is slanted towards women, the content is applicable to everyone -- a brief excerpt or two:
Ross explains that because what and how you eat affects your energy level, it influences your frame of mind. "For instance, everybody knows that you feel better when you exercise," she explains. "But people don't exercise because they're tired, and they have low energy because of their diet." Likewise, not eating well -- consuming too much sugar and caffeine -- may cause sleep problems; lack of sleep will in turn exacerbate anxiety and depression.
The next time you're wondering what you can do to make yourself feel better, check out your pantry before checking in with your doctor.
Items to add to the pantry:
Protein. "Protein is a must if you're trying to level out mood swings," says Ross. "Many people who've been trying to keep fat intake down have done so by eliminating protein, but we need protein: it helps keep our blood sugar levels balanced.
There is more. A lot of this is just basic common sense but the article addresses it well and is worth reading if you don't really have a handle on what you are eating.
Posted by DaveH at May 4, 2005 9:45 PM