Poor diet choices can lead to a variety of physical ailments, including type II diabetes. In fact, nearly 10 percent of Americans now suffer from this ailment, which is a growing cause of death in the country. This has led to many studies of the correlation between diet and physical health; however, what is less often discussed is how what people eat can affect their mental well-being. If you suffer from depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or anxiety, you may want to know how your current diet may be impacting the severity of daily symptoms connected with these mental health problems.
- Refined Sugar Can Affect Focus
If you suffer from any type of attention disorder, you may want to review your daily refined sugar intake. Pre-packaged meals, desserts, and soda usually all contain high amounts of added or refined sugar, and some studies have shown that this can trigger incidents of hyperactivity in both children and adults who suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. While ADHD can be managed with medication and therapy, cutting back on sugar may boost the effectiveness of these treatments.
Kicking soda can be quite effective for lowering your sugar intake. Cutting it out of your diet can be difficult, especially if you have been drinking it for many years, but there are ways to kick the habit. Try sparkling flavored water, make your own infused water, or, if you cannot resist the flavor of your favorite soda, switch to a sugar-free option.
- Fatty Foods May Increase Depression Symptoms
Recent tests performed at the University of Montreal suggest that a diet high in fast-food items and other fatty foods may cause or increase signs of depression. This may explain why you crave fast food the more often you eat it, as the ingredients in cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and milkshakes satisfy the pleasure centers of the brain when the craving is satisfied.
However, there is a definite drawback to satisfying these desires, especially if you have depression. Saturated fat and sugar have been shown to cause widespread inflammation in the body and can trigger depressive symptoms by affecting certain chemicals in the brain. While giving into fast-food cravings can feel good while you indulge, you may feel down or guilty afterward. Try to curb cravings with crunchy fruits and vegetables or go for a walk until the impulse to go for drive-thru passes.
- Dehydration Can Increase Anxiety
If you are prone to anxiety attacks, you may want to review your hydration needs. Dehydration can happen at any time of year and not just during the summer. It may make you feel dizzy and increase your pulse rate. Since these symptoms can be similar to what you feel during an anxiety episode, think about whether you may be dehydrated if you suddenly begin to feel them without experiencing another trigger.
You can track your hydration needs by drinking water at the same time every day. For example, if you are taking Thrive supplements to boost your energy and focus, then drink a full eight-ounce glass of water with them. Drink water with meals instead of soda or alcohol, and remind yourself to hydrate with daily notifications on your smartphone.
- Poor Diet May Increase Mood Disorders
Your doctor may have already told you that a healthy diet can improve your physical health, but it may have an impact on mood disorder symptoms as well. Foods that are rich in protein and complex carbohydrates can help regulate your blood sugar, which may help you feel calmer and less depressed. If you want to pair a new diet with a supplement that is designed to boost energy and mental focus, consider browsing Thrive reviews to decide whether the company’s products are the right choice when it comes to improving your well-being.
Living with anxiety, depression, or attention disorders can be a challenge that may affect your everyday life. However, proper nutrition can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and help you feel more at ease.
