Our diet not only has a direct effect on our health, but also has a more insidious effect on our mood. And that’s not surprising! Indeed, our stomach is our “second brain”. 90% of the serotonin (or happiness hormone) that regulates our mood comes directly from our intestines. However, certain foods induce a decrease in serotonin levels, which can make you more on edge. This disruption can cause sleep problems, sexual problems, depression or even aggression… In short, eat poorly and it will affect your mental state and your mood! Here are the foods that can put you in a bad mood.
1) Coffee
For many French people, coffee is a real addiction. This helps us wake up and gives us a boost during the day. However, be careful of excess! If you consume too much, this drink can indeed have many side effects. We already know that it can make it difficult to fall asleep and cause an increase in blood pressure. However, it can also promote difficulty concentrating and mood swings. So don’t drink it no more than 5 cups per day !
2) Junk food
Junk food often consists of high-calorie foods. However, the trans fats in our fries and burgers inhibit the action of omega-3 in the body. By limiting the proper functioning of good fats in the body, these foods end up causing a certain bad mood. According to a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (United States), we can then quickly become more aggressive and pessimistic, even depressed. It is therefore better to limit trans fatty acids as much as possible, in particular by reducing your consumption of junk food.
3) Fried foods
Do you only swear by nuggets, fries or even spring rolls? So, know that they are not only bad for the figure. Frying foods at very high temperatures can actually promote bad moods. Indeed, this prevents the release of certain hormones linked to well-being (serotonin, endorphin, etc.). So, even if you feel delighted and full, therefore happy at the moment after this type of meal, this effect does not last!
4) Candy
Artificial colors in industrial candies give them pretty colors. Nevertheless, the coloring and flavoring cocktail has rather tend to make us see the world in gray ! Sweets are foods that cause low morale, bad mood, headaches, insomnia or even concentration problems. In children, it increases hyperactivity. It is therefore a sweet pleasure that is not as innocent and sweet as it seems… When choosing, it is better to opt for artisanal candies made from ingredients of natural origin and without colorings.
5) Aperitif biscuits
Bad news for those who love getting together around a good aperitif! Crisps, peanuts, popcorn and other aperitif biscuits are all foods that promote bad mood. For example, we find monosodium glutamate or MGS (E621), a very common flavor enhancer in processed foods. However, this chemical food additive which can give headaches and a feeling of fatigue. Furthermore, these very rich snacks also make skyrocket our blood sugar levels and bring them back down just as quickly. These variations are not without causing a feeling of irritability.