If you’ve found yourself reaching for your favorite comfort foods more often over the last several months, it’s not a coincidence. The gut is a “second brain,” meaning what you consume can impact your mood.
But the temporary high from those fries – or your treat of choice – is just that: temporary. While food isn’t a substitute for medicine, experts recommend using a healthy diet to strengthen responses to stress, anxiety and depression.
That includes a diet rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant foods, including omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, fermented foods, and fruits and vegetables.
Some ways you can monitor how food impacts your moods:
- Track both what you eat and how it makes you feel for a few days.
- Look for patterns: Is it hard to sleep after a day of highly processed meals or snacks? Are your reactions to stress more aggressive after you’ve swigged a soda?
- Try cutting out one or two things.
- If you are seeing a counselor, share your food journal.
- Consult a nutritionist or dietician. Some health insurance plans include that coverage.
Tags: Self-care