Anyone who has followed our blog knows by now of the importance we place on the connection between nutrition and mental health.
We recently came across an article on Everyday Health in collaboration with internal medicine specialist Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH. The article outlines foods that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and foods that can increase stress and perhaps trigger depression
5 foods to boost your mood
- Foods rich in tryptophan
Turkey, chicken, bananas, milk, oats, cheese, soy, nuts, peanut butter, sesame seeds - Foods rich in B vitamins
Beef, pork, chicken, leafy greens, legumes, oranges and other citrus fruits, rice, nuts eggs - Whole grain foods
Whole wheat bread, brown rice - Omega-3 rich fatty fish
Salmon, tuna, lake trout, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines - Protein-rich foods
Greek yogurt, fish, meats, cheese, eggs, nuts, beans, soy, and lentils
4 foods that worsen your mood
- Caffeinated foods
Coffee, tea, cola, hot chocolate - Candy
- Alcohol
- Processed food
Hot dogs, sausage, pie, and cakes
To read why and how each of these food types affect mood and anxiety, check out the Everyday Health article.
If you’re interested in learning more about the connection between nutrition and mental health, check out some more of our research posts.