Food and Mood
Our mood and energy levels are very much linked to our food eating habits. “Cerebral allergies” is a term used referring to the most common offending foods affecting our disposition. It includes wheat, corn, milk, food chemicals, sugar and alcohol. They may contribute to fatigue, irritability and anxiety (Haas and Levin, 2006).
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are also linked to mood. B vitamins play a crucial part in our energy and emotional stability. Here are some examples:
Deficiencies in:
- B1 (Thiamine) - irritability, fear, memory loss, insomnia
- B3 (Niacin) - fatigue, anxiety, insomnia
- B5 (pantothenic acid) - depression and irritability
- B12 (cobalamin) - irritability, agitation, mood swings
- B9 (folic acid) – fatigue, depression
- Vitamin C – fatigue
- Vitamin D - depression
- Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Copper, Iodine Potassium - fatigue, poor concentration, anxiety and disorientation
(Haas and Levin, 2006 and Khatri, 2023)
Good nutrition leads to good physical, mental and emotional energy. Correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies through a complete and balanced diet and making dietary changes that avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine or addictions with alcohol may get people off their emotional instabilities and back towards a more stable and energetic life (Haas and Levin, 2006).
By: Yvonne G. Soriano/ Nutritional Therapist
References:
[1] Haas,
E.M. and Levin, B. (2006). Staying healthy with Nutrition : the
complete guide to diet and nutritional medicine. Berkeley ; Toronto:
Celestial Arts, Cop.
[2] Khatri,
M. (2023).What
to Know About Vitamins and Mental Health.
[online] WebMD. Available here.