Dr. Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, serves at Harvard Medical School. Uma Naidoo reveals 5 types of foods that can make people feel stressed and tired. Naidoo noted the relationship between brain and gut health. He also stated that inflammation in the gut lowers body energy. Naidoo noted that proper nutrition is essential for maintaining brain and mental health, while sharing the types of foods that make us feel depressed and tired
1. Processed foods
Processed foods, such as pastries and acidic drinks, can lead to a large secretion of glucose in the brain, as they contain added sugar. Excess glucose can cause inflammation in the brain, causing us to feel depressed or tired. You can protect your brain health by opting to eat fresh vegetables or protein sources instead of processed foods like these.
2. Industrial seed oil
With the industrialization of the food industry, low-cost but very processed oils from the remaining crops began to be produced. These include sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, soybean oil and grape seed oil. Because these oils are processed, they contain a high percentage of omega-6 fatty acids. This also causes inflammation. Some scientific research shows that those who consume foods high in omega-6 fatty acid have a higher risk of becoming depressed compared to those who consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can consume avocado or extra virgin olive oil instead of this type of processed oil.
3. Foods containing added and refined sugar
Packed snacks in grocery stores, breakfast cereals and desserts contain added and refined sugar. On the other hand, foods such as french fries, salad dressings and ketchup also contain refined sugar. All these foods cause increased inflammation in the body. When the body releases more sugar than it needs, imbalances can be seen in the case of anxiety disorder and emotion.
4. Fried foods
2016 study showed that people who ate fried food had a higher risk of becoming depressed. These foods, fried with unhealthy fats, can negatively affect people’s mood and cardiovascular health.
5. Artificial sweeteners
Many packaged foods that promise to reduce calorie intake use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Scientific studies show that artificial sweeteners change the density of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, which damages the brain.
