Food Cravings and Depression

Chocolate contains chemicals that raise the level of the neurotransmitter, endorphin. The relation between food and our state of mind is accepted. We crave familiar comfort foods when we are feeling low, be it simple dal and rice, potato chips or chocolates. People suffering from seasonal affective disorder (depression due to little daylight in winter) also crave carbohydrate-rich foods to feel better. By the same token certain foods elevate moods more than others.

Proteins

Neurotransmitters - chemicals that act as messengers between the brain and other cells in the body - are the link between food and our mood. Serotonin, which regulates sleep, pain, appetite, anger and mood, is the most important neurotransmitter in this respect. Low serotonin levels - a low carbohydrate diet is one cause - result in disturbed sleep, reduced capacity to withstand pain, depression and a craving for carbohydrates. Higher levels, on the other hand calm the mind, increase pain tolerance, improve quality of sleep and reduce food cravings. Other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and epinephrine, boost mental alertness. Protein-rich foods help concentration by increasing the production of these chemicals in the body.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate-rich foods lead to the release of insulin. This lowers the levels of sugar and other amino acids in the blood, except tryptophan. In this situation tryptophan enters the brain (this does not happen otherwise when other amino acids are present in the blood stream) where it gets converted into serotonin. The rise in the level of this chemical causes your mood to be elevated. Different carbohydrates however, have differing effects on serotonin levels. Foods containing simple carbohydrates such as sweets, sugar and refined flour like maida are assimilated quickly in the bloodstream, leading to a rapid rise in the level of blood sugar. To bring this down, insulin is produced very quickly. This leads to a rapid rise in serotonin levels, as well as a rapid crash in blood sugar levels. The rapid changes in blood sugar levels lead to mood fluctuations. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, on the other hand, cause a gradual increase in the levels of serotonin while blood sugar levels stay stable. This helps to keep mood even.

Chocolate

In the brain, endorphins result in feelings of happiness, reduce sensation of pain and provide relief from stress. This may be one reason why we reach out for this treat when we feeling particularly down.

Exercise

Indulging in food cravings can create dependence on high carbohydrate or sugary foods which can lead to obesity, in turn increasing the risk of diabetes or heart disease. Exercise also plays a role in regulating serotonin in the body, which makes it a good substitute for high calorie foods to give you a boost. Meditation and breathing exercises for reducing stress and chromium supplements are other ways to deal with mood swings.

Courtesy by bolohealth.com