Maintaining good mental health requires a holistic approach that includes regular exercise, stress management, and a well-balanced diet. In fact, what you eat can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing.
While there are foods that are known to be beneficial for mental health, there are also some that can have negative effects.
Here are 7 of the worst foods for mental health:
1. Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and artificial additives, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been linked to depression and anxiety.
2. Fast Food
Fast food is often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase inflammation and negatively affect mood. Studies have found that people who eat a lot of fast food are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
3. Sugar
Sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, which can lead to mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. Consuming too much sugar has also been linked to depression and anxiety.
4. Alcohol
While alcohol can provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety, excessive drinking can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and interfere with sleep, which can have a negative impact on mental wellbeing. While low to moderate doses of caffeine have been shown to improve cognitive performance, excessive caffeine consumption can also have negative effects on memory and attention.
READ ALSO: 7 Things To Avoid If You Are Stressed
6. Trans Fats
Trans fats are found in many processed foods, including margarine, baked goods, and fried foods. These fats can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which has been linked to depression and anxiety.
7. High Mercury Fish
Some types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, are high in mercury, which can negatively affect mental health. Mercury can disrupt neurotransmitter function and lead to mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and at MyTreat, we're dedicated to providing helpful resources to those struggling with mental health issues. Through our blog, we aim to provide informative articles on various types of mental health problems and ways to overcome them. In addition, we offer monthly self-care subscription boxes designed to help you take care of yourself and prioritise your mental wellbeing. These boxes also make an excellent gift for someone who could use a little extra care and support.