Why is the stomach often called the 'second brain'? Our digestive system produces around 90 percent of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. And in order to really feel good, we looked at which foods are scientifically proven to make people feel bad.
1. Diet drinks
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener in popular diet drinks, contains the amino acid phenylalanine. In some scientific studies such as this one from the US Institute of Health, demonstrated that phenylalanine inhibits serotonin production. Maybe next time you'll choose a cup of black iced tea or coffee instead of a diet drink.
2. Cereals and cereal bars
There's no need to avoid them completely, but make sure you choose ones that have less than 8 grams of sugar. Many cereal bars have a high sugar content, which otherwise provides temporary energy, which is quickly followed by fatigue. Namely, when the sugar falls below the normal limit, the stress hormone is released, which causes mood swings.
3. Packaged sweets
It's no secret that sugar is not our ally. But store-bought candy is usually made with artificial colors, which have been repeatedly linked to reduced attention and hyperactivity, especially in children.
4. Fast food
Fast food is full of trans fats. Partially hydrogenated oils extend the life of food, but at the same time disrupt the balance of omega 3 in our body. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh low levels of fatty acids are hypothesized to be associated with pessimism, depression, and aggression.
5. Margarine and vegetable oil
These are trans fats, which, as we have already mentioned, are said to cause us to become in a bad mood.
6. Salty snacks
Always check the packaging when buying salty snacks. Many of these contain MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor enhancer that is added to most processed and pre-prepared foods. It is said to even cause terrible headaches, weakness and fatigue.
7. Canned food
Canned foods can also hide MSG and excess sodium. Look for cans that are "BPA-free". Some studies such as this one from Yale, showed that BPA interferes with the area of the brain that regulates mood and memory formation.
Source:
news.yale.edu, sciencedaily.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, purewow.com