Did you know there is a direct relationship between food and irritable mood? Scientists have recently revealed that irritation can be provoked by specific nutrition habits. 

Your mood is affected not only by psychological factors, but also by hormonal fluctuations inside your body and certain diseases too. 

Blood sugar fluctuations and nutritional imbalances are often to blame for mood swings. If the foods we eat don’t provide us with a steady source of fuel, our mind and body can’t function well. Here’s how some unhealthy eating habits can alter your mood and emotional well-being:

• Skipping a meal, especially breakfast, can lead to low blood sugar. This will likely leave you feeling tired and irritated.

• If you cut down on the variety of foods in your diet, it can be more difficult to get all the essential nutrients you need. Low levels of zinc, iron, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with worsening mood and decreased energy.

• If you eat too much of unhealthy, processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries, you may get rapid blood sugar ups and downs. This can lead to low energy and irritability.

However, the link between mental health and nutrition is not very well studied yet. Scientists continue to explore diet’s influence on chronic inflammation, organisms in the intestinal tract, the brain’s ability to modify its structure, wiring and function (neuroplasticity), and cellular damage.

What is a well-known fact - good nutrition is as essential for mental health as it is for physical health. Here’s how you can improve your eating to support your well-being:

1. Eat a variety of foods at set intervals throughout the day

2. Fewer refined sugars 

3. More whole grains and omega-3 rich foods 

4. Include protein at each meal

5. Maintain a healthy weight

6. Drink plenty of water

7. Get regular exercise

Stay healthy and happy! Log your mood changes with the MIA app and find out what influences your well-being and what you can do to make a positive change.