Ever wondered why chocolate makes you feel good when you are feeling a bit low, or the big Sunday lunch that works like Valium. And when you were feeling tired and you needed to meet the deadline and the cappuccino kicked you back from sleep-mode to work-mode.
Science has proved now that food can actually affect your mood. Today there’s plenty of research on the mind-altering effects of caffeine and alcohol. According to one study, you should not have chicken soup for the sniffles. Food controls sugar levels and the release of certain brain chemicals which influence the way we think, behave and feel. So next time you are feeling bad or your mood is not ok here are some food ways that will fix you up.

RELAXING FOOD
Healthy carbohydrates are for relaxing. Carbohydrates increase the release of tryptophan in the body that in turn, regulates serotonin (the feel good hormone) levels and helps you calm down.
Healthy carbohydrates like whole wheat bread, pasta, wholegrain biscuits, oatmeal, or fruits like bananas are good option. Good news for Tea lovers is that a study in the UK found that drinking tea can increase the brain’s capacity to handle stress. A glass of warm milk also ups serotonin levels.
High-magnesium foods (such as spinach, soya and sesame seeds) are also in the list of relaxing food. Stress hormones can deplete your body’s supply of magnesium, reducing your stress-coping abilities, increasing your risk of developing high blood pressure.

FIX THAT DEPRESSED MOOD
Food Fix depression too but it can though cause you weight gain too. A low-fat diet could be causing your serotonin levels to plummet. Our nerves are sheathed in a layer of fat which is required to transmit nerve-signals. Fatty foods keep this layer intact.

Consider good fat foods and add more folic acid and selenium to your diet. Get it From Seafood like shrimps. Fish is like the ultimate option which is high in omega-3 fatty acids. A host of studies have supported fish for its anti-depressant properties. It also helps in chronic cases like bipolar disorder and improves brain functions. If you are not a fish eater, start on fish supplements or get your dose from nuts like walnuts and almonds. Skip simple, sweet carbohydrates that can cause spikes in blood sugar and deepen depression. For folic acid and selenium, stock up on spinach, wholegrain cereals and orange juice.

Coffee too at times work as an anti-depressant, but do keep in mind that too much caffeine can get you too buzzed to think clearly. And once out of your system, fatigue will make you reach out for another cup which will adversely affect your nervous system.

FEELING TIRED AND SLUGGISH, TRY THIS OUT
Add some protein to your diet. Protein helps your brain create dopamine and nor epinephrine that help you stay alert. Protein blocks production of serotonin that induces sleep and relaxation. Chicken, meat and eggs are good source. Vegetarians can get their dose from legumes, milk, paneer and cheese. Large meals cause more blood to be directed to the stomach and less to the brain, making you sluggish.