How we treat ourselves physically directly interacts with how we feel mentally. Although it’s important to get proper sleep and enough exercise, paying attention to the foods you eat also plays a huge role in your overall wellness. And if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, certain foods can even exacerbate your symptoms. Here are some foods that can make you feel more anxious or depressed.
1. Candy
Candy is generally high in sugar, which quickly enters our bloodstream and affects our mood. While for a short time we might feel energized and enthusiastic, the crash that comes from it leaving your body can leave you feeling exhausted and down.
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2. Caffeine
Many of us need our daily caffeine fix. Unfortunately, caffeine can actually exacerbate feelings of irritability, depression and anxiety. Caffeinated beverages reduce serotonin levels in the brain which can lead to feelings of depression. Furthermore, because caffeine interrupts sleep patterns, your fatigue can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and irritability.
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3. Alcohol
Photo by Nicola since 19724. Highly Processed, Fatty Foods
Photo by joo0ey 5. Salt
Having too much salt or sodium in your diet (which is, once again, often found in processed foods) can interrupt your neurological system. This can contribute to an ineffective immune system and feelings of depression.
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By the way, since this article focuses on foods that can make a person more depressed, it’s important also to know about foods and supplements that can have positive benefits on a teen’s state of mind.
