Believe that everyone will experience times when they're feeling down, which is a unique characteristic of humans. Most people tend to want to eat when they're feeling low, and only binge eating can alleviate psychological stress. What exactly is going on here?
Why do we want to eat when we're feeling down?
1. Seeking pleasure through eating
Eating behavior is closely related to pleasurable experiences. Eating is an essential behavior for sustaining life, so the feeling of pleasure is genetically ingrained. Humans can only experience one emotion at a time, so when eating feels pleasurable, it can reduce feelings of sadness.
2. The role of gut bacteria
Gut bacteria primarily rely on chemical substances in the brain to survive. When feeling depressed, the chemical substances in the brain change, and the gut microbiota can influence brain behavior, thereby promoting the desire to eat.
3. Wrong way to vent
When feeling down, people tend to binge eat as a way to vent their negative emotions. While eating, attention can shift from negative thoughts to the food. Eating doesn't require thinking about other things; just focus on the food in front of you.
4. Gaining a sense of control
Because people feel they can't control external circumstances, feeling down leads to eating behaviors to gain a sense of control. While eating, one can make choices, so binge eating makes people feel better about themselves.
What foods can improve mood?
1. Bananas
When the serotonin levels in the brain decrease, it can cause a series of depressive symptoms, such as insomnia, nightmares, pessimism, or irritability. Bananas contain this substance, and eating bananas in moderation can make one feel more cheerful and calm. When anxious, depressed, or under significant stress, eating a banana can help, but those with weak spleen and stomach should eat less to avoid worsening diarrhea.
2. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits have antidepressant properties. Eating more citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges, or lemons can make people feel happy. Citrus fruits can be considered as fruits that enhance vitality and optimism, and they can be eaten in the morning.
3. Fish
Fish contains a lot of Vitamin D, which can increase serotonin in the body. This substance is a major neurotransmitter that affects mood, helping to alleviate anxiety and reduce the occurrence of depression.
4. Daylily
Daylily has diuretic, anti-swelling, and blood-nourishing effects and is also known as the "calming herb." Daylily pollen contains dopamine-like substances, which can help refresh and invigorate the mind.
Tips
In addition to eating the above foods, you can also choose garlic or pumpkin. The former contains allicin, which can reduce anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. The latter is rich in iron and Vitamin B6, which can directly convert stored blood sugar into glucose, an essential nutrient for the brain. Eating when feeling down is an unhealthy way to cope. If you want to adjust your psychological state, you should identify the cause of your emotional distress and address it promptly.
