Written by Merwat Rashad

Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 07:00 AM

Did you know that certain foods can cause anxiety and stress? While caffeine and sugar are known to affect our moods, many unexpected factors can exacerbate these feelings. In this report, we’ll critically examine 10 food triggers, explain why this effect exists, and suggest alternatives. Healthy to help you maintain a balanced and calm state of mind, according to the website “Onegreenplanet”.

2. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have been linked to increased anxiety symptoms.Choose natural sweeteners like honey or enjoy the sweetness of natural fruit.

3. Fried foods

Fried foods are often high in unhealthy trans fats, which contribute to inflammation in the body and affect brain health. Instead, opt for baked or grilled alternatives for a healthier option.

4. High fructose corn syrup

High-fructose corn syrup, commonly found in sugary drinks and processed snacks, can increase inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen anxiety symptoms. Choose water, herbal teas, or homemade fruit juices instead.

5. Too much salt

Consuming too much salt can upset the balance of electrolytes in the body, leading to dehydration and stress. Instead use herbs, spices or citrus juices to enhance the flavor of your food.

6. Fast food

Fast food is usually high in unhealthy fats, sodium and additives. These substances can negatively affect mood and contribute to feelings of anxiety. Choose home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients whenever possible.

7. Dairy products

Some individuals may be sensitive to dairy products, which can cause digestive problems and inflammation, which can affect mood and increase anxiety. Consider alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or dairy-free yogurt.

8. Refined grains

Refined grains such as white bread, white rice, and pasta have a high glycemic index, causing rapid rises and falls in blood sugar levels. This can contribute to mood swings and feelings of anxiety. Choose quinoa, brown rice, and whole grains. Wheat bread instead.

9. Red meat

Consuming high amounts of red meat has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Try to include lean protein sources like fish, chicken or legumes in your diet.

10. Artificial food coloring

Artificial food coloring, commonly found in processed snacks and beverages, has been linked to hyperactivity and increased anxiety in some individuals, especially children. Choose natural food colors or snacks without artificial colors.

A good night’s sleep is essential for health, as levels of leptin, a hormone responsible for feelings of fullness, rise during sleep, and ghrelin, a hormone that sends hunger signals, decreases at bedtime. Give the body a chance to sleep.

But the thing is, the feeling of hunger at night is not without pressure, which can spoil this equation, for reasons such as: eating the last meal too soon, tension and stress, blood sugar level fluctuations or vitamin D deficiency. A certified nutritionist said. , Katherine Metzeler, Well & Good.

His colleague Michelle Reker, a certified nutritionist, pointed out the effect that “the lack of food needed to get the calories the body needs during the day, especially after an intense evening workout, can lead to increased energy expenditure and nighttime hunger.”

Fake or real hunger?

Certified nutritionist Barbara Ross told the US newspaper HuffPost, “Anxiety can wake us up in the middle of the night, and we confuse it with hunger.” In this case, he suggests drinking a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea. Calms the nerves.

To quench the flames of true hunger, Metzeler emphasizes the importance of going “no food during the day, no more than 4 to 5 hours at most,” and making sure to eat enough foods that include plenty of protein. healthy fats, vegetables, whole grains and complex carbohydrates; Keep energy levels high and feel energized and satisfied throughout the day.

Later in the night, the impact of hunger can be reduced, so many people rush to the kitchen and eat the candy, potato chips and gravy or leftover steak from lunch, which can be difficult for them. Go back to sleep and they start the next day feeling uncomfortable.This causes them health problems: weight gain.

According to the Healthline website, there is growing scientific evidence that eating too late at night can make weight control more difficult.

The right foods

According to research published in 2015, “If you’re hungry late at night, it’s okay to eat a small, nutrient-dense snack under 200 calories.”

Here are 7 examples of these foods that a panel of certified nutritionists told HuffPost, “They’re great for fighting nighttime hunger pangs while helping you get back to sleep.”

• Turkey breast slices

Certified nutritionist, Marissa Mechoulam looks at; Turkey breast is “a great way to satisfy an after-midnight hunger pang, whether eaten alone or stuffed into half a sandwich.”

Turkey breast pieces are known to “help you fall asleep, relax and go back to sleep because they are rich in the amino acid (L-tryptophan), which turns into the sleep hormone (melatonin); in addition. to their protein content, it is “enough to suppress the feeling of hunger until morning. “

• Fiber-rich cheese and crackers

According to Mechoulam, “any snack we choose should include protein and fiber to keep us full throughout the night”; It’s found in protein-rich cottage cheese, which contains some sleep-aiding tryptophan and fiber-rich crackers. Mechulam recommends almond flour biscuits to ensure stable blood sugar levels.

According to Healthline, “Combining carbohydrate-rich foods (such as crackers) with a good source of tryptophan (such as cheese) helps increase tryptophan’s effectiveness in supporting sleep,” and serving 4 pieces of whole wheat crackers and one piece of cheddar cheese. Low fat, about 150 calories.

• A refreshing vegetable dish with hummus

It is a refreshing and crunchy vegetable dish; Like: baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, with hummus, “The perfect quick and easy midnight snack,” says registered dietitian Amanda Frankini, “A couple tablespoons of hummus can be enough to provide protein, fiber, and complete satisfaction.”

• Banana and peanut butter

In one study, “melatonin levels in the blood increased 4-fold within two hours of eating two bananas.”

Bananas and nuts or peanut butter can be balanced snacks to maintain balanced blood sugar, which is essential for getting good sleep.

“Bananas contain potassium, which, in addition to complex carbohydrates, controls high blood sugar that can harm sleep,” says Prangini, adding that combining bananas with peanut butter at night is a healthy and satiating source of fat and tryptophan that can induce sleep.

For Metzeler, who recommends putting almond butter and bananas on whole-wheat bread, “combines protein, carbs and fat to beat a balanced snack before bed.”

• Cherry and pistachio

A number of studies conducted on sour cherries have shown that snacking on them in the middle of the night can lead to better sleep, as they naturally contain melatonin. It can be combined with pistachios, which combine fat and protein in addition to some melatonin.

• Cereals and milk

As milk contains calcium, which helps the body produce melatonin, a cup of warm milk is ideal for falling asleep after waking up at night.

Low-sugar whole grains can be added to milk for a light, filling and balanced meal to help maintain blood sugar levels.

• Snacks from nuts

Frankini cautions against turning to chocolate or coffee as midnight snacks; Because they keep you awake longer, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios provide natural melatonin, protein, and magnesium to help you feel full and induce sleep.