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Thinking about popping a frozen pizza in the oven or opening up a tub of ice cream? Maybe you should think again. The food choices you make can have a tremendous impact on your mind and body — sometimes in ways that are surprising and unexpected.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with indulging every now and then, as long as you do so in moderation. But if you are eating sweets or junk food more often then you should be, then reading over the following overview of the short and long term health effects of a poor diet might be the wakeup call that you need!
Though carbohydrates are oftentimes demonized in many popular diet fads, the truth is that eating smart, complex carbs (such as those found in whole-wheat bread and legumes) can actually be extremely beneficial. One of the most important benefits that good carbs confer is a boost in tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the synthesization of serotonin — a mood-boosting neurotransmitter. So if you are depriving yourself of complex carbs, you might end up feeling stressed and depressed!
Complex carbs, along with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, all help give you the energy you need to get through the day. A poor diet will inevitably lead to low energy levels — and, in extreme cases, an inability to focus.
We’ve all had that feeling of indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux after a big meal — and it is important to realize that the foods you eat are just as important as portion size when it comes to causing this problem. Fatty foods, alcohol, and an over-abundance of citrus are the most common culprits.
Your diet can affect your sleep patterns in a number of ways. Overeating before bedtime can cause stomach aches and insomnia, for example — and certain foods such as chocolate contain caffeine that can also hinder your efforts to get shut eye.
A vitamin B deficiency can worsen symptoms of depression — whereas omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to benefit patients suffering from conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. In general, it is safe to assume that a healthy and well-balanced diet can help in your efforts to manage mental health conditions.
Calcium is crucial for the health of these important organ systems. Dairy products, cruciferous vegetables, and fish are all good sources of this vital mineral.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the US and in most of the world — and perhaps the most tragic aspect of this statistic is the fact that cardiovascular issues are usually avoidable with a exercise and a healthy, well-portioned diet.
Most chronic health issues — from diabetes to cancer to arthritis — have at least some dietary component. Making smarter choices with food can help limit your risk for these conditions, and help you manage your health if you are diagnosed with one of them.
