The Psychological Effects of Food

The Psychology of Food on Our Mental Health Psychologist Merve Yılmaz from DoktorTakvimi.com experts explained the impact of nutrients on our psychology. We almost all know by now that what we eat directly affects our body and overall health. But what about the relationship between our psychology and food? The link between nutrients and our emotional state is one of the complex topics that has been researched for years. Experts show that just as a person's emotional state determines the nutrients they consume, the nutrients consumed also have an effect on emotional state. In recent research showing that people's eating patterns change during stressful times, supporting this mutual relationship, Psychologist Merve Yılmaz from DoktorTakvimi.com experts points out that the term 'stress-reducing foods' (comfort food) that we have been hearing frequently lately stems from this.   Explaining that stress-reducing foods reduce our negative emotions and increase our positive emotions, Psychologist Yılmaz states: "The consumption of stress-reducing nutrients is considered a response to emotional stress experienced. While stress-reducing foods vary by culture, they are generally high in carbohydrates and easy-to-prepare, convenient foods. It is a known fact that during stress, a person seeks foods that will speed up their relaxation. However, it should not be forgotten that this can lead to a vicious cycle. High carbohydrate foods can cause fluctuations in adrenaline or the hormone epinephrine, commonly called the 'stress hormone'." She stated. Psychologist Merve Yılmaz from DoktorTakvimi.com experts also points out that there are foods that make us more resilient to stress and negative emotions. Psychologist Yılmaz says that research has proven a strong link between daily fruit and vegetable consumption and higher positive mood, emphasizing that foods such as quince, elderberry, purslane, chicory and lettuce are among the foods said to have an effect on an individual's calming and regulating their emotional state. Psychologist Yılmaz notes that people who consume foods such as whole grains, unprocessed meat, vegetables, and fruits receive diagnoses of bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression less frequently compared to those with low healthy food consumption, and states that serotonin theory clarifies how foods affect our emotional state: "Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter found in oysters, snails, octopus, squid, bananas, pineapples, plums, hazelnuts, milk, turkey, spinach, eggs, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, almonds and other shell fruits; in seeds such as sesame, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds; and in foods such as soybeans, wheat, rice and corn. It helps regulate sleep, appetite and impulse control. Rising serotonin levels are associated with improved mood. Conversely, unhealthy eating habits including sugary drinks, refined foods, fried foods, processed meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy products, biscuits, snacks and pastries have been shown to be associated with increased depression risk."