[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” module_id=”whyweight” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||26px|||” da_popup_slug=”whyweight” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”44px” custom_margin=”||11px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_type=”circle” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” header_3_line_height=”1.7em” header_4_font_size=”20px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Vitamins and minerals” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”30px” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When you don\u2019t eat enough nutrient-rich foods, your body may lack vital vitamins and minerals, which may affect your energy, mood and brain function.<\/p>\n
In certain circumstances or for certain people, supplements may be beneficial e.g.\u00a0folic acid\u00a0for all women planning pregnancy;\u00a0iron\u00a0supplements for people diagnosed with anaemia; vitamin B12\u00a0for\u00a0vegans\u00a0and older adults, and\u00a0vitamin D\u00a0for everyone in winter months, and all pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, and people with dark skin.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=” Comfort eating” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”30px” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
There is a messenger chemical in the brain called serotonin, which improves mood and how we feel. Serotonin is made with a part of protein from the diet (tryptophan) and eating carbohydrate-rich foods may help more of this get into your brain.<\/p>\n
This suggestion has been used to explain \u2018carbohydrate craving\u2019 \u2013 eating sweet, comfort foods to boost mood. There is not enough research to show that eating lots of protein foods containing tryptophan or eating a lot of carbohydrates can really support mood improvement in humans. But it may be that not eating enough carbohydrates (for example through a high protein\/high fat diet) leads to low moods.<\/p>\n
You also may have heard the idea that eating chocolate can make you feel happier, and there are observations that people feeling down are more likely to eat chocolate. This is probably because chocolate is a well-known reward and comfort food, rather than due to any potent physiological effects particular to cocoa.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Carbohydrate = Glucose = Brain Power” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”30px” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
To be able to concentrate and focus your brain needs enough energy, which comes from blood glucose. In fact, the brain uses 20%<\/strong> of all the energy your body needs.<\/p>\n Glucose is also vital to fuel muscles and maintain body temperature. The glucose in our blood comes from the carbohydrates we eat \u2013 including fruit, vegetables, cereals, bread, rice, potatoes, sugars and lactose in milk.<\/p>\n Not having enough glucose in your blood (hypoglycaemia) can make you feel weak, tired and \u2018fuzzy minded\u2019. This may happen when you don\u2019t eat enough carbohydrate-containing food and is a particular risk if you have diabetes or do extreme exercise or manual labour. It can also happen if you follow a very restrictive diet or have irregular eating patterns.<\/p>\n Although glucose ensures good concentration and focus, once your blood glucose is within the normal range, you cannot further boost your brain power or concentration by increasing your glucose levels. If you are eating some carbohydrate foods, additional sugary \u2018energy\u2019 drinks are not needed and not helpful.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Caffeine and the \u2018drug-effect\u2019” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”30px” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Caffeine, found in coffee, cola and energy drinks, is often called a drug: it acts as a stimulant and can increase feelings of alertness, and counter the effects of fatigue. However, it may be that some of the effects of caffeine \u2018normalise\u2019 the lower levels of alertness felt by regular users who have not consumed enough caffeine that day.<\/p>\n Too much caffeine, particularly in people who are not used to it, may cause the adverse effects of irritability and headache. Such symptoms also occur with caffeine withdrawal in people used to lots of caffeine on a regular basis.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#BF3C8E” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#FFD500″ header_3_font_size=”30px” custom_margin=”-2px||-11px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The relationship between our diet and our mental health is complex. However, research shows a link between what we eat and how we feel:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Untitled-design-52.jpg” alt=”family cooking together healthy food round the breakfast bar” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” border_radii=”off|300px|300px|300px|300px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”36px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#3F185F” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1500px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”33px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”||15px|||” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Lack of iron” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#bf3c8e” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”191%” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|300|||||||” body_font_size=”16px” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_tablet=”|||-10px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_phone=”|||5px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width=”93%” custom_margin=”23px|||||” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#8A1A9B” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Not getting enough iron results in low levels of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in the condition anaemia – feeling weak, tired and lethargic all the time.<\/p>\n The risk of anaemia is reduced by eating enough iron, particularly from red meat, poultry and fish, beans and pulses, and fortified cereals. Avoid drinking tea with meals.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Lack of Thiamin B1, Niacin B3 or Cobalamin B12 (all B vitamins)” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#bf3c8e” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”191%” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|300|||||||” body_font_size=”16px” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_tablet=”|||-10px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_phone=”|||5px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width=”93%” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#8A1A9B” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Tiredness and feeling depressed or irritable.<\/p>\n Eat more fortified foods including wholegrain cereals, animal protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Lack of Folate \/ folic acid” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#bf3c8e” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”191%” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|300|||||||” body_font_size=”16px” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_tablet=”|||-10px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_phone=”|||5px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width=”93%” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#8A1A9B” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Increased chance of feeling depressed, particularly important in older people.<\/p>\n Folate is found in liver, green vegetables, oranges and other citrus fruits, beans and fortified foods such as yeast extract (marmite) and fortified breakfast cereals.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Lack of Selenium” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#bf3c8e” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”191%” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|300|||||||” body_font_size=”16px” image_icon_custom_margin=”||||false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_tablet=”|||-10px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_phone=”|||5px|false|false” image_icon_custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width=”93%” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#8A1A9B” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n May increase the incidence of feeling depressed and other negative mood states.<\/p>\n Foods such as brazil nuts, meat, fish, seeds and wholemeal bread can help.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Untitled-design-51.jpg” alt=”healthy foods including nuts, seeds, fish and veg” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”80px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_radii=”off|300px|300px|300px|300px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFD500″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many ways that foods can affect how we feel, just as how we feel has an influence on what foods we choose.<\/p>\n Some of the mood\/food effects are due to nutrient content, but a lot of effects are due to existing associations of foods with pleasure and reward (chocolate) or diet and deprivation (plain foods).<\/p>\n Some foods also have religious, economic and cultural significance, which will influence how we feel when eating them.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Carbohydrates” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||1px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Feeling good comes from a diet that has enough healthy choice carbohydrates at regular times to keep blood glucose levels stable, and eating breakfast is a sensible habit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Protein, vitamins and minerals” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”24px” custom_padding=”23px|||||” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Diets should also contain a wide variety of protein and vitamin and mineral-containing foods to support the body\u2019s functions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Fruit and vegetables” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#BF3C8E” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”160%” content_max_width=”1100px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_font_size=”24px” border_color_all_image=”#FFD500″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a rule, plenty of fruits and vegetables and wholegrain cereal foods, with some protein foods, including oily fish, will support a good supply of nutrients for both good health and good mood.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F39B0E” background_image=”http:\/\/feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/orange-circle.png” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_horizontal_offset=”-12%” background_vertical_offset=”-12%” custom_padding=”18px||36px|||” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_position_phone=”top_center” background_horizontal_offset_tablet=”-44%” background_vertical_offset_tablet=”-30%” background_vertical_offset_phone=”-27%” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”1229″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#FFD500″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”<\/p>\n ” content_phone=”” content_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”47px|||||” border_color_bottom=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you wish to make a referral into the Feel Good Suffolk service, your Feel Good Suffolk Advisor can support you to access information contained on this website or community assistance local to you.<\/p>\n They can also advise you on the eligibility criteria for more intensive levels of support around managing a healthy weight, stopping smoking and being more active.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/get-support\/” button_text=”Find support” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#3F185F” button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”1px” button_border_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_radius=”34px” button_icon_color=”#3F185F” button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”18px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”30px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”30px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”2px|43px||19px|false|false” button_border_width_tablet=”” button_border_width_phone=”” button_border_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”#3F185F” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_border_width__hover=”1px” button_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_icon_color__hover=”#FFFFFF” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_border_color__hover=”#3F185F”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Contact us section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”26px||14px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_color_bottom=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” disabled=”on” global_module=”198″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Food and moodWe all have good days and bad days; we all have foods we like more, or like less. But is there a connection between feeling fine and the foods we have eaten? Do some foods make us feel grumpy? Is it possible to plan a diet for a good mood?When you don\u2019t eat […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":238875,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1003","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow diet and mental health are linked<\/h3>\n
\n
Effect on mood – foods which can help\u00a0<\/h3>\n
So does food affect mood?<\/h3>\n
Eat a healthy balanced diet<\/h3>\n
Need help to manage your weight? Access support local to you<\/h2>\n
Need help to manage your weight?
Find support local to you<\/h2>\n