Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to cure a bad mood by eating the right food

Turns out eating really can make you happy! - by Laura Barry
  • 29 Aug 2019
How to cure a bad mood by eating the right food

As anyone who suffers from the ‘hangries’ will tell you, eating the right food can improve your mood immensely. For some, that’s eating comfort food, like your mum’s lasagne. For others, eating a healthy protein and nutrient-packed salad can boost energy levels and improve negative emotions. As it turns out, real science has proved a genuine link between what we eat and how we feel.

An Italian study conducted this year found that 94% of surveyed psychiatric patients had a vitamin D deficiency, suggesting that a higher intake of vitamin D could prevent mental illnesses, such as depression. Another survey of 46,000 people conducted in the UK this year found that healthy diets had a positive effect on mental health.

But what food should you be eating to truly get those mood-boosting benefits?

plate of salmon and salad
Getty

1. Foods rich in Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid that can boost the happy hormones in your brain, more commonly known as serotonin. Add chicken, seeds, salmon and spinach to your diet.

2. Eat B vitamins

Foods such as dark leafy greens, eggs, milk, beef, legumes and even Vegemite are rich in B vitamins, which can influence your metabolism and energy, making you feel energised and positive.

3. Look for vitamin D

 Vitamin D is essential for your immune system, bones, muscles and nerves to work efficiently. Add salmon, herring, mackerel, eggs and fortified soy drinks or milks to your diet. Get some sun.

4. Stay hydrated

Letting your body become dehydrated can have a negative impact on your ability to concentrate, your energy levels and mood, making you cranky and thirsty.

5. Healthy fats

Healthy fats from sources such as avocado, olive oil, brazil nuts, cashews, almonds and oily fish can reduce inflammation and improve mood.

6. Wholegrains

Wholegrains such as brown bread, rice and pasta are fibre-rich and promote the growth of good gut bacteria that can have a positive effect on mental health, as can fermented foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut.

You might also like:

Take care of your mental health by eating these 4 foods 

Want to know what you need to eat to boost your metabolism? Watch the video below. 

  • Food
  • Health
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

How to lose weight with just 5 healthy food swaps

Study finds chocolate milk is actually good for you

Study finds chocolate milk is actually good for you

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

The worst diet of 2020 has been identified

{headline}

{headline}

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

{headline}

{headline}

The cocktail that has more calories than a cheeseburger

The cocktail that has more calories than a cheeseburger

How to maintain a healthy diet this Christmas

How to maintain a healthy diet this Christmas

 Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

Facts, Statistics & Solutions about food waste in Australia

Facts, Statistics & Solutions about food waste in Australia

Can honey help with allergies?

Can honey help with allergies?

Rule the picnic with the best potatoes for potato salad

Rule the picnic with the best potatoes for potato salad

The best ways to keep your cooked sausages safe to eat

The best ways to keep your cooked sausages safe to eat

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription