Feeling Blue? Instead of Reaching for Junk Food, Try Something Healthier

When we feel stressed out, depressed, or otherwise unhappy, many of us tend to reach for comfort foods like ice cream, macaroni and cheese, or fried chicken, to feel better. Doctors say while these dishes stimulate the pleasure center in our brains giving us instant satisfaction, in the long run, they can actually harm our mental health. 

Sugar is the Enemy

Psychiatrist Daniel Amen, author of Change Your Brain Every Day, told CBN News our diet plays a major role in how well our brain functions. The types of foods and drinks we consume directly contribute to the way we think and feel through a complex system of neurotransmitters, hormones, and more. 

“Sugar is the enemy of brain health,” Dr. Amen said. “Sugar is pro-inflammatory, and inflammation is clearly associated with depression.”

Dr. Amen says good mental health begins with minimizing the consumption of junk foods like sugary, processed foods and drinks that are loaded with chemical additives and lack fiber and other nutrients. 

“We reach for things that help us feel better now, but not later,” he said. 

Dr. Amen said a brain-healthy diet consists of 70% fruits and vegetables and 30% good protein, like pasture-raised chicken and healthy fats like salmon

The remainder of this article is available in its entirety at CBN