What's your drug of choice? Food or Exercise.
Believe it or not, some of the foods that we seek and are "addicted" to can perpetuate anxiety, depression or mood disorders. Here's a few to be aware of before you put them in your mouth....👇🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. Sugar: the most obvious. Researchers have found that when blood glucose levels are elevated, levels of a protein that encourages the growth of neurons and synapses drops making your brain work at suboptimal levels. The more sugar you eat, the greater your risk of depression.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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2. Artificial sweeteners: aspartame, Nutrasweet and Equal all block neurotransmitters that create Seratonin, our "happy" hormone. Why would you want to block feeling happy?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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3. Alcohol: booze is a depressant, it slows down the central nervous systems and the ways in which we process emotions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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4. Hydrogenated oils, trans fats and saturated fats: yeah, those fries my taste good but they prevent blood flow to the brain contributing to depression. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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5. High sodium foods: doesn't just cause bloat and swelling but high sodium can change your neurological system and decrease immune function leading to depression.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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6. Caffeine / energy drinks: both can lead to sleep disturbances and sleep is important for a calm emotional system. No sleep...anxiety and depression worsens. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Need I give you any reasons to exercise beyond strengthen the heart, improves circulation, increases blood flow, raises oxygen levels, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and increases endorphins and serotonin?