8 foods that can put you in a bad mood, even if it seems otherwise

On many occasions, people turn to food to improve their mood, indulging in sweets, desserts and the occasional drink, however, these foods are often lacking in nutrients, so they could have the opposite effect.

According to nutritional therapist Claudia Smith, a bad mood is related to excessive consumption of sugars and refined and starchy carbohydrates.

"If you eat too much of these foods, you may end up with blood sugar spikes and blockages, which can lead to symptoms such as low mood, irritability, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating," he told HuffPost .

Food like cookies or chips can trigger feelings of reward in the brain, which is why people seek to consume more of these products, however the dopamine dose that produces pleasure is fleeting.

See also: 4 superfoods of the future, great for you and the planet

These are eight foods and drinks that could lower your mood.

1. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption, as many know, leads to hangover the next day, a discomfort that could prevent people from doing their daily activities, in addition to leading to feelings such as guilt and regret.

2. Refreshment or soda
The sugar in these drinks is quickly absorbed by the body, causing a spike in the blood, which would later lead to a feeling of lethargy.

3. Caffeine
Consumption of beverages such as coffee causes the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, but in large doses it can cause irritability, agitation and anxiety. It is recommended not to drink more than four cups of coffee a day, according to the Mayo Clinic.

4. Baked Goods
Cookies and cakes are full of sugars that transform into glucose, so you can cut down on these products for a few days.

5. French Fries
Excess saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and salts is linked to fatigue and a bad mood. Instead, you can consume whole grains, brown rice, and quinoa.

6. Processed Foods
The ingredients in these foods can cause energy spikes followed by fatigue and poor motivation.

7. Bagels
When consuming foods rich in carbohydrates you can have a heavy feeling in the stomach, as well as inflammation and discomfort, this happens because they are usually simple carbohydrates with little nutritional value.

8. Packaged Meat Packaged
meats and sausages are full of preservatives and additives that absorb energy and cause mood swings and bloating. Instead, you can consume lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs and beans to have the necessary protein intake.

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