Study shows moods, energy levels are affected by diets

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Recent studies show that the food you ingest plays a role in your daily functions, affecting mood, perception of pain and alertness. \nSome students are not concerned with ways to improve their nutrition, such as trying to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals. \n“I’m a very active person, so I’m not worried about my nutrition,” said Youngtstown State University freshman Justin J. Knight. \nStill, mood and perception are affected by food. Research at Cardiff University in Wales shows that the human body’s neurotransmitters trigger all sorts of feelings. These chemicals take information from one nerve cell to another, creating messages such as, “I’m full” or “I’m anxious.” \nChrystyna Zellers, registered dietitian/nutritionist at Andrews Recreation and Wellness Center, said that energy and mood are directly related to blood sugar levels, which are determined by diet. \n“It’s amazing how energy, mood and healthy weight are so integrated,” said Zellers. \nFoods to avoid are those that spike blood pressure too quickly or overload your body with saturated fat. Choose foods containing whole grains, healthy fats from plant sources, lean meat and poultry, low-fat dairy, raw nuts and lots of vegetables and fruits. \nDiet is associated with weight loss, but healthy eating means much more for the body. \n“I eat healthy all the time and I always have a lot of energy, but I don’t lose weight,” freshman Mignon L. Davis said. \nAccording to Zellers, each person’s body needs a certain number of calories per day to maintain basic functions. How the body uses these calories is called metabolism. A faster metabolism uses more calories in a day without weight gain. \nAccording to www.health.ivillage.com: to boost alterness, eat more protein, such as eggs, poultry, fish, cheese, milk or tofu. For relaxation or stress management, eat more carbohydrates, like fruits, rice, whole grain crackers and bread, whole grain pasta and cereal. When it comes to improving memory, increasing the intake of choline – which comes from eggs and liver – will help.