The Science of Comfort Food: How Eating Impacts Your Mood

Have you ever felt a pang of sadness and immediately craved your favorite comfort food? Many believe that delicious food can instantly improve their mood, but is there any scientific basis for this belief?

The Science Behind Comfort Food

Food indeed has a strong connection with our emotions. Some foods, often called 'comfort food,' can quickly soothe and uplift our mood.

Dr. Georgia Ede, a psychiatrist and author of “Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind,” explains that comfort food can rapidly increase blood sugar levels and dopamine. This quick spike can provide temporary relief, especially when you're feeling upset, anxious, or overwhelmed, but these foods are often processed carbohydrates that can lead to emotional discomfort in the long run.

Boosting Mood Through Food

The good news is that certain foods have been scientifically proven to regulate hormones that affect mood. One of these is food containing tryptophan. This essential amino acid, which our bodies cannot produce, is found in various foods.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta explains, “Consuming tryptophan-rich foods can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which has a positive impact on depression and loneliness.” Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating our emotions, can be boosted by incorporating these tryptophan-rich foods into your diet:

Tuna

Chicken

Cheese

Milk

Bananas

Whole grains

Nuts and meat are also excellent sources of tryptophan. For example, chicken soup, often considered a classic comfort food, contains tryptophan and has a calming effect because it evokes positive associations and reduces feelings of loneliness.

The Power of a Balanced Diet

Dr. Ede emphasizes that the best way to regulate mood is to improve your diet. Replacing processed foods with healthier options can contribute to a more stable mood.

“Replacing high-carbohydrate processed foods with low-carbohydrate animal foods like red meat is a good way to keep your brain healthy and stabilize brain chemistry,” explains Dr. Ede. “However, there is no research that shows that simply eating red meat can combat bad moods.”

How does tryptophan affect mood?

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that our bodies cannot produce, so we must get it from food. Dr. Raj Dasgupta states that consuming tryptophan-rich foods can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which has a positive impact on depression and loneliness. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our emotions.

What are some examples of tryptophan-rich foods?

Foods rich in tryptophan include tuna, chicken, cheese, milk, bananas, and whole grains. Nuts and meat are also excellent sources of tryptophan.

What is the link between chicken soup and mood?

Chicken soup, often considered a classic comfort food, contains tryptophan and has a calming effect because it evokes positive associations and reduces feelings of loneliness.

Can red meat help combat bad moods?

Dr. Ede explains that replacing high-carbohydrate processed foods with low-carbohydrate animal foods like red meat is a good way to keep your brain healthy and stabilize brain chemistry. However, there is no research that shows that simply eating red meat can combat bad moods.

What is the best way to regulate mood?

Dr. Ede emphasizes that the best way to regulate mood is to improve your diet. Replacing processed foods with healthier options is a good way to keep your brain healthy and stabilize brain chemistry.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook

While eating delicious food can provide temporary happiness, no food can permanently overcome bad moods. The best way to maintain a positive mood is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and manage stress effectively.