Did you know what you're eating might be affecting your mood too? Turns out there are plenty of different foods out there that can negatively or positively impact your health, whether it's anger, frustration, or more serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Here are 10 foods you're eating that might be putting you in a bad mood, and 10 that can help boost it.

1. High-Sodium Snacks

Foods high in sodium, such as chips and processed snacks, can affect your mood in many different ways. For one, it can lead to dehydration and imbalances in electrolyte levels which can cause headaches and irritability. But it's also been studied that higher salt intake might be related to depressive symptoms; people with lower sodium diets have shown positive impacts toward good moods.

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2. Deli Meats

Deli meats, which although are great sandwich fillings for your lunch, are often high in sodium and preservatives (such as nitrates) and can be affecting your mood without you even knowing. This might be because it increases your blood pressure and is tied to headaches and even mental health issues like anxiety. 

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3. Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening contains trans fat, which has actually been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable shortening can interfere with the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain which are essential for mood regulation and brain health. The result? Potential mood disturbances and irritability.

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4. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame have been linked to the disruption of neurotransmitters such as serotonin being produced in the body. These are crucial for mood regulation and when it's regularly affected like this, can lead to mood swings, headaches, anxiety, and depression.

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5. Alcohol

Although alcohol might seem to initially improve your mood when you're feeling down, the long-term effects can be quite the opposite. Regular and heavy alcohol consumption affects the central nervous system and can affect the brain so that you feel more negative feelings like anxiety, anger, and depression.

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6. Caffeinated Beverages

Although you might love your morning coffee, too much reliance on caffeine can have a pretty negative effect on your mood. Excessive caffeine can cause nervousness, restlessness, and disrupt sleep patterns, especially in individuals sensitive to its effects. As a result, poor sleep quality can lead to decreased mood and well-being the following day.

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7. Agave Nectar

Despite its natural origin and the mistaken assumption that it's a great health food, agave nectar is incredibly high in fructose, higher than many other sweeteners. This high fructose content can lead to mood instability, following quick energy spikes followed by rapid declines. This imbalance in blood sugar levels has been studied to lead to mood swings and irritability.

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8. Refined Carbohydrates

Foods made with refined carbohydrates, like pastries and white bread, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels followed by a crash. This blood sugar rollercoaster can result in irritability and fatigue, seriously impacting your mood.

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9. Fast Food

It's no surprise that regular consumption of fast food can lead to poor nutritional status, but did you know it can affect your mood too? If your body is unhealthy, it's been studied to also be linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not to mention, the high content of unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt can also lead to energy crashes and mood swings.

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10. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

Found in many processed foods and beverages, HFCS can have negative impacts on your mental health and mood. When consumed in excessive amounts, it can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels leading to mood swings, frustration, and fatigue, all components of a bad mood.

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1. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for brain health and are known for influencing serotonin levels, helping with your mood regulation. These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and promote better brain function, potentially reducing the symptoms of depression.

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2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has been studied to help relieve feelings of anxiety and irritability while promoting calmness, boosting our moods by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. It also contains flavonoids and theobromine, which work together to improve mood and alleviate stress.

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3. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green packed with folic acid, a B vitamin that helps produce dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are the key to feeling happy and relaxed, making spinach a surprisingly good choice for mood-enhancement.

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4. Berries

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which have been linked to mood improvement. They can help manage stress and reduce inflammation, leading to a happier state of mind.

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5. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of magnesium, zinc, and selenium, along with healthy fats. They also contain an amino acid called tryptophan which is a mood-boosting serotonin great for helping you reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

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6. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is high in calcium and protein, which can help regulate mood and emotions. It also contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and have been linked to improvements in mood and mental health.

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7. Green Tea

Green tea has been studied to improve mood and brain function, likely thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. It also has a moderate amount of caffeine, which can improve alertness and mood.

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8. Eggs

Eggs are packed with vitamins D, B6, and B12, along with selenium and protein which are nutrients are vital for regulating mood and improving brain function. This great mood-boosting food option also has omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids that are known to help with anxiety.

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9. Sweet Potatoes

Filled with fiber and complex carbohydrates, sweet potatoes can help you regulate blood sugar levels and your mood, ensuring that there's a steady supply of energy going to the brain. They're also rich in vitamin C, which has been linked to an improved mood.

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10. Oysters

Oysters are an excellent source of zinc, a mineral important for mood regulation and brain health. Zinc deficiency has been linked to mood disorders, so including zinc-rich foods like oysters in your diet can help enhance your mood.

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