Feeling Down? Avoid These 10 Foods That Fuel Anxiety and Depression!

2. The Hidden Dangers of Regular and Diet Soda

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Regular and diet versions of soda have become mainstays of many people's diets. Its effervescent texture and sweet taste might give a brief delight and contentment. But this ephemeral pleasure comes at a great price for mental as much as physical health. Regular soda loaded with sugar and diet soda loaded with artificial sweeteners both aggravate people suffering with anxiety and depression. With so much added sugar, regular soda is like liquid candy. Up to 39 grammes of sugar—that is almost 10 teaspoons—may be found in one 12-ounce cola can! This too high sugar content causes sharp increases in blood glucose levels, which sets off a bodywide hormonal reaction. This sugar rush can first cause emotions of pleasure and more vitality. But this is rapidly followed by a drop as the body tries to control blood sugar levels, which frequently leaves people feeling restless, nervous, and even more melancholy than before. Furthermore, studies have revealed a direct correlation between depression and sugar-sweetened beverage use. Those who drank more than four cans or glasses of soda daily had a 30% increased risk of depression compared to those who did not drink soda, according a study written up in the journal "Public Health Nutrition." Although the exact processes behind this link are unknown, sugar most certainly affects the gut-brain axis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Often thought of as a better option, diet soda is equally troublesome for mental health. Although it might not include sugar, it's usually sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which have been linked to mood disorders among other health issues. According to some research, artificial sweeteners can upset the gut-brain axis's equilibrium of gut flora, which is vital for mental health via this pathway. Many diet sodas also still have caffeine, a stimulant that could aggravate anxiety symptoms in those who are sensitive. Another element aggravating anxiety in both regular and diet drinks is their caffeine content. Coffee stimulates the central nervous system, which raises blood pressure and heart rate, therefore either triggering or aggravating uneasiness and restlessness. This stimulant effect might be especially troublesome for those who already suffer from anxiety since it may cause panic attacks or aggravation of symptoms. Rather than grab a Coke, think about better options that would satisfy your taste for a cool drink free of detrimental psychological effects. Without additional sugars or artificial sweeteners, sparkling water or club soda can give the bubbly effect. If you want flavoured beverages, try adding fresh fruit, herbs, or cucumbers slices to water. Either hot or cold, herbal teas can also be a tasty and comforting choice that enhances rather than compromises mental health.