Doctors warn that certain comfort foods like spicy foods, alcohol, greasy foods, and sugary drinks can worsen cold symptoms and impair recovery, recommending instead simple, hydrating, and easy-to-digest foods to support the immune system during illness.
Certain foods, often referred to as "comfort foods," can temporarily elevate our spirits by spiking blood sugar and dopamine levels, but these same foods can also drive emotional discomfort. However, there is a category of nutrients, such as tryptophan found in foods like nuts, red meat, chicken, and turkey, that can positively impact mood by regulating hormones. While tryptophan can affect mood, it's more of a regulatory force than a boosting one. The best way to maximize the positive effects of tryptophan-heavy foods is to substitute processed foods with healthier choices. Ultimately, the relationship between our state of mind and what we eat is complex, and while certain foods can provide temporary relief, making meaningful connections and nourishing the brain properly are essential for long-term mood improvement.
WalletHub has released a list of the chubbiest and slimmest states in America, based on obesity and overweight prevalence, health consequences, and food and fitness metrics. The top five chubbiest states are West Virginia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Arkansas, while the least obese states are Vermont, Montana, Washington, Minnesota, and California. The rankings also include a list of comfort foods by state.
Comfort foods, often high in carbohydrates and sugar, are commonly turned to during times of stress or sadness due to their ability to trigger the brain's pleasure centers and release feel-good hormones like dopamine. These foods provide a short-term mood boost, but their long-term effects on physical and mental health are generally negative. While indulging in comfort foods occasionally is okay, a steady intake is associated with health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It's important to strike a balance and not shame oneself over food choices, but rather focus on course correcting and maintaining a generally healthy diet.
This week's Well+Being newsletter covers a range of topics, including the benefits of multivitamins for age-related memory loss, the role of fruits and vegetables in mental well-being, and a glossary of weed terms for those curious about cannabis. The newsletter also includes a quiz to help identify behaviors that could signal a growing dependency on marijuana and advice on how to achieve fulfillment instead of just happiness. Additionally, readers can submit health questions to the new Ask a Doctor columnist.