How To Improve Your Mood
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Not only can being overweight make you feel physically uncomfortable, but excess body weight can also lead to major health problems including type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, joint pain, and even hormone imbalance, which can result in mood swings, irritability, and depression.
On the other hand, losing weight has been scientifically proven to reverse most comorbidities related to obesity. Although feeling depressed can cause you to feel tired, lazy, and constantly hungry, lifestyle changes that include diet and exercise, and even weight-loss surgery are exactly what your body needs to start feeling better from both the mental and physical standpoints.
Increasing your intake of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and seeds will help your body regulate blood sugar levels, leading to increased energy and serotonin levels. Studies have shown that a diet rich in folic acid and leafy greens such as kale and spinach can help battle depression. Additionally, healthy carbohydrates and foods high in protein can help you feel full for longer periods of time, whereas eating foods high in sugar can make you experience frequent hunger, and may even trigger moodiness. Eating unhealthy foods high in sugar and fat can also result in a poor quality of sleep, which can affect your serotonin levels.
From a fitness standpoint, physical activity can help ease depression and anxiety by forcing the brain to release endorphins, which helps rid the immune system of chemicals and waste that can otherwise lead to illness and depression. Studies have shown that yoga exercise has the ability to reduce stress and tension, while deep breathing exercises can help you relax and release negative emotions. Regular physical activity can boost your endurance and improve your muscle strength, resulting in more energy throughout the day, and improved sleep patterns.
Losing weight can help improve your mood and lifestyle on a number of levels. If you have already tried to lose weight using conventional methods of diet and exercise, consult with a bariatric surgeon so you can lose weight and become healthier and happier as a result.
