Just as some foods can pick you up, others can bring you down. Keep in mind that these foods are not evil, in fact, many are quite healthy. But they may have elements that work against your body and make you feel bad.
Alcohol. Beer commercials give you the impression that alcohol does nothing but make you happy, young, and attractive. The truth is much more sobering. Alcohol can act as a depressant or lead to aggressive behavior. So, if they kep those cameras rolling, you would probably see those same laughing, fun-loving people crying in their beer, fighting - and waking up with a painful hangover.
Caffeine. A morning cup of coffee seems harmless enough. In fact, caffeine in small doses serves as a pick-me-up. But too much work can wreak havoc with your mood and ability to sleep. It may also play a role in headaches.
Salt. Highly salted foods can cause fluid retention and bloating and can lead to cramps.
Sugar. The sugars in foods like frostings and soft drinks can cause mood fluctuations. You may experience a brief high followed by a low. You may enjoy that doughnut at first, but it can leave you jittery and irritable later on.
Aspartame. Unfortunately, this artificial sweetener - better known as Nutrasweet - may be just as bad as sugar. In fact, research links this sugar substitute to memory loss, arthritis, and migraines.
Tyramine. If you take MAO inhibitors, a common prescription antidepressant, this amine mans bad news. Aged cheeses, processed meats like pepperoni and salami, red wine, bananas, and chicken livers contain tyramine. These foods also crop up on lists of possible headache triggers because they make blood vessels in your brain expand.
Omega-6. While not bad in and of itself, this essential fatty acid can cause trouble if you get too much of it. The combination of too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 can trigger headaches, depression, and other problems. An easy way to cut back on omega-6 is to limit corn and soybean oils, margarine, and deep fried or processed foods.
Arginine. If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, the amino acid lysine may provide relief. However, foods rich in the rival amino acid arginine - such as chocolate, nuts, raisins, whole wheat, and brown rice - undo the good work of lysine.
Fatty foods. A high-fat meal diverts blood from your brain to help with digestion. This can make you feel sluggish. Fats often come with a heavy dose of triglycerides, and studies show that high triglycerides equal high levels of depression.
Gas-producing foods. Beans, broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated drinks may make you feel bloated or gassy.
Acidic foods. Tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruit can cause heartburn, indigestion, or gastritis.
Additives and preservatives. Rather than add to your brain's performance, these little extras, such as corn syrup or artificial good coloring, actually subtract from it.
Remember, foods don't always affect everyone in exactly the same way. But if you feel blue, irritable, or uncomfortable after eating any of the above foods, try giving them up to see if that helps. You have too many feel-good food options to let the "dirty dozen" rain on your parade.
© FCA Publishing
Excerpt from FC&A’s Super Foods for Seniors.
