How diet can affect your wellbeing
If you’re feeling tired, thinking about what you’re eating and drinking might be the last thing on your mind. But your diet may be having an impact on your wellbeing.
You need to eat a balanced diet that provides you with all the micronutrients you need in order for your body to function normally – both physically and mentally.
There are a number of vitamins that that can support your body to release energy from the food you eat. For example, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12 each contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin B5 contributes to normal mental performance, while vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
This means that not getting all the right micronutrients may leave you feeling tired or lethargic. It’s important to make sure you’re eating a diet that provides your body with all the nutrients you need.
Take care of the basics
If you’re feeling low, the first thing you should do is make sure your body’s fundamental needs are being taken care of.
If you’ve gone a long time without eating, you might have a low blood sugar level. Low blood sugar can leave you feeling more anxious or irritated and can make it harder for you to concentrate.
You might also be dehydrated. Even mild levels of dehydration can impair your cognitive function, especially concentration and memory, so make sure you’re drinking 6 –8 glasses of fluid a day. Water is best, but sugar free drinks, tea, coffee and low-fat milk all count towards your daily intake.
To feel your best, you should make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that contains all the food groups, including five portions of fruits or vegetables a day (which can be fresh, canned, dried or frozen).
Caffeine
You might feel like you need a coffee to get started every morning, but too much caffeine may leave you feeling worse. If you drink five cups of coffee or more a day, you may feel anxious, suffer from a headache or feel agitated.
If you regularly drink caffeine, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you miss a caffeine hit. The symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include feeling depressed or irritable and having problems concentrating, as well as developing flu-like symptoms.
When it comes to looking after your wellbeing you need to make sure you’re keeping hydrated and eating a balanced diet. It’s important to eat regularly throughout the day and try not to rely too much on stimulants like caffeine, which can give you a boost –but may leave you feeling worse if you drink too much, or suffer from withdrawals.
Your health is in your hands
*Multivitamins are intended to supplement your diet and should not substitute a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.