Many young people experience an explosion of emotions that can shake their families.
But experiencing these drastic mood swings in adulthood can potentially harm relationships and overall well-being.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Australian clinical nutritionist and JSHealth founder Jessica Sepel and psychiatrist Tom MacLaren talked about the most common causes of these mood swings later in life and how simple lifestyle changes can help you. .
Jessica mentioned that too much white bread, sugary foods, or caffeine can cause imbalances in the body, which can lead to mood swings and problems with hormone levels.
By the way, said Dr. MacLaren argues that these mood swings may be a symptom of a deeper-rooted mental health problem that may require more attention.
Many young people experience an explosion of emotions that can shake their families. But experiencing these drastic mood swings in adulthood can potentially harm relationships and overall well-being. stock image
hormonal imbalance
A common cause of dramatic mood swings is a hormonal imbalance.
Many women will experience this during their menstrual cycle due to a shift in progesterone and estrogen levels that rise and fall throughout the entire menstrual cycle.
Fluctuations in estrogen can cause similar fluctuations or depressed moods during perimenopause (the stage before menstruation stops completely) and menopause.
Insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, metabolism and energy, is also important for mood balance.
Jessica Sepel shared her advice with Femail
This is because blood sugar fluctuations can lead to rapid mood swings, including low mood and irritability.
Anyone who thinks they may be suffering from a hormone imbalance should seek advice from a doctor.
thyroid problems
Another cause of mood swings can be an undiagnosed thyroid problem. Imbalances and problems occur when the thyroid produces hormones below or above the hormones.
Hypothyroidism is the term for an underactive thyroid, a thyroid that produces too little hormone, and hyperthyroidism describes an underactive thyroid, a thyroid that produces too much hormone.
Studies have shown that patients with thyroid disease are more likely to experience mood swings as they are more prone to develop depressive symptoms.
Jessica explains that we need adequate amounts of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) for a healthy mood. These hormones also play an important role in controlling our weight, body temperature, muscle strength and nervous system.
When these are out of balance, which may be due to hypothyroidism, our anxiety can increase and our moods can become more chaotic.
lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can cause bad mood, irritability, and anxiety.
Research shows that people who are sleep deprived report an increase in negative moods (anger, frustration, irritability, sadness) and a decrease in positive moods.
This is because lack of sleep weakens the ability to adapt to frustrating situations, and as a result, the frequency of anger increases.
The cerebral cortex, the outer part of the brain, assists in the execution of logic and decision making, while the emotional center of the brain is known as the limbic system.
It’s the part of the brain’s amygdala that governs emotional responses, memories, decision making, and fight-or-flight responses.
When an anger trigger is sent to the brain, the amygdala decides whether to send it to the limbic or cerebral cortex, and when a person is tired, the cortex is suppressed, triggering a highly emotional response.
Jessica added that insomnia is often a symptom of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The vicious circle occurs when anxiety and stress increase agitation and keep the body alert and alert.
Your heart may beat faster and your breathing becomes rapid and shallow, which prevents the brain from shutting down and resting, making you more stressed and anxious as the body is kept in an untouched state of fear and irritability.
Nutrition
Eating too many refined carbohydrates is a mood balance issue. A high intake of unhealthy and processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries, causes blood sugar levels to rise and fall rapidly. This can lead to low energy and irritability. stock image
As a nutritionist, Jessica said she “likes” to deal with mood swings nutritionally first, and often asks people to fully understand their lifestyle and diet.
Little things like drinking too much caffeine or not drinking enough water can have a big impact on your emotions.
Fluctuations in blood sugar and nutritional imbalances are often the cause. Without a constant source of fuel from the food we eat, our minds and bodies cannot function properly.
Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can cause your blood sugar to drop, making you feel weak and tired.
Additionally, reducing the variety of foods in your diet can make it harder for you to get the essential nutrients you need, such as low levels of zinc, iron, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. they are all associated with mood swings and decreased energy.
In addition to saffron, a probiotic and fish oil may also help, Jessica said, and adding more vegetables and protein to your diet will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and improve your mood.
Also, eating too many refined carbohydrates is a mood balance issue. A high intake of unhealthy and processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries, causes blood sugar levels to rise and fall rapidly. This can lead to low energy and irritability.
Application
Exercise helps reduce anxiety because it not only releases endorphins and serotonin, but also gives your mind something else to focus on, like keeping your breath calm.
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers and cause feelings of euphoria. In addition to improving your mood, endorphins also reduce feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety and can boost your self-esteem.
Serotonin is sometimes referred to as “happy chemistry” because it contributes to well-being and has various functions in the body, including regulating mood. When your serotonin levels are healthy, you will feel more focused and more emotionally stable.
When we exercise, our blood flow increases, which helps transport oxygen and nutrients to our muscles, leaving us more energetic and alert.
Jessica said that people who exercise regularly tend to be more balanced and better manage their personal and work lives.
He also states that when combined with healthy, nutritious food, sleep improves, which goes hand in hand with emotional well-being.
Sanity
Tom MacLaren, a consulting psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, noted that mood swings often persist into adulthood, especially in people with mental illness that makes it difficult to control their emotions.
Tom MacLaren, a consulting psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, noted that mood swings often persist into adulthood, especially in people with mental illness that makes it difficult to control their emotions.
The London doctor says that sometimes “fairly mild triggers” can trigger these angry and distorted emotions “without warning”, but “mood swings may be more common” for those who grew up with more intense emotions and complex emotions.
People with bad mood, depression, and anxiety (all common mental illnesses) may also struggle with severe mood swings that are hard to predict.
Mood swings are caused by abnormal levels of a certain neurotransmitter, such as serotonin, which affects the brain and nervous system, causing mood swings without feeling like you’re in control.
Mood swings are also caused by natural fluctuations of hormones, but can be exacerbated by factors such as sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, and stress.
As an adult, it’s important to take care of your mental health, and controlling mood swings can be a good way to find out what’s causing them and whether they’re related to mental health.
Source: Daily Mail
