FOODS THAT MAKE YOU MAD

Trans fats

A study out of the University of California demonstrated that the more trans fatty acids we consume, the angrier we become. This is because trans fats interfere with the metabolism of omega-3s – the essential fatty acids that we need to keep us perky and balanced. Lack of omega-3s has been clearly linked not only to depression but also to antisocial behavior.

The study surveyed 945 men and women about their trans fat intake, as well as their levels of aggression. When the survey results were adjusted for outlying factors, such as age and use of alcohol and tobacco, researchers found a strong link between aggressive behavior and the consumption of high levels of trans fats.

Processed carbs and sugar substitutes

Processed carbs are another food that studies have linked to angry behaviors. Nutritionist Natalie Duhamel states that along with paving the way for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, refined sugar can make people feel depressed, angry and even promote a tendency towards violence.

According to Dr. Alex Richardson of Oxford University, “prison studies suggest that many inmates have poor blood sugar control, compounded by a high-sugar diet. We all know how it it feels when blood sugar drops – we feel moody, foggy. Apply that to someone with a disturbed background.”

Nutritionist Nicolette Pace, who believes strongly in the connection between anger and food, says that refined carbs may make us feel good in an instant but it is short-lived. Foods loaded with empty calories just don’t give the body what it needs to cope with the stresses of everyday life.Phenylalanine is an amino acid naturally found in many proteins such as meat, milk, bananas and eggs. However, this natural amino acid is found in an isolated, processed form in aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in NutraSweet, Equal and some diet sodas, as well as a number of other products. Fifty percent of aspartame is composed of phenylalanine.

Conditions such as ADD, ADHD and behavioral and emotional disorders have been linked to high levels of phenylalanine in the body and brain.

Not eating enough

Not only do certain foods promote aggressive behavior, but if you have a tendency to skip meals or live a very stressed life, you may also be susceptible to Jekyll and Hyde behavior. Another study found that when our serotonin levels dip, it triggers areas of the brain that regulate anger and may result in uncontrollable emotions.

In addition, deficiencies in nutrients, like magnesium or manganese, vitamin C, or some B vitamins, may shorten our fuse, so to speak. Oxford University researchers tested the theory of nutritional deficiency and behavior with prison inmates.

They found that when they gave inmates vitamin supplements, they demonstrated less aggressive behavior. According to study leaders, there was a strong correlation between nutritional deficiencies and a propensity towards aggressive behavior.