It certainly can. According to Dr. Russell Blaylock, author of Exitotoxins, there is irrefutable evidence that the foods that we eat can greatly contribute to the behavior and moods that people experience by their diets. Depression is one of the most common moods suffered by people who frequently eat high sugar content foods and starchy carbohydrates. These foods can lead to excessive insulin release, which in turn leads to falling blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia. This causes the brain to secrete glutamate in levels that can cause agitation, depression, anger, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Depression, and subsequently the amount of people on anti-depressant medication, has grown in correlation with the rise in the obesity rate which was up 50% from 1991 – 1998. Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live, studies the effects of nutrient rich food in one’s diet. It is clear that people are more prone to depression and other diseases when their intake of high nutrient-containing plant food is low. Deficiencies of plant-based minerals such as folate, iron, and selenium tend to be more common among people diagnosed with depression.

Researchers at the University of Sheffield in Great Britain also report that they have found a significant association between the severity of depression and the levels of fatty acids in both the diet and red blood cell membranes. The team of researchers speculated that proper intake of essential fatty acids can play a critical part in the prevention and management of mood disorders.

The physiological aspect of how chemicals are released from eating these foods is also joined by the psychological aspect that occurs as a person gains weight. The blow to one’s self-esteem and confidence cannot be overlooked as people change their perspective on many subjects and issues of life when they no longer feel healthy or look attractive. The following quote says it all in regards to the effects of our psyche from eating foods that are harmful to our health:

“Since every perspective or thought that we have flows through the lens of our physical body, our attitude on virtually every subject is influenced by the way we feel about our physical body.”  Abraham