Anger and nutrition are closely connected. In fact, many emotional states can be related to nutrition in some capacity. I recently spoke with a woman who shared how she would often become angry, even in situations where there was no real justification for it. For instance, minor disruptions or her child not following her instructions would send her into a rage.

She had then embarked on a nutritious diet, which eventually turned into her profession as she started selling natural supplement products to customers. Her business thrived, with many clients noticing significant improvements in their physical and mental well-being thanks to her products. For her, the changes were profound; she became much calmer and happier, no longer overreacting in situations that would have previously triggered extreme irritability. She realised her mistake in how she handled her child. She not only started devoting more time and attention to him, but also became more accepting to his mistakes and tantrums. This shift in perspective came entirely through her dietary changes!

If you find yourself in a similar situation as a parent, it might be time to consider a nutritional analysis. During challenging times, diet is often overlooked, even though it plays a crucial role. The continuous barrage of thoughts makes things difficult, but that’s when focussing on a good nutritious diet is essential. Stress puts pressure on the cells and quickly depletes the vital vitamins and minerals. If these are not replenished, it can lead to a downward spiral, where stress causes even more stress as your mineral reserves dwindle and go unreplenished.

Scientifically, adrenaline (the stress hormone) has an important role to play in triggering anger. Adrenaline is good, helps you survive in times of danger. But in excess levels, it can lead to anger-related issues. Elevated adrenaline levels often result from an improper diet, particularly when the brain lacks sufficient glucose to maintain calm. High sugar foods, fast food, and packaged foods, all contribute to nutritional deficiencies. Thus, it’s clear that diet significantly impacts mood balance. Increasing evidence suggests that a well-balanced nutritional program can positively influence negative emotional states, including anger.

Also know that everybody’s biochemistry is unique. Certain foods can trigger an emotion in certain people. An acquaintance of mine gets extremely agitated on putting more onions & garlic in the diet. And for another, adding high-quality protein to daily diet has made a world of difference. So if you are dealing with anger, one strategy could be to adjust your diet gradually and observe the effects. Give each change a few weeks to determine if there’s any positive impact before trying the next adjustment until you find the right combination. Alternatively, you could adopt specific diets altogether. There are many popular diet options available, and a nutritionist can help you find the best fit for you. You’ll likely be thankful for the effort you put into this. A good nutrition can serve as one of the best ways to control anger.

The line ‘You are what you eat’ does indeed go a long way.

However, I always emphasise on the importance of holistic healing. To achieve true health, it’s essential to consider life as a whole. When your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being align, you can attain genuine health. The book ‘Can You Play‘ will be a valuable resource in this journey.