Eating to be happy

Can foods or drinks really affect your mood?

- Dr Rakesh Gupta

The internet is flooded with foods and drinks promising low cortisol and higher serotonin and dopamine. Can foods affect these hormone levels in our bodies? Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: "Foods indeed influence hormones like cortisol, serotonin and dopamine, but their effects are usually moderate and work best as part of a healthy lifestyle."

Diets rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats support lower cortisol (the stress hormone), mainly by reducing inflammation and providing key nutrients like vitamin B, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Conversely, processed foods, added sugars, caffeine, and alcohol can raise cortisol and worsen stress over time. Serotonin and dopamine, often called "happy hormones," depend on amino acids found in protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, tofu) and complex carbohydrates, which aid their synthesis and promote steady mood and brain function. So, while no single food will radically change your hormones, a nutritious, balanced diet helps create a hormonal environment that supports better mood, lower stress, and overall well-being."