The link between diet and mental health

+ AI can't replace teachers US Edition - Today's top story: Blood sugar fluctuations after eating play an important role in anxiety and depression [View in browser]( US Edition | 20 August 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [The century-long quest to replace teachers with technology]( - [Do voters prefer politicians who cuss and curse?]( - [When the KKK and anti-communists rioted to stop a folk concert]( Lead story Most of us are familiar with the irritability that comes with being “hangry,” which can leave us lethargic and inclined to reach for an unhealthy snack to lift our mood and energy. These sorts of subtle mood shifts and cravings are rooted in blood sugar fluctuations stemming from the foods we eat. But a growing body of research shows that blood sugar spikes and dips also play an important role in mental health disorders. Diets high in simple carbohydrates and refined sugars from white breads, crackers, chips, sweets and other ultraprocessed foods [lead to bigger blood sugar spikes]( than diets rich in leafy green vegetables, nuts, olive oil and whole grain breads, explains nutrition expert Mary Scourboutakos. In turn, people who regularly experience drastic fluctuations in blood sugar also have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Scourboutakos offers clear takeaways for dietary choices that all of us can make to help stabilize blood sugar and optimize mood, such as saving carbs for the end of the meal. “Just changing the order in which foods are eaten can drastically lower the blood sugar spike that comes after,” she writes. [ [One great story every day, texted directly to you](. ] Amanda Mascarelli Senior Health and Medicine Editor Consuming these types of foods regularly can contribute to mental health risks. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images News via Getty Images [Blood sugar fluctuations after eating play an important role in anxiety and depression]( Mary Scourboutakos, Eastern Virginia Medical School High-carb diets, especially of ultraprocessed foods, create blood sugar spikes, while diets high in leafy, green vegetables and whole grains are absorbed more slowly and produce smaller fluctuations. Education - [AI pioneers want bots to replace human teachers – here’s why that’s unlikely]( Annette Vee, University of Pittsburgh Artificial intelligence ‘bots’ may be widely available to teach in the coming years. But will they be effective? An expert on technology in education weighs in. Politics + Society - [Does Democratic VP candidate Walz swear too damn much?]( Roger J. 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