I Feel Irritable, Moody, Depressed, Tired and Sluggish Immediately After Eating

The foods you eat can affect the way you feel, especially if you have a food sensitivity or celiac disease. According to the University of Maryland, up to one in 133 Americans have celiac disease. Although your diet may be responsible for certain symptoms you experience after eating, it is important to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your eating habits.

Junk Food

Your diet may increase your risk of depression, according to Katherine Zeratsky, a clinical nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic 1. Research from Britain indicates that a diet made up of junk food, such as:

• refined cereals
  
• processed meats
  
• fried foods
  
• sweets
  
• chocolates
  
• can cause symptoms of depression

Although this potential connection between food and depression requires additional research, cutting out the junk food in your diet may help alleviate depression, as well as boost your resistance to disease.

Food Sensitivities

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The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts warns that certain foods may cause uncomfortable responses, including fatigue, headaches and bloating. According to the Institute, four specific categories of food provide the majority of digestive challenges that can cause these symptoms. These foods include items that contain eggs, citric acid, milk protein and gluten. If you are sensitive to these foods, you may also experience other symptoms, such as:

• diarrhea
  
• constipation
  
• weight gain
  
• acid reflux

Celiac Disease

Unlike food allergies and sensitivities, celiac disease is a type of autoimmune disease. This health condition causes symptoms in response to eating gluten, a type of protein in wheat and other grains. Celiac disease destroys the villi in your small intestine. The main symptoms of celiac disease include fatigue, irritability and an inability to concentrate.

Precautions

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Tell your doctor about any unusual or severe symptoms of depression, irritability and fatigue, especially if eliminating suspect foods doesn't decrease the severity and incidence of these symptoms. Celiac disease requires medical attention. Keeping a food diary can help you and your doctor determine which foods may contribute to your symptoms. Fatigue, irritability and depression may signal the presence of an underlying condition, making it important to see your doctor for a correct diagnosis.