Feeling moody? Carbs could be to blame

It's easy to forget, with all the low carb and even no carb diets out there, that carbohydrates are actually a vital part of what makes the human body tick. But not all carbohydrates are created equal, and eating too many of the wrong kind can have a real affect on your health and yes, even your mood.

Simple or complex, that is the question. It's not really that "simple," but if you had to choose you'd want to go with complex carbohydrates over simple ones. Complex carbs (found in grains, vegetables, legumes, etc.) are released into your system slowly and evenly over time. Simple carbs (soda, candy, table sugar) on the other hand, are released much faster and result in a spike and drop in blood sugar and energy levels. That blood sugar drop can make you feel irritable and fatigued, not to mention the chronic health effects irregular insulin levels can have over time. Consider also that most people compensate by grabbing for something sweet and starting the cycle all over again.

All carbs have their place, but as in everything balance and being smart is key. And some people seem more sensitive to food related mood swings than others -- I know I can be a real crab a couple hours after I have a candy bar on an empty stomach!