Our bodies have an amazing way of telling us when it doesn't agree with how we are treating it and what we are eating. Experiencing common ailments may be caused by foods we are eating. All we must do is listen to our bodies and make appropriate changes. 

Anxiety - Caffeine is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the world and it can lead to a feeling of being jittery and an increased heart rate. It's possible to drink coffee and not have any of these experiences, but it's also possible to have anxiety and feel jitters every day. Try cutting back on the total amount of caffeine by mixing it with decaf or switching to black, green or even herbal tea. 

Can’t Sleep - Sleep issues could be caused by a lack of magnesium. If you do not consume enough magnesium, chronic insomnia is one of the main, central symptoms. Foods high in whole grains will only work if one has a magnesium deficiency, but will be neutral if you consume enough magnesium. Foods high in magnesium include whole grains, spinach, bananas, nuts, seeds and fish.  

Bloating and Water Retention - Stomach bloating and water retention are two common symptoms experienced by many people. While this can be uncomfortable a few minor changes in eating habits and diet can improve these symptoms. Several foods are well known to cause bloating quite quickly after consumption. These foods include beans, some fruits and vegetables, sweeteners and dairy products. Keep in mind that since some of the bloat inducing foods are healthy foods, we shouldn’t eliminate these from the diet. Those high fiber foods like beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be enjoyed with some minor dietary changes. Slowly, rather than abruptly, increasing the fiber in your diet to allow your body time to adjust. At the same time, drink plenty of water with high-fiber foods. All fiber absorbs water, so drinking liquids helps fiber move through the digestive system and prevents bloating and constipation.

Headaches - Some people are sensitive to artificial sweeteners and consuming them may cause headaches. People who are sensitive to aspartame have reported suffering from headaches and dizziness after consuming it. While you certainly don’t want to overdo it on sugar, the artificial stuff is not any healthier. 

To pinpoint what is causing these symptoms or others, consider keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat (and drink!), what your symptoms are, and when you experience them. Try eliminating potential foods and see if symptoms improve.

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