Nutrition impacts how well the brain functions on a day-to-day basis. Some foods will make your brain work wonderfully, contributing to a person’s good mood and ultimately productivity. If you have a case of the blues or you struggle with a mood disorder, the importance of a well-balanced, nutrient dense diet can not be underestimated. Try adding these five foods to your diet to improve overall mood!
Oily Fish – Some excellent choices are
Lean Poultry – Chicken and turkey breasts are filled with the amino acid tryptophan, which the body utilizes to make serotonin, the key neurotransmitter in mood regulation. Those suffering with depression benefit from the increase in serotonin production. Additionally, lean poultry contains tyrosine, another amino acid that helps reduce depression as it is used to make adrenaline. Low levels of adrenaline are also associated with depression.
Spinach – Leafy greens are all really good for the body and brain! Spinach is particularly good for obtaining B vitamins. Deficiencies of B vitamins have been linked to depression as well. Spinach is full of many other vitamins and a large amount of fiber in addition to being low in fat and cholesterol. Buying organic whenever possible is highly recommended.
Bananas – Comprised of many mood-boosting elements, bananas should be added to your diet! Tryptophan is also present in bananas as well as a variety of vitamins, fiber, potassium, iron, and phosphorous. Additionally, bananas have healthy carbohydrates that help tryptophan absorption in the brain, which helps to improve mood and sleep!
Brazil Nuts – Many people who show symptoms of depression, irritability, anxiety, and fatigue are often low in the mineral selenium. Brazil nuts happen to be an excellent source of selenium! Brazil nuts are slightly larger than the average nut, so a person only needs about three nuts to get your daily dose of selenium.
At Advanced Neurotherapy, our health coach Shayna Strickland can help you develop an eating plan that best fits your health goals!
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