Is Your Mood Affected By What You Eat?

Nutrition is often ignored as a way to help with mood, depression, bouts of sadness, and many issues of mental illness.

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The information, opinion, and tips in this article are meant to be of service in addition to expanding your thought process regarding what may help with your overall mood. If you need additional care do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted source.

Is Your Mood Affected By What You Eat?

The National Institute of Health states that “A notable feature of the diets of patients suffering from mental disorders is the severity of deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.”

Why don’t our medical doctors prescribe supplements coupled with a nutrient-rich diet?

Can some people avoid pharmaceuticals completely if they are attending to their nutrition?

Can those that need pharmaceutical intervention benefit from better nutrition?

Research quoted in Nutritional Therapies For Mental Disorders shows that daily supplements of vital nutrients are often effective in reducing patients’ symptoms. Supplements containing amino acids have also been found to reduce symptoms.

In 2004 a documentary called “Super Size Me” made its debut. In this film, Director Morgan Spurlock lived on fast food for an entire month. This wreaked havoc on his system. Morgan experienced weight gain coupled with a major dip in energy, sex drive, and attitude. As well, he suffered from issues similar to that of an addict such as only feeling “better” when he ate the fast food. This film offers a great example of how poor nutrition can negatively affect you.

It is important to put the focus on nutrition when working on your physical and mental health. Proper nutrition affects every area of life.

What steps can we take?

Take a Probiotic.

Anxiety levels, the perception of stress and mental outlook may be improved with the addition of probiotics to your diet. I recommend Align Probiotic Supplement.

Eat fermented foods.

Kefir, Kombucha, and KimChi are just a few examples of fermented foods. These act as natural probiotics and may offer the same benefits of probiotics.

Eat whole grains. 

Diets high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables may reduce anxiety, depression and mood swings.

Eat foods high In Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Walnuts, flaxseed and certain fish such as anchovies, wild salmon, and mackerel. These foods may help to stabilize blood sugar, improve mood and prevent depression. Check out my Fish & Seafood Recipe Board on Pinterest for inspiration.

Supplement with Fish Oil.

The American Psychiatric Association recommends that “that all patients with mood, impulse-control, or psychotic disorders should consume 1 gram of EPA + DHA per day. They also suggested that a supplemental dose ranging up to 9 grams may be beneficial (but any dose greater than 3 grams should be monitored by a physician).”

Check your Vitamin D.

Lack of Vitamin D has been linked to seasonal depression.

Stay hydrated.

85% of brain tissue is water. Dehydration can cause headaches, alter mood and make it difficult to concentrate. When you are thirsty you are already on the way to dehydration. Listen to your body and drink up. For your water needs click HERE.

Avoid caffeine.

Caffeine consumption can lead to trouble sleeping, irritability and feelings of anxiousness.

Avoid sugar.

A diet high in sugar can increase inflammation in the body. A study in JAMA Psychiatry shows that depressed people have brain inflammation that is 30% higher than average.

Avoid processed/refined foods.

Artificial sweeteners, additives, and refined sugar are just a few of the ingredients that can aggravate depression.

Do not skip meals.

When we skip meals we risk our blood sugar taking a nosedive. This can translate into low energy and inability to concentrate. It can also cause headaches and less resistance to foods that do not support our goals.

Further research shows that gluten, dairy, and several other food-related factors may affect mood.

What has been your experience? Have you explored with eliminating certain foods? Have you boosted other foods so as to keep those feel-good emotions strong?