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What you eat can make a big difference as to whether
you spend your day feeling great or grouchy. How can you make healthy,
mood boosting food choices?
Let’s start at the beginning. There are three neurotransmitters in the
brain (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) which are linked to
emotion. Different foods trigger the production of these different
neurotransmitters in the brain – affecting your mood. Now that we’ve got
the basics covered, let’s check out the best foods to chow down on so
that you stay happy and healthy.
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Bananas. They’re a lunchbox staple – and for good reason. A fantastic
source of amino acids and potassium, bananas trigger the body to produce
tryptophan – which then leads to the production of serotonin, the feel
good hormone. Carbohydrates are also very important for the production
of serotonin. Keep these in mind when you’re not feeling like your
usual, vibrant self.
Delicious seafood is a favourite for many of us. But did you know that
it can also make a big difference to your mood? This is because seafood
is a fantastic source of omega-3. Omega-3 is important for healthy brain
development in infants and children, as well as maintaining brain health
in adults.
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Whilst we’re looking at omega-3, research has shown those suffering mild
to moderate depression and other mood disorders can benefit from taking
an EPA supplement (an omega-3 fat). Including oily fish in the diet a
few times a week, as well as ensuring your diet is rich in B group
vitamins, zinc and magnesium can also be effective in managing mood
disorders. Eggs, milk, and chicken are great places to start when you’re
including these vitamins and nutrients into your diet. However, don’t
forget that a chat with your doctor is an important first step in
working out what’s best for you.
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Find yourself feeling grumpy? It may not be the most obvious choice, but
try including legumes into your diet. They’re great for stabilizing
blood sugar levels – and are therefore helpful for keeping you on an
even keel. Seaweed can also make a big difference when it comes to your
mood, as it’s a great source of iodine. Finally, making sure you include
some adequate amounts of protein in your diet should help keep you alert
and firing on all cylinders – as it triggers production of dopamine and
norepinephrine in the brain.
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