Adjusting diet to help your mood

Posted September 12, 2007 at 02:00 PM by Christopher Jack

Section: His Health, Mental Health, His Nutrition, Healthy Eating

Healthy body, healthy mind.  Something we can all buy into, but what lies at the foundation of healthy body?  A healthy diet, of course.  How well you adhere to those nutritional guidelines can effect not only how you look, but your mood.  So if you’re going through ups and downs, try adjusting your diet for a bit of stabilization.

The brain has energy and nutrient needs that, if not met, may cause negative changes to brain activity.  Eating regular meals and healthy foods is vital to maintaining a healthy mind.

An unhealthy diet packed with junk foods can lead to something more than just disappearing toes, as these foods can lower energy and create a somewhat lethargic state that may lead to depression.  An unhealthy diet can also be linked to other mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and hyperactivity disorder.  A healthy diet can be a key to combating these mental disorders naturally.

Foods high in saturated fats can slow down brain functions, causing that feeling of depression and fatigue.  With today’s eat on the run lifestyle, fast food chains have popped up everywhere, wreaking havoc on minds of society.

Carbohydrates, though you won’t see them on any of those new diet fads, is crucial to maintaining a happy and healthy mind.  Carbohydrates can me linked to serotonin production, without which can lead to depression and a long list of other disorders. 

While avoiding junk foods and the local KFC is important, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is vital to keeping your head on straight.  Here’s a few pointers to start you on your way to a happier life.

Eat Regularly – Try to eat at least three meals a day, though new studies show five smaller meals is really the way to go.  Missing meals can lead to irritability and fatigue, as it could lower your blood sugar levels.

Less Sweets – Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, ‘cause a short high and a longer low.  Wholegrains, fruits and vegetables prove to be more filling, and have a lower glyceamic index, than processed foods. 

Add Chicken – Try and take in some protein with every meal.  Tryptophan, one of the major amino acids in proteins, has been tested and shown to improve the mood of depressed individuals. 

And Fish – The omega acids contained in fish have been proven time and time again to be vital to any diet, so don’t cheat yourself.

Take a supplement – One multivitamin pill may contain an entire days worth of recommended vitamins and minerals, and they’re safe, so why not?

Exercise – The most important.  Exercise releases endorphins, which help us to relax and feel healthy.  It gives structure and drive, and keeps weight down, which plays a huge roll in depression and slew of other diseases.  You can start with walking 20 minutes a day, three times a week and see where that takes you, just try and fit in some form of physical activity.

Research sources and for more information: [Mental health.org]; [Natural-holistic-health.com]; [bhg.com];