Serious question: do you know the power of food for health, mood and mindfulness?
If you do, great! But, if you struggle with making nutritious choices regularly, you are not alone. Making healthy, nutrition-packed choices can be quite a difficult undertaking.
March is National Nutrition Month… a month to raise awareness to how proper nutrition can impact every aspect of your life: not just physical health, but also mood and mental health.
Dr. Teralyn Sell, Psychotherapist and Brain Health Expert, states that the “connection between food and mood is becoming not only more well known, but also more well researched. It is no secret that inflammatory foods such as sugar have played a pivotal role in physical health and now we have made the connection to mental health as well. Neurotransmitter pathways (Brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin) rely on a variety of nutrients to create the transmission. You are what you eat is a catchy saying, but one that holds true. Your mood relies on your food.”
This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is ‘Personalize Your Plate’. So, before getting started, ask yourself: does my plate promote overall physical and mental health?
Here are Dr. Teralyn Sell’s top 4 foods to help promote your overall health, mood and mindfulness:
#1: Protein
Proteins are a top priority for mental well-being. Proteins offer the brain the amino acids it needs to create neurotransmitter pathways. The second thing proteins do is stabilize blood sugar. When blood sugar is not stable, you can feel more depressed or anxious. Protein helps regulate blood sugar balance and prevents mood highs and lows. Animal proteins tend to have the most benefit for mental health such as meats, poultry, dairy, cheese and eggs. Plant proteins such as beans, peas, and grains and nuts can also be used, but pay careful attention to food pairing for complete protein.
#2: Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Researchers have been investigating the impact of omega 3 fatty acids on mood and have found that two omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have the most potential to benefit those with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Omega 3 fatty acids are also considered anti-inflammatory, which can help with depression. You can find omega 3 fatty acids in fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines), nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts).
#3: B Vitamins
B Vitamins are essential nutrient cofactors for brain wellness and immune function. B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they can’t be stored in the body; so, you need to get them through the foods you eat (or supplementation) every day. Some of the best sources of B vitamins include meat, poultry, fish, avocados, citrus fruits, legumes, eggs and whole grains.
#4: Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for mood and is one that is often overlooked. Vitamin D is often fortified within the foods that we eat. We can get vitamin D through sun exposure (primarily through the eyes and skin), through proper supplementation, fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon) and foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolk.
The Editorial Team at Lake Oconee Health is made up of skilled health and wellness writers and experts, led by Daniel Casciato who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We aim to provide our readers with valuable insights and guidance to help them lead healthier and happier lives.