Feeling Blue? Try Eating These Foods to Improve Your Mood

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By Lydia Wallie, Nutrition Director

If you notice mood swings or have the blues fairly often, you might want to evaluate your nutrition status. “Research from human trials and animal studies have shown that foods directly influence brain neurotransmitter systems which in turn has effects on mood and performance by altering the brain structure, chemistry, and physiology.” (1) This is why it’s vitally important to eat well for a better mood.

What are some foods to add in that contain micro and macronutrients to support your mood? Check these out!

  • Fatty fish including salmon and albacore tune: omega-3

  • Dark chocolate: anandamide, iron

  • Bananas: B6, carbs

  • Sweet potatoes: carbs

  • Sunflower seeds: thiamine

  • Oatmeal: carbs, thiamine

  • Red meat including steak and hamburger: iron, thiamine (1)

  • All fruits and vegetables: antioxidants (2)

Next steps: Add in one of the foods listed above. Contact us for a Nutrition Session if you need help with healthy eating habits!

Sources:

(1) doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00925

(2) doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2015.09.009

Crystal JuarezComment