It is well known that mental illness is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s population or perhaps it’s that
we are becoming more aware that it’s a real issue so it’s being addressed with a more head on approach. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) it’s even one benefit that MUST be covered by your health plan at no cost to you. To put mental health as such a high priority in healthcare shows how much attention we need to pay to it.
I understand that many illnesses must be treated with a prescription, but if there is a way to stay away from a pill I will jump at the chance. Please don’t feel that I’m saying to drop your pills for your depression or anxiety if you are on them and opt for this option, but if you are feeling down this might be a way to help stimulate your serotonin levels and up your mood. FOOD, yes food is a way to help you. Now I know a piece of bread and butter always makes me happy until I get on the scale in the morning, but these recommended foods help to stimulate your chemical makeup and better that looming sadness.
Shawn Talbott, PhD, a nutritional biochemist says, “If we eat better foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and fish, we short-circuit the junk food cravings and have higher energy levels and sharper mental focus.” A few recommendations are turkey with it’s high levels of tryptophan which stimulates serotonin. Walnuts and fatty fish have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids help overall brain health. Low fat dairy has calcium, vitamin D, and protein that promote relaxation. High in fiber carbohydrates in whole grains help release serotonin. Green tea which is full of antioxidants holds an amino acid called theanine that contributes to relieving stress. Tumeric, a spice found in many Indian food dishes is considered the spice of life for all of it’s wellness attributes and last but not least dark chocolate helps release serotonin as well.
It’s intriguing to know that everything we put into our body reflects how we react in emotion and mood. Try implementing some of these foods into your daily diet over the next few weeks and let me know how you feel. Anybody else headed to the store to buy some dark chocolate like I am?
Read the full article on Every Day Health HERE