by Nadia Sinclair

The tumultuous wind stirred up by the ongoing pandemic has swept across the globe, engulfing all in a cloud of uncertainty and fear. Anxiety and stress lurking around the corner have led to a meltdown of our physical and emotional well-being, propelling the rates of depression to an alarming height. But here we bring you the hope that battles this despair. Did you know your diet and your lifestyle can drastically change the scores on your mood meter?

Scientific research unveils how conditions like depression, anxiety and chronic low mood stem from a multitude of factors. These range from inflammation to blood sugar fluctuations, hormonal imbalances to poor methylation, oxidative stress to gut disorders. All these cause a shift in the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, greatly influencing our thoughts and emotions.

Unlocking the Power of Nutrients

Opting for food that nourishes your body with the essential nutrients required to synthesize these neurotransmitters can give your mood an au natural boost. Of utmost significance are amino acids that come with protein-packed food. If protein intake drops, so does your mood. Dopamine, our pleasure-producing, motivational neurotransmitter, is birthed from amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. Similarly, serotonin hooks onto amino acid tryptophan and glutamine gives birth to GABA.

But wait, there’s more! Neurotransmitter production also leans on certain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, copper, zinc, B vitamins, and folate. While vitamin D, phospholipids and omega 3 fats also influence our emotional health.

Contrarily, some food triggers a negative emotional response. Ever noticed that post sugar rush crash after guzzling down sweets? The hunger and irritability that follows skipped meals or insufficient food intake? All of these affect our mood through the impact on our blood sugar levels.

Foods Wireless in Mood Control

Want to pump up energy, eliminate stress or illuminate your mood? Here are top foods you can add to your diet:

Dark Chocolate, Chamomile, Yogurt, Beans: Unravel Calmness, Eradicate Stress

Anxiety and fear are connected to low GABA and high cortisol. Foods rich in magnesium, beneficial gut bacteria, and inositol help balance these imbalances, thus alleviating stress.

Berries, Banana, Coconut Water, Oats: Harness Energy

Up your game with these natural energy kick-starters! Berries’ antioxidants and natural sugar, bananas’ tryptophan, coconut water’s hydration and oats’ slow-releasing carbs and mood-boosting nutrients give the desirable energy boost!

Green Tea, Eggs, Avocado, Almonds: Enhance Focus and Motivation

Battling distractions? The caffeine and L-theanine in green tea, proteins in eggs, monounsaturated fats in avocados and tyrosine in almonds help increase neurotransmitters that boost focus and concentration. The healthy fats, choline and B vitamins further support brain function.

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