Good mood foods for your wellbeing!
We have heard of including healthier foods in our diet to help reduce physical issues like blood pressure and diabetes. So what about our wellbeing? Because so many of our neurotransmitters exist within our digestive tract, what we put in our bodies may play a large role in boosting our brain function and help support our mood and feeling good. Roughly 80% of our serotonin is produced from our gut. Probiotic and nutrient-rich foods have been known to help with digestion and give our bodies good bacteria to stay healthy and happy. As the saying goes, “happy gut, happy life”. Here are some food ideas that can help from the inside out to help give your mind and body a feel-good boost.
Fermented food and drinks with active probiotic cultures such as water kefir or kimchi can be a great way to bring balance to your gut flora. Having this balance of good and bad bacteria can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. The fermentation process, especially from water kefir, naturally produces B vitamins, which helps to stabilize our mood and calm our nervous system.
Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens are great sources of vitamin C and antioxidants. These properties can help protect and repair our cells while providing calming effects on our mood. Leafy greens also can contain other trace minerals and nutrients like selenium, magnesium, and folic acid. Try eating a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables to get a good range of nutrients every day.
Omega - 3 fatty acids can help regulate serotonin and dopamine levels as well as help reduce inflammation and cell dysfunction. Including more omega -3’s in our diets can also help with learning and memory functions. Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are also a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Nuts & seeds such as almonds or cashews contain higher amounts of vitamin E and selenium. Both of which can help reduce anxiety and regulate the nervous system.
Eating regularly helps keep your blood sugar from dropping or spiking. Stabilizing this helps keep your energy levels up and prevents your brain and body from feeling that it’s in a state of stress.
Staying hydrated. Our bodies are made up of roughly 70% water. When we are dehydrated it sends stress signals to our brain and can make us feel tired. It’s important to understand that including trace minerals and electrolytes along with drinking enough water helps you stay hydrated and feeling refreshed.
Food and nutrients are a great way to help regulate your mood and energy levels so you feel more relaxed and at ease throughout the day. Stock up on foods you find helpful to support feeling good. Add some Hemp, Flax, or Chia seeds to your smoothie or soups. Try keeping fresh parsley, basil or cilantro in your fridge for greens and sprinkling them on your meals. We hope you find some of these ideas helpful for adding nutritious and mood support foods into meals throughout the day.
Disclosure: We are not medical professionals, our information is based on our own research and experiences.