Since your body requires fuel in order to operate. We all should be paying attention to the quality, quantity and variety of foods that we eat. We know a balanced nutrition plan that provides our body with the best nutrients is the goal we want to achieve. Did you know that nutrients play an important role in balancing your moods?
There have been studies that look at your particular personality make up and what nutrients you may need to be the most mentally and physically balanced. For instance, protein stabilizes your blood sugar levels quickly. So when you feel your mood going south, grab some protein. It will stabilize blood sugar mood swings and give you a mental energy boost. If you are a person who wakes up cranky, eat protein at breakfast. This will improve your blood sugar levels from your night time fast and give you a positive outlook toward your day.
Mark Levine, M.D., Ph.D. a researcher at the U.S. National Institutes of Health has found the first symptoms of vitamin C deprivation are irritability and fatigue. So if you are feeling a little more tired than usual and easily irritated get some extra vitamin C.
Theanine is an amino acid found in green and black teas. Theanine is known to sharpen you mentally and reduce anxiety and tension. I have always found a cup of tea very soothing. It is probably the Theanine. So if you are feeling an over abundance of stress, reach for a cup of tea.
Bonnie J. Kaplan, Ph.D., of the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, described treatment of eleven children with behavioral disorders, mood swings, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, oppositional disorder, bipolar disorder and Asperger’s syndrome. All of the children were given a daily high-potency multivitamin/multi-mineral supplement. After just eight weeks, the children’s behavior had gotten significantly better.
A nutritional medicine center can run tests to see if you are deficient in some nutrients or have too many of another that is contributing to mood related disorders. Often a nutritional supplement regimen can be implemented that will even out behaviors including violent behaviors. Nutritional supplements and dietary improvements have been successfully used to reduce in-prison violence. If we got our nutrition balanced, think how much it could help the moods of your co-workers and family.
Nutrition is not only beneficial for our bodies but also directly affects our moods. If you want to research further you might try Jack Challem’s book The Food-Mood Solution he gives lots of useful tips for battling depression, ADHD, and aggression and other mood related emotions. He uses food, supplements and herbs to provide nutrients that help in each specific situation.
Kaplan BJ, Fisher JE, Crawford SG, et al. Improved mood and behavior during treatment with a mineral-vitamin supplement: an open label case series of children. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2004; 14:115-122.
Levine M, Conry-Cantilena C, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: evidence for a recommended dietary allowance. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1996;93:3704-3709.
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