Foods That Boost Your Mood

With shorter amounts of sunlight in our days, our body clock may become disrupted and our mood can definitely be impacted.

What we eat can influence how we feel. It’s important to eat anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods for optimal brain health.

Foods to Boost Your Mood:

Fatty Fish: Omega 3s are linked to lower levels of depression and better cognition. They must be obtained from diet because our body doesn’t make them. Sources: salmon, sardines.

Fermented Foods: rich in probiotics! 95% of serotonin is produced in the gi tract which affects our mood. Needless to say : the gut-brain connection is real! Sources: kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi.

Berries: rich in anthocyanins – an antioxidant that decreases inflammation associated with mood disorders.

Bananas: high in Vitamin B6 which makes neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Nuts and Seeds: high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein; also a good source of tryptophan – an amino acid that produces serotonin (brain chemical that boosts mood).

Oats: high in fiber that slows digestion and balances blood glucose which controls mood swings.

Dark Chocolate (in moderation): high in flavonoids shown to reduce inflammation and promotes the production of serotonin levels in the brain.

*It’s also a good idea to limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar in order to stay balanced.

**It’s always a good time to prioritize your health. If you would like help meeting any of your health goals, I can provide individualized nutritional counseling COVERED BY MOST HEALTH INSURANCE! Call Pronatural Physicians Group at 860-829-0707 to get started.

Other contact information: Instagram: @lisashettlerd