Ask an RHN - Energy Levels This Time of Year

Q – I tend to feel a little bit down at this time of the year. Can what I am eating improve my mood?

Absolutely! Diet plays more of a role in maintaining healthy mood than many people realize. A few easy dietary changes can make a big difference in how you are feeling during the winter months. 

For example, eating cold water fish such as wild caught salmon or sardines, one to two times per week can elevate mood. The Omega 3 fats in fish oil nourish the brain and have been proven to reduced seasonal blues, improve mood and contribute to a more positive mental outlook. Additionally, fish oil reduces inflammation which, in turn, improves the overall health of the brain! 

To take it one step further, I recommend supplementing with a high-quality fish oil such as NutriChem’s Pure Premium Fish Oil.

Another way to support your mood using diet is to regularly consume fermented foods! Kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha are just a few examples of fermented foods that are rich in probiotic bacteria Many people are aware that beneficial bacteria is crucial for digestive wellness, but not everyone knows about the gut / brain connection. Interestingly, serotonin levels are most highly concentrated in the gut! Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood helps us feel happy. 

To take it one step further, I recommend supplementing with a high dose broad spectrum probiotic supplement such as NutriChem’s Microbiome 80B. 

Green leafy greens such as spinach, kale, arugula and romaine lettuce are another amazing mood boosting food. These foods are rich in B vitamins which help us produce energy and support the health of the nervous system. 

To take it one step further, I recommend supplementing with a high quality mulit B supplement such AOR’s Advanced B Complex.