Foods that Beat the Blues

Chandi Schwab
When we’re depressed or in a bad mood,or just feeling blah, some of us get the urge to eat. If we eat the right foods, that’s not necessarily such a bad thing. In fact, there are some foods that can help improve our mood.Check this out!

About Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter present in the brain. It is responsible for controlling anger, aggression, mood, sleep, body temperature, appetite and metabolism. When we’re depressed, our serotonin levels go down. That’s why some depression drugs are designed to raise serotonin levels.

But drugs are not the only way to increase the amount of serotonin present in the brain. There are certain foods that can raise serotonin levels. By eating these foods, we can improve our mood and outlook safely and naturally.

Using Food to Boost Serotonin Levels
Foods do not contain serotonin, but some do contain substances that help our bodies produce more serotonin. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is one of the most important building blocks of serotonin, and it is found in many foods, including:

* Poultry
* Chocolate
* Milk
* Spinach
* Eggs
* Crab
* Shrimp
* Pork
* Tofu
* Nuts
*eggs
*cheese
*yogurt
*Beans
*Peanut Butter

It’s important, though, to eat something that is high in carbohydrates with the food that contains tryptophan. Carbohydrates are needed to help tryptophan move across the brain.

Foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, will also help improve mood. DHA works by improving the synthesis and function of serotonin in the brain. However, eating foods containing DHA does not have as immediate an effect as eating those with tryptophan. DHA is found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. If you’re not a fan of fish, you can try products that are fortified with DHA. These foods will be clearly identified on the label. Try to eat foods with DHA at least three times a week for best results.

Foods with high levels of protein can block the effects of serotonin. Turkey, for example, contains tryptophan, but it is also exceptionally high in protein, so it may do little to improve mood. Similarly, when trying to boost serotonin levels through diet, it’s important to avoid eating other foods that contain lots of protein. All foods containing tryptophan contain protein, but if it is present in small amounts, it won’t negate the effects of the serotonin.

Going on a binge when we’re depressed is unhealthy, but eating certain foods in moderation can help us beat the blues. By choosing foods that boost serotonin levels, we can see effects similar to those of prescription depression drugs, but without the expense and side effects. So the next time you’re feeling out of sorts, grab a snack that contains tryptophan and carbohydrates.

What foods should you stay away from?
Now, your body needs to stay away from few foods in order to get on the road to mental health. If you suffer from depression, for the time being, you should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour products, sugar, food coloring, chemical additives, white rice and strong condiments. why?. These foods have a tendency to build up chemicals and toxins in your body that affect your mental state.



Simple sugars found in candy, syrups, table sugar, alcohol and sweetened fruits cause a brief spike in blood sugar which may make you feel better in the short term but can be followed by a quick drop in energy and leave you craving more.
(ezinearticles.com)