Do any of these describe you?
- Become impatient quickly
- Have a low energy level
- Energy level is less than it used to be
- Feel you have too much to do
- Become anxious or tense easily
- Easily get angry
- Suffer from depression or anxiety
- Have difficulty concentrating
- Become nervous or hyperactive
- Have poor memory
- Have difficulty learning
If so, welcome to our modern day world of mental health issues.
At least one in ten of us suffers from a mental health problem, despite the fact that there’s no shortage of antidepressants, tranquilizers and antipsychotic medications out there, and increasing numbers of people are seeking psychotherapy.
So where are we missing the boat?
The answer lies in our diets.
Food for thought—nutrients for the mind
One of the biggest disservices in the treatment of mental health issues is the fact that nutrition is frequently overlooked as a significant cause of those issues or worse yet, it’s completely ignored!
Every single function your brain performs—thinking, feeling, mental energy and ability to focus and remember—happens across an intricate network of interconnected brain cells, each one of which depends on the right nutrients to work efficiently.
Simply put, you think what you eat.
And you can help change how you think and feel by changing what you put in your mouth!
Here are the five essential types of nutrients for your brain:
- 1. Glucose
- 2. Essential fats
- 3. Phospholipids
- 4. Amino acids
- 5. Other nutrients (certain vitamins and minerals)
Here’s how each of those contributes to tip-top brain performance:
Glucose—your brain’s main fuel
Your little 3-pound brain consumes more glucose than any other organ in your body!
Any imbalance in your brain’s glucose supply can cause fatigue, irritability, dizziness, insomnia, excessive sweating, poor concentration and forgetfulness, depression, crying spells and blurred vision.
Basically, the more carbohydrates you eat, the better your glucose supply and the better your brain works….but note that all carbohydrates are not created equal!
The best sources of glucose for your brain are complex carbohydrates like vegetables, whole grains, lentils and beans. Stay away from refined carbs like sugars, pastries and white bread.
Essential fats—they even make you smarter!
Sixty percent of your brain is made up of fat, and these fats must constantly be replenished.
Deficiencies in essential fats have been linked to depression, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, fatigue, memory problems, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.
Plus optimal amounts of fats are essential if you want to maximize your intelligence!
Your brain and nervous system are dependent on a group of fats:
- Saturated and monounsaturated fat
- Cholesterol
- Omega-3 fats—especially EPA and DHA
- Omega-6 fats—especially GLA and AA
The first two types can be synthesized by your body, but the Omegas have to come from your diet.
Most of us have no trouble getting adequate Omega-6 fatty acids because our typical diets are inundated with them.
Where we fall short most times is with Omega-3 EFAs—especially the super important EPA and DHA. The primary source of these fats is fresh fish, and that’s simply not something the average person eats on a daily basis.
That’s why supplementing with a fish oil formula like VitalMega-3 can help ensure you have optimal levels of this crucial brain nutrient!
Phospholipids—Alzheimer’s protection & more
Phospholipids serve several crucial functions in your brain and nervous system. They help insulate your nerves, enhance your mood, produce neurotransmitters and protect against age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s.
Although your body can make phospholipids, getting them in your diet helps ensure you have enough. Good sources of phospholipids include eggs, organ meats, fish, liver, soybeans, peanuts and other nuts.
Amino acids—better than drugs!
Interestingly enough, amino acids (the building blocks of protein) work similar to psychiatric drugs—without the side effects!
They do this by influencing your neurotransmitters—your brain’s chemical messengers. Here are some the main ones:
- Adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine stimulate you and help you deal with stress.
- GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) relaxes you and calms you down after stress.
- Serotonin keeps you happy and lifts your mood.
- Acetylcholine keeps your brain sharp, improving memory and alertness.
- Melatonin helps you sleep.
Neurotransmitters are made from amino acids…so your levels of these nutrients affect your levels of crucial neurotransmitters.
For example, serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan, so eating sources of tryptophan like turkey can improve your mood…without the dangers of an antidepressant!
GABA is made from glutamine (found in meat, milk, yogurt, cheese, spinach, tomatoes and cabbage) so having enough glutamine can help chill you out—Nature’s version of an antianxiety drug!
Getting a wide variety of protein sources—both from plant and animal foods—is essential to having proper levels of neurotransmitters.
Plus a healthy intestinal environment is a MUST here, since 90 percent of your body’s serotonin is actually manufactured in your gut! A top-notch probiotic like Super Shield can help support strong gut health and proper serotonin levels.
Other nutrients
Here are other brain-loving nutrients, what a deficiency can cause, and the best ways to get what you need!
NUTRIENT |
DEFICIENCY EFFECTS |
BEST SOURCES |
Vitamin B1 |
Poor concentration |
Grains, vegetables |
Vitamin B3 |
Depression; psychosis |
Grains, vegetables |
Vitamin B5 |
Poor memory |
Grains, vegetables |
Vitamin B6 |
Poor memory; depression; irritability |
Grains, bananas |
Folic acid |
Anxiety; depression |
Leafy green vegetables |
Vitamin B12 |
Confusion; poor memory |
Meat, dairy, eggs and Hydroxaden 2.5 B12 spray |
Vitamin C |
Depression; psychosis |
Citrus fruits, vegetables |
Magnesium |
Irritability; insomnia; depression |
Green vegetables, nuts, seeds |
Zinc |
Confusion; depression; lack of concentration |
Fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds |
Give yours what it needs!
If you want to enjoy your golden years with a strong memory and sharp mind, it’s vital to make sure your brain is getting the nutrients it needs.
Stay away from the processed and fast foods and properly nourish your body…and MIND!
To your health,
Sherry Brescia