An overlooked but major cause of mental health issues

Aug 03, 2017 0 comments

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