Nutritional Deficiencies Are Causing Mood Disorders

Physicians normally diagnose depression and mood swings with prescription medication, but have you exhausted all your options in aiding in your own cure? Many times there is a simpler solution to these issues and we don’t seek it. Are you eating the right foods? Lacking certain vitamins? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself before filling that prescription. Here are 7 possible reasons why lack in nutrition can be the causing factor in your mental health.

Photo credit rec’d 01/11/15. Gnet.com, Link: http://www.gnet.org/a-good-nights-sleep-wards-off-junk-food-cravings/

Too Much Junk In You Diet?
Chips, candy and soda might be delicious, but are you consuming too much sugary foods in your diet? Did you know the more sugar intake the more likely you are to experience mood swings and depression? According to Foodforthebrain.org, Poor blood sugar balance is often the single-biggest factor in mood disorders amongst the people that seek our advice. Decrease the amount of sugary foods you consume and see how well it works for you and your mood.

Photo credit rec’d 01/11/15 from Johnwest.com, Link: http://johnwest.com.au/nutrition/omega3

Had any Omega-3 lately?
The best forms of Omega-3 can be found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, pilchards, herring, trout and fresh uncanned tuna. Omega-3 is found to be a natural source of anti-depressant.

Photo credit rec’d 01/11/15. Dermaharmony.com, Link: http://www.dermaharmony.com/skinnutrition/vitamind3.aspx

Get some Sun aka Vitamin D
Vitamin D is most effective through sunlight. In the winter months, we don’t receive the accurate amount of vitamin D needed, which is important to our immune system, bones and mental health. Seasonal depression is when you are depressed during certain seasons and the winter months are most likely to cause depression due to lack of vitamin D. If you can’t get the right amount of sunlight, take a vitamin D pill or consume more vitamin D rich foods like yogurt, milk and eggs.

Photo credit rec’d 01/11/15. Cool Daily Infographics Link: http://www.cooldailyinfographics.com/post/nutrition-minerals-cheat-sheet-food-sources

Minerals are a must
Zinc, Folate, Chromium, and Iron deficiencies can aid in depression and mood swings. With over processed food selections in today’s world, we often don’t consume enough minerals and trace minerals to keep us healthy. If want to naturally consume these minerals you can eat red meat like beef, poultry and crabs.

Photo credit rec’d 01/11/15. Toomuchof.com, Link: http://www.toomuchof.com/vitamin-b-group/

Give me a B for Vitamin B
B vitamins such as B12, B6 and folic acid can be a cause in your depression. The vitamin is found in diary, meat and fish, so vegans and vegetarians should take the actual vitamin since they are more likely to suffer a vitamin B deficiency.

photo credit received 1/11/15 Public Ornl Link: https://public.ornl.gov/site/gallery/detail.cfm?id=40

Boost Serotonin with Amino Acids
Tryptophan is a source of amino acid found in the body and brain. A diet consisting of high protein foods such as meat, fish, beans and eggs contains amino acid. Not getting enough tryptophan can cause depression almost instantly. Make sure you are getting enough amino acids in your diet.

Get Moving with exercise
Not enough movement in your life can be straining on your body and mood. When you don’t get enough exercise you can easily gain weight, causing a strain in your body and becoming moody and depressed. Take a walk to get some air, it will lighten your mood and make you feel better. Don’t sit still, keep moving.

Written By: Mileti Merced

Disclaimer: The EGL Wellness blog does not create a doctor/patient relationship. The information provided is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All text on this site is informational and for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Any advice or information provided on the site is provided on an “as-is” basis. No warranties either expressed or implied, are made on the information provided.