Fatty Fish – Omega-3
Containing Omega-3 essential fatty acids, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel – even sardines – provide your brain with this nutrient that your body does not produce. Our brains are made up of mostly fat, so it’s important to consume Omega-3 through your diet. Consumption of Omega-3 has been linked with lower levels of depression. It is also very good for your joints, eyes, hair, skin, and nails.
Simply add fish to your meals 3-5 days a week.
Not a fish eater?
Me neither.
You can find some high quality supplements. You can also purchase algae based Omega-3 if you chose not to consume fish. Things I look for is the coating to help with fishy burps. Enteric coatings help to ensure that the pill doesn’t doesn’t dissolve until it’s passed through the stomach. Another thing to be aware of, the dosage. Sure you can find a mega bottle of 1000mg of “Fish Oil” at your local super centre, but if you look closely, you generally get minute amounts of Omega-3. LOOK at the make up of your fish oil. Generally, it’s only a very low amount of DHA and EPA.
You can get Omega-3 from nuts and seeds as well,
Often the amount of DHA and EPA are much lower than with fish or a supplement. Nuts also have Omega-6 which in excess, can cause inflammation.
Additional thoughts on fish consumption.
Try to make sure that your fish, or fish oil is free from mercury and sustainably caught.
Complex Carbohydrates
Full of fibre, complex carbs will help to stabilize blood sugar and help to keep moods and energy levels consistent throughout the day. Most complex carbs are a source of B vitamins which can help improve mood by increasing levels of neurotransmitters.
Bonus: fibre helps fill you up so you’re less likely to overeat chips and ice cream.
- Fibre rich fruits such as apples, berries and bananas
- Whole grains
- Fibre rich veggies such as broccoli, leafy greens and carrots
- Beans and other lentils
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in many mood boosting compounds including flavonoids, caffeine, theobromine, N-acylethanolamine.
Look for 70% or more cocoa content and watch out for added sugars.
It’s best to enjoy 1-2 small squares per day.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi contains probiotics, the good bacteria, that your body needs. Up to 90% of your serotonin is made in your digestive tract so it is important to keep to keep your gut healthy. Look for sugar free versions that you can flavour yourself with berries, cinnamon, vanilla and honey.
Coffee
Caffeine acts as a mild anti-depressant by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, mood boosting neurotransmitters. Caffeine increases alertness and attention by preventing adenosine from attaching to brain receptors that promote tiredness. Decaf coffee has also been shown to increase mood, possibly due to the presence of antioxidants.
Enjoy 1-2 cups a day, but limit consumption in the afternoon and evening so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
On the flip side . . . too much caffeine can cause restlessness, anxiety and sleeplessness. So don’t over do the coffee.
Who am I to offer advice?
I am a certified NESTA Lifestyle and Weigh Management Specialist.
I have also worked in the natural health and supplement industry for over a decade. Still, all of this is simply advice. I am sharing information. Talk to your physician or medical professional before making any changes or starting a new program or supplement. I am not here to diagnose. prevent, or treat any disease or illness. I am simply offering advice from a nutritional standpoint.
If your brain doesn’t make the chemicals it needs — store bought is fine!
Please don’t be afraid to talk to someone or get help.
There’s no shame in taking medication to help with moods.
And if one doesn’t work, talk to your medical professional.
There are so many options.
Click here for a list of worldwide helplines
I’m a big believer in taking fish oil! It is such a good supplement or food to eat. I also love that coffee made the list!
LikeLike
These are all great things! Especially the dark chocolate and coffee 😀 I need to get more Omegas for sure and I love fish and flax is great, I just need to incorporate them into my diet more often. I don’t eat a lot of fermented foods and I should because they are so great for gut health!
LikeLike
You know I’ve always wondered what types of food could be used as natural mood boosters as opposed to using medicines and stuff. So this has been really informative.
LikeLike
I love this post and got some great things to try. But Dark Chocolate is spot on for me!!
LikeLike
I love salmon and coffee! This is such an informative post. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
So happy that I have fish oil, dark chocolate, probiotic drinks, and coffee here at home today. Thank you for this list and information.
LikeLike
I just started taking fish oil. Glad to see it on the list. And coffee is my fav mood booster!
LikeLike
I’ve been eating tons of fruit, and I think it does help a little. It’s only been a week or so that I’ve been trying it, but I do notice a little difference.
LikeLike
There’s something so true about all of these. On days that I’m feeling fuzzyheaded and scattered, a cup of coffee and a bit of dark chocolate always get me back on track.
LikeLike
Interesting read! Coffee is definitely mood boosting for me.
LikeLike
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
LikeLike
You had me at dark chocolate and coffee!
LikeLike
Great post. I love coffee, will try the omega 3. Thanks for sharing
LikeLike
Thanks for this list. We have gotten off track with our eating lately, and I realize that we need to get a little better so that we can support our mood.
LikeLike
This is so great! Who knew chocolate actually can boost your mood?!
LikeLike
Great list! I am already having dark chocos and coffee everyday…will try fermented fruits
LikeLike
Chocolate, coffee and salmon, I’m glad I enjoy those!
LikeLike
I love this. As a mom living with mood disorder I can definitely appreciate this post. Coffee as “mild anti-depressant?” That’s news to me. It sure does enhance my mood when I am in a balanced state. I also appreciate how you added a helpline for folks struggling. Way to be! Thanks for this!
LikeLike
I love fish! Haha! Excuse me while I order some via grocery delivery 😂
LikeLike
Food can have a massive impact on mood it great to read a post about it. 😊
#kcacols
LikeLike
Now is a time to be looking at diet to get whatever boosts you can get! #KCACOLS
LikeLike
These are all of my favorite things! Too bad I can’t have coffee, I love the smell so much #KCACOLS
LikeLike
I love how the understanding about how food can affect us seems to be increasing all the time. It can really have such an effect on our mood, behaviour, learning etc. I’m forever trying to improve my (autistic) son’s diet, but he’s pretty selective with his eating so it’s not an easy task. I also don’t want to be too tough as it might take the joy out of eating completely for him. But either way, it’s great to learn about the effects of certain foods like these, so we can make more conscious choices!
Thank you so much for linking up with #KCACOLS, I hope you’ll join in again next time x
LikeLike
I am so glad that I eat most of this food. I love salmon! It is delicious. I am a coffee lover! Thanks for sharing this information. Very useful! 🙂 #kcacols
LikeLike
[…] Don’t forget about sleep!!Not just any sleep, but a good restorative sleep with help your body be in the right condition to help fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria.Stress will also take a toll on your immune system too. Check out my post for five of the best foods that can help improve and boost your mood. […]
LikeLike
[…] based proteins that I, as a picky eater, will eat and enjoy.Some of these foods are even listed on mood boosting foods post and my immune boosting nutrients […]
LikeLike