Guest Blog: Alex Donald’s blog “Feel Good Foods”
January 11 2011 at 10:27
Feel Good Food by Alex Donald of Alex Donald’s Multiverse
“The weather in December was frightful..and we are set for more of the same in January” Between the recent snow, hailstones and thunder, our little island is getting battered by the elements. Add to this the general black mood caused by the economic situation and no wonder people are feeling depressed!
I have suffered from clinical depression for many years and currently take medication to treat it but I believe that it’s possible to also help yourself naturally*. Whether you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or a case of the blues, there are many things you can do to lift your mood and what you put into your body is a good place to start.
Carbohydrates
A low carb diet such as Atkins is not the way forward if you are prone to any sort of depression. Carbohydrates contain selenium which is important for immune system function and protection against low mood. Make sure you get a couple of servings of wholegrains every day in the form of pasta, bread or potatoes.
Turkey
Serotonin (the feel good chemical) is made in the body and brain from an amino acid 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn in made from another amino acid called Tryptophan. Turkey is the most well known source but other foods rich in Tryoptophan are poultry, eggs, oats, cottage cheese, red meat and spirulina.
Omega 3
EPA is one of the essential Omega 3 fatty acids and in scientific studies it has been proven to improve mood disorders. The best source of Omega 3 oils is cold water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. However if you’re not a fish fan you can buy Omega 3 supplements in most good pharmacies and it is now being added to other foods in recognition of its health benefits.
Other things you can do
Increasing your exposure to sunlight helps elevate your mood as does exercise which produces endorphins. So avoid the temptation to stay in bed and instead get up and get active. Even a twenty minute walk in daylight can significantly improve your mood – imagine how much fun a snowball fight could be!
Winter seems like it will be a particularly cold hard one this year so make sure you do everything you can to put a smile on your face. The steps above are just a start!
*Treatment for depression should be monitored by your healthcare professional.
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- Darren
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