Welcome to a series of articles about Happiness. Please realise that anything stated is my opinion. Your life circumstances have probably been different from mine, so you will have your own thoughts and opinions. Enjoy.
Food greatly affects your mood, for better or for worse? When it comes to happiness and every other area in your life, food has the capacity to harm or heal. Learn what foods to choose and avoid, so you can help your body and mind, embrace happiness.
Foods to Boost Happiness
You should start by looking for foods high in healthy fats. Our brains rely on these fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. They do wonders for mood and improving happiness, by allowing nerve cells to communicate more efficiently.
Walnuts, pumpkin seeds and fish oil are a great way to consume these Omega-3 fatty acids. They have been proven to be as effective as common antidepressant drugs for depression.
Boost your Happiness
Berries are another wonderful way to boost happiness. They contain anthocyanins, which are helpful to your brain, as they support its function. Oranges, raw peppers and kiwi are high in Vitamin C to battle stress. Leafy greens boost folic acid intake, and even dark chocolate is a positive mood enhancer. Bananas and dates positively affect serotonin levels.
Your mood and mental function is greatly affected by dehydration. Stay well-hydrated by consuming plenty of water.
Foods That Steal Your Joy
Sugar is the number one food to avoid. Sugar sets you up for a quick, false surge of energy when you feel the sugar high, which is then followed by a crash. Sugar can also harm your immune system and trigger depression.
Coffee can lead to anxiety, which also robs your joy. Wheat prevents serotonin production, therefore contributing to depression. Alcohol causes moodiness, and although some individuals feel temporarily euphoric after consuming it, the feeling generally fades into negativity.
Supplements to Consider
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes stress. Unless you are getting a substantial amount of this vitamin from your diet, a daily supplement is a good idea.
Folic acid deficiency has been linked to depression, so you should consider taking a supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 are also helpful for a natural mood boost. Supplements that will help you control unhealthy cravings include vitamin B complex, Co-Enzyme Q10 and resveratrol.
Food has a big effect on your mood, so you would be wise to utilize its full potential. Instead of just choosing your meal based on what you desire at the moment. Turn your plate into a powerful weapon that will fight depression and anxiety, and build and maintain your happiness.
You deserve the chance to feel joy. By modifying you eating habits you can improve your life.
Choose your mood by choosing your food. See the difference it makes.
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Nick Thorne is the founder of NicksDigitalSolutions Limited a company that specialises in Education, Training and Writing. He lives in Levin, New Zealand.