x
Account
  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
  • Toll Free: (800) 869 9159
  • Customer Care
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
  • My Account
    • Log in
    • Create an account
  • Rewards Program
  • Become a Humanized+ Member
  • Become a Humanized+ Member

Cart 0

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping

Total: $0.00

Or View Cart

  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
My Village Green
My Village Green

FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $59+. Use code: SHIP59
This offer is for standard shipping available in the continental U.S.
Cannot be combined with any other offers.

  • My Account Log In
  • Brands
    Practitioner Brands
    • Pathway
    • Sinus Survival
    • Klaire Labs*
    • Kirkman
    • Metagenics
    • Nordic Naturals
    • Pure Encapsulations*
    • Thorne Research
    • Xymogen
    Top Brands
    • Megafood
    • Jarrow Formulas
    • Solgar
    • Nature's Way
    • Garden of Life
    • Life Extension
    • Bluebonnet
    • Derma E
    • Innate Response
    • Ollois
    Top Brands
    • Gaia Herbs
    • Herb Pharm
    • Boiron
    • Host Defense
    • Inika Organic
    • Carlson Labs
    • Enzymedica
    • Solaray
    • Renew Life

    * = Restricted Access Brands

  • Pathway Supplements
  • Categories
  • Consultations
  • Resources
    • Lab Testing
    • Rewards Program
    • Ask the Expert
    • Help Center
    • Pharmacy & Compounding
    • Medication Disposal Progam
    • Healthy Pets
    • Green Initiatives
    • Practitioner Brands
    • My Account
    • Create an Account
  • Education
    • Blog
    • Humanized - Your Health Personalized
    • Articles & Health Info
    • Radio Show Archive
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

Blog

Boosting Your Mood With These 8 Delicious Foods

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Paula Gallagher

salmon and greens can help boost your mood

The world has changed dramatically in the last year and many of us are trying our best to stay positive and hopeful during these unprecedented times. While we may be tempted to bury ourselves in our beds or in our work and just plug along, it may be possible to counter the negative feelings by eating a variety of mood-boosting foods.

While the effect food has on our physical health is undeniable, research is connecting food to our emotional health, as well.

The following 10 foods have mood-lifting properties that may help you shake off the winter blahs.

1. Salmon

This heart-healthy fish is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, two nutrients that have been shown to increase levels of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.

One study found that individuals suffering from depression significantly reduced their feelings of sadness and hostility by eating a healthy diet that included fatty fish two to three times per week.

Salmon is also one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D. Studies have linked low levels of this sunshine vitamin to depression and seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

2. Yogurt

For women experiencing PMS, a cup of yogurt may help. One study found that women who ate a daily diet that contained 500mg of calcium experienced fewer PMS symptoms, including depression and irritability. Choose fermented calcium-rich foods like plain Greek style yogurt or kefir, for added mood-lifting benefits. Increasing the levels of gut microbes has been shown to increase neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to happiness.

3. Walnuts

This antioxidant-rich nut is an excellent source of serotonin-boosting omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, a mineral that helps stabilize mood by regulating blood sugar levels. Studies have found that a dietary deficiency of magnesium combined with excess calcium and stress may cause symptoms associated with depression, including agitation, anxiety, irritability and insomnia.  

4. Popcorn

Carbohydrates cause serotonin levels to increase, making us feel happy and relaxed. Unfortunately, not all carbohydrates are created equal. The best carbs are the ones that are both low-glycemic and high in fiber. This includes carbs from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as popcorn.

The brain runs on glucose, and slow-absorbing complex carbs provide a fuel source that is more sustainable and nutrient-rich than the fuel we get from simple sugars, such as cake and cookies.

 5. Bananas

Rich in energy-producing potassium, mood-elevating magnesium, and vitamin B6, a banana with breakfast is a great way to start your day. Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain and may reduce symptoms of depression.

 6. Dark Chocolate

dark chocolate can lift your mood!

This is my favorite mood-lifting food. Dark chocolate contains high levels of the amino acid phenylalanine, which may be an effective treatment for depression, as it enhances production of the mood-elevating chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

7. Brazil nuts

Brazil nuts are one of the most concentrated food sources of free radical-fighting selenium, a trace mineral that when deficient can lead to feelings of hostility, irritability, anxiety and depression. Brazil nuts also contain magnesium, which helps calm the nerves, as well as zinc, a mineral that may help with anxiety.

8. Spinach

Spinach, chard and other dark leafy greens contain magnesium, which can positively impact serotonin levels and boost your mood. About half of all Americans are low in magnesium, and this deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Spinach is also a source of folate and studies have linked depression to folate deficiency, as low levels of this essential B vitamin appear to reduce the amount of mood-regulating serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline produced in the brain.

More Mood-Boosting Tips

 To stay healthy and happy, try these recommendations:

  • Instead of focusing on just one mood-boosting nutrient, concentrate on eating a balanced diet to minimize nutritional deficiencies.
  • Reduce your intake of bad fats (saturated and trans), and increase your intake of good fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Don’t skip meals. Three meals and two to three snacks each day will give your brain constant fuel.
  • Skip the sugary and fatty snacks, as they cause blood sugar levels to spike.
  • Avoid low-carb diets. Carbs are good for you when you eat the right ones.
  • Take a vitamin D supplement daily.
  • anxiety, Category_Diet, Category_Health Concerns, depression, mood, SAD
← Older Post Newer Post →

Categories

  • Body Care & Beauty
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Green Living
  • Health Concerns
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Lab Testing
  • Nutritional Supplements
  • Pharmacy & Compounding
  • Stress Management & Lifestyle
  • Village Green News

Humanized Health - NEW!

Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:

  • How to Never Die of Heart Disease
  • Strategies to Improve Your Brain Health

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

Invalid password
Enter
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list for the latest news & exclusive discounts + FREE shipping on your first order.
Learning Resources
  • Consultations
  • Green Initiatives
  • Pharmacy/Compounding
  • Humanized Health
  • Village Green Blog
Customer Care
  • Help Center
  • Return Policy
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Privacy Policy
  • Leave a Review
General Information
  • Curbside Pick-Up
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Job Opportunities
stay connected

Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159

© 2021 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved. The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
Loading...
Error
 

is added to your shopping cart.

is added to your wish list.

Close
Liquid error (message-modal line 32): Could not find asset snippets/icon-close.liquid
You have successfully subscribed!

 

Limited-Time Offers, End in

-
+
:
Close
Back to top