Diet and nutrition is strongly associated with regulation of mood, and a deficiency in certain nutrients can increase the risk of depression. Some nutrients are important for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin which affect mood. Make sure you are getting enough of the following nutrients for a healthy mood boost.
1. Tryptophan for boosting mood
Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter found in the brain and elsewhere in the human body. It’s believed to be responsible for balancing mood and a deficiency of serotonin is associated with depression.[1]
Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in many foods and a deficiency of tryptophan has been associated with depression.
Where to find it: Yogurt, milk, eggs, cottage cheese, chocolate, dried dates, oats, red meat, poultry, fish, almonds, sesame, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, buckwheat, bananas, spirulina and peanuts.
Image Source: Dr Axe