Foods for your moods

What, two posts in one day! Well I thought I'd spoil you a bit! I wanted to talk about stress and depression. I often speak to people who stopped smoking on their own for weeks, months or even years and then started again because of stress (as if smoking would reduce stress!!). I often speak to people whose lives are so stressful they drink too much and eat badly(as though that's going to help!). Here's a few ideas about how you can use food to help you feel better and reduce stress (and depression).

Eat (or take as a supplement) omega-3 Fats: These fatty acids are essential to your brain but we don't tend to get enough from food. More omega 3 in the blood means more serotonin - which makes you feel happier! You need a regular intake of oily fish or flax seed if you're a vegetarian.

Get more Vitamin D - and that means get out more! Sunshine is the best way of getting vitamin D so get out there for as long as possible, as often as possible.

Get enough B Vitamins: Vitamins B6, B12 and folate also help to produce serotonin - yes, the "feel good" stuff.

Get more selenium - one brazil nut a day will give you your daily intake and low levels of selenium are associated with increased depression - so go nuts!

Eat your five a day - antioxidants in fruit and vegetables keep you healthy - and happy!

Make sure you're getting enough tryptophan because it helps produce... yes, you guessed it! serotonin. You get it from turkey, eggs and beef - or if you're vegetarian spinach, beans and dark leafy greens. (Interesting..when I spell checked this the checker wanted me to change tryptophan into trepidation - completely the opposite!)

Reduce your sugar intake and eat low GI carbohydrates - brown rice, brown bread. Sugar actually uses up your B vitamins and chromium stopping them from helping you feel good!

And as I add to all my "hints and tips" : Drink more water!

Look after yourself - and have a good day!