Put Some Pep In Your Step!
Make sure you’re getting all the right vitamins and nutrients to support a healthy body and, most importantly, a happy mind!
There has been a lot of debate whether changing your eating habits can improve mood and mental health. It has now been scientifically proven that eating foods containing calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc can all work together to improve a happy, healthy mind!
Calcium is well known to playing an important role in keeping your bones healthy and strong and reducing the risk of diabetes. Calcium deficiency affects women more so than men, so be sure you’re getting enough as recent studies have shown that low levels of calcium can contribute to PMS depression and low mood. Food that are high in calcium include low-fat and plain yogurt, kale and part skim ricotta cheese.
Magnesium is an important mineral that maintains and protects your overall bodies health. Getting enough magnesium will ensure that you are developing enough serotonin to contribute to feelings of happiness and regulate your emotions. Magnesium rich foods include almonds, cashews and spinach.
Vitamin B6 is heavily involved with the production of neurotransmitters which send messages to and from the brain and body. Long-term effects of vitamin B6 deficiency can include a weakened immune system which can leave you feeling very unwell and tired. Regulate normal brain function by making sure that you’re eating enough salmon, chicken breasts and healthy breakfast cereals.
Zinc is important in supporting a healthy immune system and is found in nearly every cell in the human body. If you have low levels of zinc, you may suffer from anemia, hair loss and depression. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you will need to eat 50 percent more zinc than meat-eaters, as the body absorbs plant-based zinc much lower. Be sure to get your dose of zinc by choosing foods such as pumpkin sees, Swiss cheese and cashews.