Mood Boosting Vitamins and Supplements

ign="center">waves—in the brain.
It has long been noted that people suffering fromThere have been no reported overdoses from
mood disorders go through cycles, or periods inTheanine, there is no addictive potential, and rat
which depression, mania, and anxiety are allstudies have suggested it might even be
elevated. This can be triggered by a stressful lifeneuroprotective.
event, in accordance with changes in seasons orB Vitamins
simply occur in regular intervals.Once thought of as a singular vitamin, vitamin B
We all experience periodic ups and downs causedactually consists of a complex of many vitamins
by everyday stressors and our attempt to copethat affect everything from sensitivity to sunlight
with the passage of time. We can make ourto red blood cell count, to aggression and mental
conditions worse by succumbing to the lack ofstability.
energy that accompanies high levels of stress, notA quality B complex vitamin regimen is essential
eating right, and neglecting to exercise.to maintaining good mental health.
This is partially due to inconsistency in ourB-complex vitamins can be found naturally in
biochemistry. To stabilize your body’sprotein rich foods like tuna and turkey, as well as
natural ability to heal itself, here are a fewin lentils, beans, brewer’s yeast, and
common mood boosting vitamins andmolasses.
supplements:Because B vitamins are so important and are
5-HTPgenerally not found in plant products, B-complex
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible forsupplements are essential for vegetarians.
mood, appetite, and even temperature regulation.In particular, taking Niacin supplements can
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, occurs naturallyimprove sleep patterns, boost energy, lower
in the body as a chemical precursor to serotonin.stress, and alleviate mental confusion. Vitamin B12
You can purchase it at just about any dietarysupplements can improve memory and cognition.
store, and, taken one to three times a day, it isThiamine, vitamin B1, improves nervous system
known to alleviate mild depression, suppressfunction, promotes weight loss, and lessens
compulsive eating, and help you sleep better.symptoms of depression.
5-HTP causes fewer side effects than prescriptionOmega-3 Fatty Acid
antidepressants and has fewer interactions,Recent research estimates that the human brain
though you should always consult with a doctoris approximately 8 percent Omega-3 Fatty Acid.
before taking any supplement or medication forOmega-3 fatty acids increase active membrane
depression.potential along the myelin sheathing of nerve
St. John’s Wortcells—a membrane that wraps around the
Derived from the Hypericum perforatum plant, St.long arm of a nerve cell and increases its
John’s Wort is a classic supplementconductivity.
known for its effects on mood, mental clarity,Furthermore, additional research has shown that
and memory.the brains of violent criminals have significantly
Though research is lacking in understanding thelower concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids.
action of St. John’s Wort, it is believedOmega-3 fatty acids encourage the growth of
that it acts by blocking serotonin reuptake muchneurons and play a vital role in regenerating
in the same way prescription SSRI’s dodamaged neurons, as well as in forming new
and with fewer side effects.connections.
However, it is important to note that, because ofOne 1998 study showed that subjects suffering
its additional effect on regulation of thefrom bipolar disorder, when placed on a daily
neurotransmitter GABA—an excitatoryregimen of Omega-3 fatty acids, were less likely
neurotransmitter in children and inhibitory into have a relapse of symptoms than a control
adults—St. John’s Wort willgroup.
actually diminish the focus an impulse control of aGinseng
child or adult that suffers from ADHD.While English-language research on its medicinal
Theanineproperties is still in its infancy, Ginseng is already a
Theanine is an amino acid derivative foundregular entry in our lexicon of herbal remedies.
naturally in many teas. Molecular similar toThough not much has been confirmed, preliminary
glutamine and glutamate, ingested Theanine canstudies show ginseng to enhance energy, provide
enter the brain through the blood stream.mental clarity, and improve memory, as well as
This molecular pass card gives Theanine a numberoffering benefits as an anti-inflammatory drug.
of psychoactive properties, and it has beenIn many Asian countries it has been revered for
shown to reduce stress and anxiety in waysits spirit-enhancing qualities for centuries. In Korea,
similar to prescription tranquilizers, as well asit is customary to eat a chicken stuffed with
improve mental clarity andginseng, garlic, and rice towards the end of
mood—it’s rather like drinking asummer to give you the endurance to bear the
cup of coffee without having to feel the jitters.winter months.
Research on Theanine shows that it alsoTry incorporating some of these naturally
increases the number of alphaeffective mood boosting vitamins into your daily
waves—waking cognitiondiet to find out what works best for you.