From HELLth to Health

HELLth to HEALth
(copyrighted)

by Barbamedic


Did you ever contemplate the importance of how better nutrition can affect your mood in positive ways?

It is not always about what you put in your mouth.

It is more about what you do not put in your mouth for the purpose of nourishment.
I would speculate that most individuals do not give too much thought on the fact that some items added to your diet may brighten your outlook in many surprising ways.

As we age, anxiety, depression, gloom, brain fog, sadness, and many other mood disorders can be both directly and indirectly related to what is missing nutritionally.
I have a few suggestions to send you along the way to feeling better through nutrition.


1.)   FISH OIL 
       These are the Omega 3 fatty acids,  eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and      
       docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  This is my personal favorite supplement.
       I believe, through much research, that fish oil is the most popular supplement
       that is now out there. It is highly recommended by medical personnel in many
       disciplines of medicine, including many branches of clinical practice
       as well as holistic health and alternative medicine. The many benefits of fish oil is
       widely documented for mood disorders, memory disorders,  bipolar disorder,
       manic depression,  major depressive disorders, dysthymia, ADD,and ADHD.
       The Omega 3 fatty acids are now recommended for children.          

       This is, indeed, a wonder drug, as it also promotes weight loss, muscle tone,
       joint health. It also has cardiovascular benefits that are many fold. It lessens
       the severity of many symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial and    
       vascular diseases, and cognitive decline. There are so many benefits to these
       Omega 3 fatty acids that have been researched and proven . The list goes on
        and on!  It is strongly  advised to add this to your daily routine.


2.)   MULTIVITAMIN
       Take one with medical clearance, as many vitamins do have  
       contraindications for many conditions. Check with your primary physician.
       In other words, any significant medical conditions can be complicated by use of
       certain vitamins. As for mood, vitamins contained in the groups of B Complex,
       C, D, and E are recommended.  High quality, good, nutritional foods are the first
       choice, while vitamins are meant to fill in gaps of undernourishment in areas
       where your body is lacking specific nutrients.


3.)   HERBAL TEA
There are a number of teas that help with anxiety. They rehydrate the body as well as relax and calm nerves.  They contain theanine, an amino acid, that is proven by scientists to relax the brain. They used EEG studies to prove this, as showing the brain waves become less sharp. Theanine counteracts the effects of stress hormones, such as cortisol  and others. These hormones are activated by stress and cause biochemical imbalances in the chemicals of the brain.

The ones that are most  recommended are Chamomile,  Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort, Green Tea,  and Valerian Root. Teas contain  vitamins and flavonoids, which aid in the support of physiological processes related to detoxification and restoration of metal balance and focus.


4.)   SUPER FOODS
 As defined by the Oxford Dictionary:
"  a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well being."  I am including some examples that are specifically related to anxiety,depression and mental focus.  These types of foods are a great way to move you toward a healthy state of mind and body, thus  moving you away from the hot coals of HELLth.

Tryptophan rich foods  Tryptophan is an amino acid (building blocks of protein) that converts to niacin in the liver while other tryptophan raises serotonin levels in the brain. This is a reason why you get sleepy after that big turkey dinner. Tryptophan is found in many types of cheese, chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, red meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, soybeans and soy products, tuna, and shellfish.

Whole Grain Foods   These are the complex carbohydrates which increase serotonin in the brain. These are rich in the  B and E family of vitamins in which work to calm nerves. Minerals are also found in these grains, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium . They also influence the production of serotonin and have a calming effect. The minerals and trace elements found in these are necessary to well being.

Fruits , Vegetables   Many of these food types have "phytonutrients" that
aid  in combating anxiety. Phytonutrients are responsible for the flavor, scent, and color of  these botanical foods.  Consuming these in the full spectrum of pigments and hues would be the most powerful action toward better health. Besides being powerful anti-oxidants, they provide protection for many ailments, including aging, anxiety, and depression. The benefits are bountiful.

Oranges, blueberries. acai berries, asparagus, bell peppers, squash, carrots, pomegranate,  are only a few of the many examples of foods that contribute to calming anxiety. There are such  a great variety out there to choose from. The more bright and colorful these are, the more phytonutrients that are contained within. Try to include the skins of these fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Remember not to over cook. Research suggests to mildly cook or steam so the outer skins can be more easily digested.

Legumes, Nuts

Legumes include peas, lentils and beans. Many legumes are considered some of the most nutritious foods that you can eat because they are great sources of folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, and fiber.

Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Macadamia nuts are considered the best for helping combat
anxiety. Many contain Omega 3 fatty acids and selenium.

Water
Water......Water, cool, clear,  water......water .......
Water is of paramount  importance, without proper hydration, all other efforts are fruitless.
Drink plenty of water, and when exercising,  a dose of Gatorade or similar drink will help keep the electrolytes in balance. Also, water will circulate the vitamins and minerals to where they are supposed to go.
Dehydration, in itself, causes many ill effects.

Chocolate  
Last, but not least, Chocolate. The darker the better. It is known to release serotonin into the bloodstream and also relaxes blood vessels.  There is an ingredient in dark chocolate.... feed this to men!  It is called
phenylethylamine (PEA). The brain creates this when you are falling in love. Now that would really relieve
anxiety. Those are really great feelings that do not happen very often. In fact I eat too much chocolate.
Maybe I'd better stop! I do not want to be swept off my feet EVER.

In conclusion, we all must take steps at minimal to make small improvements in diet.
A healthy and properly nourished body feels better. It is a good start to a journey of HEALth.  The proper diet, good living practices, faith, and positive mental attitude all will aid in the battle against anxiety and depression.

Best wishes in your journey!