It starts with chemicals in your brain. They act like a one-way command center, telling your brain cells what message to pass on to all the other cells. There are two chemicals, one which always sends a “pay attention, stay alert” message, while another one always sends a “calm down, relax” message.
If your diet doesn’t include the right nutrients, your brain won’t make enough of these chemicals to send messages at the right levels. And if you eat (or don’t eat) specific nutrients, your brain selectively makes certain chemicals but not others.
Generally speaking, the following nutrients all affect the chemical production:
Proteins.
Carbohydrates.
Vitamins.
Minerals.
If you don’t consume enough food with the right amount of B vitamins, vitamin C, selenium, and magnesium, your body won’t produce or store enough of these critical chemical messengers.
So if you are feeling down, eat a small amount of carbs, like whole-grain cereal, whole-wheat pasta, or yogurt with fruit. That stimulates and relaxation and calm will follow.
But if you’re gearing up for an exam or an interview, you should eat some lean protein with healthy carbs. That will get your mental juices flowing.
eg.Meat, low-fat dairy, and eggs with Brown rice, plain oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, and fresh fruit.
Be careful about grabbing chips, crackers, or fast food when you’re feeling down or stressed. It definitely can make you feel better, because processed foods high in sugar and saturated fat give you a burst of energy. But not too much later, you’ll crash and feel irritable and anxious.
Feed your brain the best food! Choose a balanced diet of lean protein, healthy carbs, and omega-3 fats. Make sure to take a multivitamin that delivers the right blend of vitamins and minerals. Add regular exercise, enough sleep, and decisions that fit your lifestyle priorities. And you’ve got a no-brainer recipe for mastering your mood.
See this website for healthy food choices and vitamins as well... http://www.rambard.qhealthzone.com.
