Your Mood and Your Supplements

Did you know that certain vitamins, minerals and fatty acids help regulate your mood? And when you aren't getting enough you may experience changes in your mood? And to top it all off, antidepressants actually deplete your body of folic acid, which is a key player in mood regulation!During this hectic and stressful time of year  many of us forget to take our multivitamin, fish oil and probiotics. These are the basic supplements that I recommend for most people. They strengthen your immune, nervous and digestive systems, and help you handle the extra load that we all carry during the Holiday Season.Depression and anxiety have a significant impact on the quality of your life; these conditions should be taken seriously and treated. Dietary supplements can help, along with a counselor, exercise, good diet and healthy coping skills. Nervousness, have difficulty focusing, obsessing or having ruminating thoughts, are also commonly associated with sub-clinical nutrient deficiencies, but may not be considered depression or anxiety, yet still benefit from good nutrition and other healthy lifestyle habits.It's amazing how much of a positive impact nutrition can have on manage your mood. Supplements are not the replacement for healthy food and exercise. And they definitely cannot replace a good counselor, psychologist or and/or psychiatrist. Nonetheless, when taken appropriately, at the proper dose and not in excess, dietary supplements definitely will help mood regulation and improve the efficacy of antidepressant medications.Seems like this time of year many of my nutrition sessions  center around getting through the Holiday Season and successfully managing stress and depression. Fortunately, specific nutrients have been shown to be helpful. Remember, these are not replacements for counseling or medications, nor can they take the place of a good diet and regular exercise.

  • Activated folic acid and vitamin B12, and vitamin B6
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Vitamin D
  • Omega 3 fatty acids

Your genes have a lot to do with how important these nutrients are for you. Polymorphisms (or changes) in certain genes affect the way that your body handles b-vitamins and vitamin D. These interactions are fascinating!Also keep in mind that celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome both impact mental health and should be considered if you are experiencing chronic depression, anxiety, irritability, or poor concentration or have experienced changes in your behaviors or mood.Enjoy the Holiday Season and take good care of yourself!Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for personalized nutrition or health advice or healthcare. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you have read or accessed through this website.