The way we feel depends on what we eat and it’s high time we accepted it

Are you feeling down and out? Thinking of popping an antidepressant? Think again! Meds work by stopping the body from boosting a chemical in the brain known as serotonin (that calms, relaxes, and even makes you feel less hungry), leading to a better mood. But on the flip side, the mood-enhancing drugs may land you some unpleasant side-effects like headaches and mood swings. Plus, there’s always a risk of getting dependent on them. So, trust the natural solutions instead. When you’re feeling blue, help could be as close as your refrigerator. You feel good when you eat right. Sadly, that’s a fact most of us miss out on. You can rectify that now by focusing on the good mood nutrients. Focus on Protein Leafy greens, soya and dairy products have plenty of protein (Source: Reuters) Proteins contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid (the protein that you eat is broken down into amino acids in the body) that converts to serotonin (the calming chemical) in the brain. Plus, another amino acid – tyrosine – found in protein rich foods is also essential for the brain as it increases the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These are said to promote mental alertness and boost the feeling of well-being. Get the power: Ensure that you have 50-60gm of protein each day from fish, poultry, meat and eggs. Vegetarians needn’t fret. To score enough opt for seeds and nuts, legumes, soya (nuggets, tofu, soya milk), and dairy. Don’t ban the Carbohydrates Less carbohydrate intake can lead to low serotonin levels (Source: Reuters) Don’t just depend on protein; remember that the much-maligned carbohydrates are equally important. In fact, tryptophan from protein works best when consumed along with some carbohydrates. Why do you think dieters who cut down on carbs tend to […]

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