5 Nutrient Deficiencies Linked to Mood Imbalances
Many of us suffer from mood imbalances at some point in our life. Caused by a variety of things from circumstantial to hormonal, recent research has shown how nutrient deficiencies have also been linked to mood imbalance.
Why not boost your intake of these 5 and see how it affects your mood!
VITAMIN D
NHP’s Vitamin D3 Support £12.97
Vitamin D is crucial for various important functions in your body, including the proper absorption of phosphorus into your bloodstream. This is essential for your mental health as it facilitates cell repair and tissue growth in your brain and body, promotes the healthy development of your brain cells, and helps to maintain your memory and cognitive abilities. Low vitamin D has been linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or sadness and depression during the darker months of the year. Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to depression and panic disorder.
“You may be more affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder because of a lack of vitamin D, as it is thought of as the ‘sunshine vitamin’. Vitamin D receptors are present in your central nervous system and vitamin D can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are linked to depression,” explains the UK’s Leading Nutritionist and author of The Natural Health Bible For Women, Dr. Marilyn Glenville .
“We need exposure to sunlight within a specific UVB spectrum for the production of vitamin D through our skin and we struggle in the UK between October to March. If you can, get a liquid vitamin D3 and drop it under your tongue. It will go into the blood vessels under your tongue so it is absorbed quickly, rather than having to be digested if you take a capsule. I recommend NHP’s Vitamin D3 Support £12.97, free of preservatives, sweeteners and is suitable for pregnant women, children and adults”.
VITAMIN B
B vitamins convert food into fuel, helping your body to stay energized and to repair cell damage. They play a role in many areas of your health, including your immune function, digestion, circulation, hormonal health, sleep, nerves, and mood. B vitamins are absolutely crucial for your mental health, reducing stress and preventing memory loss.
Opt for a high quality supplement like Natures Plus Source of Life Garden B Complex Capsules £25.25, with Organic Gold Standard Nutrients. This is the first certified organic supplement to provide a full array of essential, energizing B-Complex vitamins in convenient organic capsules. The eight B vitamins provide the nutrients that play important roles in providing our bodies with needed energy. Experience the difference that Nature's Plus Source of Life Garden delivers in this high-quality B-Complex!
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is a powerful mineral for relaxation in the body. Magnesium deficiency can lead to stress, depression and anxiety. Since our soils have been depleted of magnesium, magnesium deficiency is common even among those who are eating a healthy and balanced diet. It’s even more prevalent among those consuming too much processed food, refined sugar, salt, alcohol, and coffee.
Why not increase the magnesium in your diet? Magnesium is known as nature’s tranquiliser and is an important mineral for supporting bone health, muscle relaxation and lowering blood pressure. Magnesium can be found in wholegrains, pumpkin seeds and soya. However, if you’re not a fan of these ingredients, consider supplementing magnesium instead. A great choice is Natures Plus KalmAssure Magnesium Capsules £11.75, - free from artificial preservatives and are suitable for vegans.
ZINC
Zinc supports healthy brain function. It activates your central and peripheral nervous system and also plays an important role in neurotransmitter, enzymatic, and hormonal processes. Zinc deficiency has been linked to depression and anxiety.
Foods that are high in zinc include meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy and dark chocolate. You can top up your zinc levels with a supplement like Natures Plus Zinc £7.95, which are yeast free and suitable for vegetarians.
OMEGA 3’s
An imbalance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can create mood imbalances and mental health problems. Did you know that the human brain is 60 percent fat? Since your body cannot make essential fatty acids, you need to eat healthy fats to fuel your brain. If your diet is low in good quality fats such as Omega-3s, then your body can only make low-quality nerve cell membranes. If your diet is high in good fats, your brain can create high-quality nerve cells that support your brain function and mental health. Since Omega-3s enhance B cell activation and select antibody production, they are essential for lowering inflammation in your body. As a result, they can enhance your brain function and positive mood. Low Omega-3 has been associated with depression.
If you're not a big fish eater why not supplement with a high quality choice like that from NHP Omega 3 Support £29.77, which is Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids with high levels of EPA and DHA.
