5 Superfoods BLOW Away the Winter Blues
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 8, 2023
With the change of seasons and all the holiday cheer surrounding us, the winter blues can sometimes, unexpectedly, come roaring in.
If that sounds familiar, you should know you’re NOT alone.
Up to 20 percent of folks are in the same boat.
It’s easy to let everything slip when you’re feeling this way. But the truth is eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help fight off the blues.
In fact, adding some mental-health-supporting “superfoods” to your diet TODAY could give you the boost needed to get you OVER this hump and INTO the holiday spirit.
I get it. When battling the blues, your appetite often goes on the fritz. Food is either the last thing on your mind or the ONLY thing you can think about.
But what you eat can significantly impact your mood, energy, and mental health.
Following are FIVE foods that pack a potent blues-busting punch.
Add more of them to your menu over the next couple of weeks, and TRULY have a happy holiday:
- Salmon is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can reduce depression-linked brain inflammation. Enjoy salmon baked or grilled. I like to add mine to a delicious salad.
- Turmeric contains the potent compound curcumin, which boosts serotonin and dopamine, critical neurotransmitters for a positive mood. Sprinkle the spice into soups, smoothies, roasted veggies, and curries.
- Dark chocolate contains compounds that trigger a mood-lifting dopamine release to drive away the blues. Look for a chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa and enjoy it in moderation… a small square or two after meals.
- Walnuts are rich in plant-based omega-3 ALA, which can boost the low serotonin levels often linked to depression. Enjoy a small handful for a crunchy, satisfying snack.
- Green tea contains the potent amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine promotes the alpha brain waves associated with calm and relaxation. Sip a cup (or several) daily.
- Mushrooms are naturally high in the amino acid tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin). Plus, they’re rich in vitamin D, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Diet isn’t a cure for the winter blues, of course. But it CAN help.
Incorporating more of these mood-boosting superfoods into your day can set the stage for feeling more upbeat and optimistic.
But remember, if you’re experiencing depression, always take it seriously. Seek professional advice if you need it.
P.S. BRIGHT idea drives down depression. Give it a try, starting TODAY!
Source:
Durrani D, et. al. “Vitamin B6: A new approach to lowering anxiety, and depression?,” Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Sep 15;82:104663. doi: 10.1016 /j.amsu.2022.104663. PMID: 36268413; PMCID: PMC9577631.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...