The Real “Comfort Food” That Boosts Your Mood
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 28, 2020
Dear Reader,
I have to admit it… it has been hard to keep a good mental attitude and to stay away from junk food when you are urged to stay home with a family that you love (but that can also drive you crazy).
Not to mention the stress and worry about what is going on in the world…
And with all of us still being encouraged to stay inside because of COVID-19, we might be inclined to reach for comfort or sugary foods that aren’t healthy.
While those junk food binges may feel good for a moment or two, the poor-quality food has a way of coming back to bite you later. Physically and mentally!
But the opposite is also true: nutritious foods help BOOST your brain and your mood.
Here’s the real “comfort food” you need in order to give your brain and mood a boost during these hard times.
Unfortunately, junk food can destroy your mood and your brain in many ways.
Sugar will give you a good jolt — but that sugar rush is always temporary. As your blood sugar crashes – so do you and our outlook on life.
Poor quality foods are also filled with preservatives, additives, and colors – all of which are hard on your body and brain.
Sugar and many additives increase inflammation in your body – and your brain is especially susceptible to that inflammation. Scientists now believe inflammation in the brain is one of the main causes of depression and anxiety.
What your brain really craves are good quality nutrients to help it function, keep inflammation in check, and clean out debris.
Here is what your brain needs:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: these essential fatty acids, found in fish oil, are just what your brain needs (in good times and bad). An extensive study of over 150,000 people found that consuming high amounts of omega-3s help protect us from depression AND people feel less aggressive and hostile (scientists think this is because omega-3s drop inflammation).
- Green Veggies: like broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts… these veggies contain B vitamins that your brain needs to produce serotonin. There are multiple studies showing a link between B vitamins and depression. Low B vitamin status is also linked to poor memory and fatigue.
- Probiotics: the last place people look to fix their brain is their gut – but maybe it should be their first stop. You know that probiotics help keep your digestive track on track, but probiotics also have been studied to help reduce negative thoughts, sad moods, and alleviate depression.
- Vitamin D: yes, you know vitamin D for bone health and immunity, but it’s also good for mental health. A recent analysis of over 30,000 people found that people with low vitamin D levels were more likely to be depressed, have worse moods, and poor cognitive performance.
I should also mention caffeine. Both coffee and tea have been shown to help improve mood and improve mental performance.
The question is always in the amount (too much caffeine increases anxiety). A cup or two of coffee is probably all right (unless you are sensitive to caffeine).
Do your best to avoid junk food, but make sure you include brain-friendly nutrients every day.
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.
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