It is a fact, people are complex and our mood varies according to the day, depending on many factors such as environment, circumstances, weather, physical, emotional and diet. Due to the current situation, it seems that there are not many factors that could influence (the days in confinement seem the same) but with greater reason it is necessary to be alert to a perpetual negative state of mind.
It is predicted that by 2020, depression will be the illness that most people suffer from.
We understand that there are factors that we cannot control, such as climatic or genetic conditions, but there are other factors that are the same or more influential in our state of mind that we can control, such as diet. There are components in food that help a lot to improve mood, such is the case of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is synthesized through tryptophan, without it, there is no production of it. Serotonin deficiency can lead to an increased risk of depression, sadness, distress, irritability, or anxiety. Its presence in the system acts as a natural antidepressant, its presence in the body is linked to a greater feeling of happiness. And equally do not forget that tryptophan is essential for a proper functioning, then, what foods will help us in the search for the ‘’happiness hormone’’?
Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt contain generous amounts of vitamin D and tryptophan, which not only promote sleep, but also help increase serotonin levels.
Eggs in addition to being a very complete and healthy food, improve mood, while treasuring a good amount of tryptophan, in addition to high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals. Fish also provide omega 3, the polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for the synthesis of tryptophan. Salmon, tuna, sardines, grouper and cod are some of the species with the highest proportion of this compound.
Almonds, walnuts and cashews are the richest nuts in magnesium, a mineral that intervenes in the production of tryptophan, on the other hand pineapple and banana promote the production of serotonin generating a feeling of optimism and vitality also contain great servings of vitamin B6, another precursor to serotonin, help relax the nervous system and promote a more relaxed mood.
Chocolate causes the body to be more receptive to absorbing tryptophan by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, and legumes have been shown to be rich in zinc and magnesium, two minerals involved in the synthesis of tryptophan and, therefore, in the serotonin production.
Remember that a good diet is essential to better handle these difficult times. Check our blog every week for more health tips.