Every breakup scene in a movie or television show seems to end the same way. The broken-hearted person wolfs down ice cream to soothe their soul. While the healing power of this frozen dessert is debatable, there are foods that healthcare professionals agree can help support a positive mood.
Brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA help regulate how we feel. Nutrients like omega-3 fats, magnesium, probiotics, and antioxidants support brain health and may contribute to positive feelings. When your body gets enough of these nutrients, it can help your brain work at its best. If you need a small mood boost, try adding some of these foods to your routine.
- Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and other fatty fish for their omega-3s
- Dark chocolate and berries for antioxidants
- Kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods for their probiotics
- Bananas, nuts, seeds, coffee, and beans because of their roles in the production of dopamine and serotonin
Whole grains also support mood. They contain fermentable fiber that gut bacteria feed on. These microbes produce substances that help improve communication between the gut and the brain and may decrease inflammation.
Recent studies have found a connection between diets high in ultra-processed, high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods and increased feelings of anxiety and depression. These foods often lack the nutrients that support brain health.
Not everybody is the same. Try different foods and notice which ones help you feel your best. A nutritionist or other health care professional can also offer guidance.
One scoop of ice cream or a few tortilla chips will not ruin your health, and one banana will not suddenly make you burst into song. Remember, health is a long-term game.
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