The wonderful thing about nutrition programmes is that you can help yourself with simple changes. This is particularly important with low mood or depression where nothing seems within your control. You can make a huge impact on your mood, you just need to know where to start.
There are some simple nutrients that can really help to lift low mood. We look at three of them here:
Studies have shown zinc levels can be critically low in people with chronic low mood or depression. It has many roles in the body including helping to reduce neuroinflammation, which we now think is a key factor in the development of these issues. Low mood can be a consequence of neurotransmitter dysfunction, such as having low levels of serotonin. Zinc is one of the nutrients needed to make serotonin. Serotonin helps us to feel happy, calm and relaxed. Zinc also helps us to have sharp and clear thinking and helps with other neurotransmitter pathways too.
Common zinc deficiency signs.
Heartburn or bloating
IBS or digestive issues
Lack of appetite or limits diet through choice
Lack of blood sugar control
Often deficient in those with anorexia, alcoholism, addictions (or a history/family history of) and autism
A deficiency of zinc will affect absorption of other nutrients because of this it’s impact on health can be huge.
Omega 3 fats.
We get these from oily fish and algae. Many people use linseeds or other seeds for omega 3 instead of eating oily fish regularly. However, if you are low in zinc or magnesium (and both are crazily common deficiencies), then you won’t be able to convert the omega 3 from seeds into the longer chain fatty acids we get directly from fish. Omega 3 is vital for brain signaling, without it the messages from brain chemicals like serrotonin and dopamine won’t be effective. Instead of feeling happy relaxed and smart we end up feeling depressed, mentally dull and reliant on stimulants like sugar and caffeine to trigger dopamine release. Omega 3 is also vital for lowering inflammation. The latest research suggests that depression is an inflammatory disorder which could explain the good results seen with omega 3 in patients with depression.
Common omega 3 deficiency signs.
Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Low mood or depression
Lack of concentration
The other nutrient that can have a major impact on mood is vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is super common, especially over the winter months. I suspect that low levels of vitamin D are partly responsible for the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). There is a huge amount of information linking vitamin D deficiency to low mood. This is most likely because of it’s anti-inflammatory action, but it has many roles in the body so I doubt this is the only way it exerts it’s effect on our cognitive health. In the UK and other countries where sun is sparse in the winter months – deficiency of this nutrient peaks around February. Our last exposure to the sun was in the sunnier months of August, possibly September and out body stores cannot last for more that a few months.
Common vitamin D deficiency signs.
Tendency to inflammatory or auto immune disorders like Crohn’s disease, Colitis and arthritis, Lupus or Psoriasis.
Bone and/or joint pain
Lingering colds or flu
Low mood or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Causes of low mood.
Ongoing low mood is a sign signs that something in your body is out of balance. There is a system or more than one system in your body that is out of balance. It could be that your digestion isn’t optimal leading to nutrient deficiencies through absorption problems. If you suffer with IBS, heartburn or bloating then this could be the case for you. Perhaps a really stressful period has left your adrenal function compromised. If you find yourself susceptible to stress then this could be you. Or maybe undiagnosed, sub clinical thyroid issues are leading to poor mood and lack of motivation. If you have a problem losing weight, or some hair loss or have constipation then this could be your issue. You might even have an imbalance like pyroluria or an MTHFR deviation – where through loss of key nutrients or poor absorption mood issues can develop. When you are able to figure out what YOUR issues and imbalances are you can begin to help yourself to recover.
The Brain Food Clinic runs it’s very own online course (The Secrets to Mental Wellness) to help you to discover the imbalances contributing to your low mood. You can study in your own time and it’s on special offer right now. Find out more by getting in touch below …..