It is crucial to find ways to keep your spirits high and your mood upbeat with the world in a tizzy. Did you know that many foods can boost your mood naturally? So, how can foods boost our mood? We emphasise the importance of getting to the root of how food can enhance mood and benefit our overall well-being.
Happy Hormones
There are several ways that food can boost mood, but let us focus on three key pathways: serotonin, dopamine and three probiotics. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are known as your “happy hormones”. Dopamine produces feelings of excitement and pleasure, while serotonin makes people feel relaxed and calm.
What are some excellent serotonin and dopamine-producing foods to try?
Some popular dopamine-producing foods are unprocessed meats such as beef and chicken, besides certain vegetables and fruits. Dark chocolate or cacao, cheese, yoghurt, and omega-3 packed foods, like salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and bananas, are also part of the dopamine diet. Serotonin can be found in various types of fish, spinach, milk and soy products. Turkey is a vast serotonin producer, which is why you feel so tired after a huge festive dinner. Dairy products, eggs, tofu, pineapples, nuts and seeds are also foods that can boost your serotonin levels naturally.
How do probiotics play a part in boosting our mood?
Probiotics affect the gut-brain axis, positively impacting mental health and improving mood while reducing stress and anxiety. It is necessary to notice that everyone has different amounts and strains of bacteria in their gut. So, what might work for one might not work for the other. Be sure to do your research and find the best probiotic for your gut’s needs. While many choose to get their probiotics from supplements, probiotics are naturally found in foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, cultured yoghurt and kefir.