So many times we may find ourselves, fatigued, tired and perhaps a little depressed and or anxious. Some people may find their depression and anxiety occur more frequently, even daily. They may seek outside support in the form of counseling or therapy. For others, perhaps psychotropic medication may help them navigate the waters of their mood. For all, the journey can be challenging at times. What we may know but not always recognize is that there is a gut-brain pathway. In other words, the blood that carries nutrients from our gut to our body takes these nutrients to our brain. The portal of entry for nourishment is through our gut, and we feed our body through our consumption. Many individuals choose food based on taste. In some way we can say all our food is selected through taste. However, taste is acquired and can be deceiving. In the food industry there are comprehensive teams and scientists who are focused on developing the best tasting substance. We would like taste to equal to high level of nourishment. When it is, we all gain from that. Sometimes that best taste and nourishment comes with food in its rawest form, fresh from the ground. Many times, raw food has become an acquired taste. The fast-food market for the most part is taste based marketing because it ensures repeat customers. That does not mean the food has nourishing qualities, but it may be limited.
So, what do we do? Always have a little raw color in your daily consumption in the form of vegetables and fruit. Try to have the color twice a day. In terms of quantity, consume larger amounts of the colors in proportion to your animal protein and simple carbs and sugars.
Vitamins to consider for your mood and dietary supplementation: calcium, choline, cysteine, and folate., B1, B3, B6 and B12 all play a role in mood and energy regulation. This list by no means is exhaustive and the amounts are better in balance with a multi-vitamin and mineral regiment. No single nutrient can accomplish anything without a matrix that helps run many mechanisms. So, balance is crucial. If you’re not sure, go and get your levels taken to have a better understanding of your personal nutrient load. IMI offers many different services and tests to help you figure out your levels for things like hormones, vitamins, and more.
Most well-balanced meals as described above will provide enough for you. However, if there are digestive issues or if you are feeling some of the described symptoms such as fatigue and mood changes, then digging deeper into your foundation health will only serve to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
Also, I can only underscore that movement helps blood flow and blood flow helps brain function. So daily stretching, daily walking become vitals for optimal health. Move, stretch, flex for life. All of us are on this same journey, we are more similar than different. Do what you can to move into this direction, a little can mean a lot. You do not need to set the bar high, just begin one step at a time, we will all get there.
I am sure, you all have heard these message before, I am only here to serve as a reminder of your intelligence and support you through the many changes we go through.
Be well, practice love as frequently as you breathe.
