Fix your mood with food

For years we've known proper nutrition improves our physical health.

Now, new studies show certain foods play a major role in improving and maintaining our emotional and mental health as well.

"Foods containing specific nutrients can boost our IQ's, calm our nerves, elevate our moods, improve our concentration - even alleviate symptoms associated with hyperactivity and learning disorders," says Dr. Udo Erasmus, one of the leading authorities on the role nutrition plays in mental and physical health.

For those experiencing unwanted moods or attitudes, Dr. Erasmus says the first step is to add appropriate foods or nutrients to the dietto remedy deficiencies.

"These are not instant fixes," says Dr. Erasmus. "But do expect to see a gradual lessening of your symptoms over a period of several months."

Which foods calm us? Which sharpen our minds? Which boost sex drive? Which foods lift depression and increase our confidence? Dr. Erasmus offers these suggestions:

Depression:  Foods containing the essential fatty acids Omega 3 & Omega 6, like cold water tuna, salmon, trout, and mackerel, have been found to elevate mood. Flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds or their blended oils are richvegetable sources of these two depression-lifting essential fatty acids.

Apathy and Mental Fatigue:  Women often find eating liver remedies oxygen and iodine levels  throughout the body which, combined with consumption of "good" fats,  helps to create an energetic attitude toward life.

Anger and Stress:  Turkey, chicken, and bananas contain tryptophan, a building block of seratonin, which produces a mellowing effect. Fish and seeds containing Omega 3 assist brain function, reduce stress, and promote calmness.

Can't Concentrate:  Improve concentration with greens on a short-term basis, a combination of flax and sunflower seeds over the long term. When concentration difficulties are extreme, blended seed oil supplements have proven effecive.

Low Sex Drive:  Chocolate has often been used to jump start the libido because it contains theobromine, which induces feelings of euphoria and happiness. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium which helps sperm production. Oysters, long considered an aphrodisiac, are rich in zinc, an important nutrient for sexual function.

Insomnia:  Magnesium, a muscle relaxer, can be found in green vegetables. Calcium, which works in conjunction with Magnesium, is plentiful in milk and cheese.

Violent Behavior:  Can be treated with fatty foods containing the essential fatty acids, or with concentrated oil supplements containing Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Learning Problems:  Vitamin B foods will help focus the mind. They include green leafy vegetables, seafood, and whole grains. Don't forget those foods rich in essential fats to nourish the brain, which is comprised of 60% fat.  Also, cereal containing fiber was found to assist learning skills in a recent university test.

Migraine Headaches: Five daily glasses of pure water along with regular consumption of fiber-rich food will help flush headache-producing toxins from the body.

Author Notes:

Dustin Cyril contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.water-purification-filters.com.  Get educated on the benefits of water purification systems and different water filters available.