Diet choices are proving to be linked to mood and depression more than ever before. "So before snapping at your partner for leaving dirty dishes in the sink, think about what was on that plate in the first place," says registered dietitian Gina Sunderland in Winnipeg, Canada.
Sunderland, an expert for the Centrum News Bureau, highlights foods and nutrients important in regulating mood:
Carbohydrates
Many people still link weight loss with cutting carbs. Carbs are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. It is important to keep your energy level up by not skipping whole grains. Serotonin, a chemical in the brain involved in your mood, could be influenced by your diet. Mood disorders such as winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are linked to a lack of serotonin in the body. Carbs help produce serotonin.
Protein
Protein-rich foods like tuna, milk, turkey, legumes and eggs can influence serotonin production as well.
