8.02.2012

Feeling Good, Naturally

It is imperative that we all recognize the power of food and lifestyle over our mental wellbeing.  Too many people resort straight to the Psych when things go array.  One of the greatest things we own as human beings is the capability to change and heal ourselves.  I do understand that at some point we have to seek a Westernized approach, and thank God we have that.  However, the beauty in integrative health is that you have these incredible options at your finger tips.  Those options start with whole food nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and supplementation.



Here are my top 5 tips to your best mental health...

1.  Repair that "Gut Feeling."  Many new studies have been continuing to show the significance of our digestive system influencing our mental state.  Overuse of antibiotics and undetermined food sensitivities are two big things to consider.  A good quality probiotic and an easy DIY food elimination diet could help you determine the culprit.

2.  Nurture your Adrenal Glands. Your adrenal glands manufacture and secrete steroid hormones such as cortisol, estrogen and testosterone, which are all essential for life, health and vitality.  They are necessary for maintaining weight, stabilizing moods, balancing hormones, and your libido state.  Getting rid of processed foods, decreasing your intake of caffeine, minimizing the amount of sugar in your diet, and proper supplementation are all key in taking care of the adrenals.


3.  Exercise.  I cannot stress enough to you the importance of moving your body and the effects it has on your mood.  This doesn't just mean your typical cardio + strength training or those tough classes at the gym.  Finding the proper exercise for your body is essential.  For some, intense cardio and strength training keep those endorphins rolling and their energy levels high.  While exercise in any form will give your brain a great release of seratonin, dopamine, endorphines, and adrenaline, you must find the correct form of exercise for your body.  If you have been going to the gym for years, working out hard and still not seeing the results you would like, consider trying a more connective, slow-burn workout such as Pilates or Yoga.

4.  Boost your Seratonin Levels.  Serotonin is a crucial mood-stabilizing neurotransmitter. It is synthesized in your brain from the essential amino acid, L-tryptophan.  Increasing your intake of foods that contain tryptophan could help elevate your serotonin levels.  Bananas, figs, cashews, yogurt, eggs, and chicken or turkey are my top food choices (for more visit here).

5.  Supplement.  My go-to supplements for anxiety, depression, ADD, and most other mental disorders are Fish oil, Probiotics, Vitamin D3, or B-Complex.  Remember that choosing quality brands is key in supplementation.  Some Naturopaths or MD's also provide Spectracell testing, which is a blood test assessing nutritional deficiencies.  It is a great test if you can find someone that offers it!

Yours in Health,

Lindz xx

2 comments:

  1. What are your thoughts on bee pollen as a supplement?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Kari! I'm not the biggest fan of regular use of bee pollen. While there are many benefits to consuming it, I try and stick to having it every now and then on top of smoothies, etc., but don't see the benefits in having more often then that. Hope that helps!! xx

    ReplyDelete

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