Supporting Mood With Brain Boosting Nutrients "I travel light. I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are"~Diane von Furstenberg Antidepressants are widely administered today for mild depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety, PMS, pain relief, sleep issues and more, with the thought that these drugs would be very effective. In large part this was based on studies done by Professor Irving Kirsch and his colleagues. Many doctors relied on these original studies to make SSRI antidepressants some of the most prescribed drugs on the market. A new meta-analysis using data from 47 studies done by the same group suggests otherwise: it concludes that these drugs perform no better than placebo. Teens and even younger children are now taking these drugs and research is piling up that suggests that they create dependency, can cause suicidal thoughts and have serious potential drug interactions. Before going on an antidepressant regimen, you might consider giving your brain the nutrients it needs and see if an improvement in mood follows.The standard American diet does not provide many of the nutrients important to a healthy brain, and healthy brain tissue is crucial to neurotransmitter activity, which in turn is critical to mood. The brain runs on glucose as it's primary fuel, but many other nutrients are critical to the structure and functioning of the brain. Try these brain-boosting nutrients and brighten your mood this winter: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, flax and chia seeds, are a source of DHA, a fatty acid. The brain is very rich in DHA and DHA must be taken in through the diet. It is important to learning, memory and reactions to stress. It has been found in several recent studies that pregnant women whose diets are high in DHA are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Fish oils and other sources of DHA provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which can counter inflammation's effect on mood or behavioral changes. Phosphatidylserine (PS), is a phospholipid that can improve mood, anxiety and coping with stress. It is present in every cell in the body, but is especially abundant in the brain. It is a crucial building block for the cell membrane, making it important to nerve transmission. It enhances nerve growth factor, which helps manage nerve tissue and repair functions. More than 40 human studies spanning three decades indicate that PS supports just about all brain functions that can be measured, and it has garnered two Qualified Health Claims from the FDA. Read More... | 
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