Foods That Help with the 7 Types of 

Bad Moods

Have you ever heard the phrase “I’m Hangry”?

This is the state of being angry as a result of being hungry. In other words crankiness resulting from lack of food! We have all experienced it. But did you know that food can impact your other moods as well?Eating your emotions is usually described as a negative thing, but in some cases, choosing your food based on the mood you are in can actually help rather than hurt. The following is a look at the foods you can eat to help with the 7 types of bad moods.

Type One: The Stress Induced Bad Mood.

If you are feeling stress hormones, turn to chocolate. Yes, you read that right, chocolate! Dark chocolate, consumed in moderation can improve moods by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. In fact, a study by Proteome Research shows that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate consumed daily for two weeks is associated with lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).

Type Two: The Sluggish Induced Bad Mood

Are you feeling tired and sluggish? Is this leading to a foul mood? Try eating something that is folate-rich. Folate or Vitamin B9 can help improve concentration. Foods that are naturally rich in folate include lentils, beans, spinach, asparagus, lettuce, avocado, broccoli, and oranges!

Type Three: Being Cranky

If you are feeling cranky chances are you could use some blood sugar stabilization. Eating something that can help you stabilize your blood sugar and give you an extended energy boost will improve your mood. Try something with sugars and carbs. Apples with peanut butter are a great option for this.

Type Four: Anxiety Induced Bad Moods

If you are feeling anxious, then you may need some Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help with all kinds of health issues, from ADHD to Depression, to Asthma. And it can help with anxiety. Where can you get these healthy fats? Try some fish, a salmon burger can help tame anxiety, but so can nuts and seeds, tuna, herring, lake trout, etc.

Type Five: The Anger Induced Bad Mood

Feeling angry? Try eating foods that can contribute to a healthier mental state, a calmer, more relaxed you. Eat your way to a relaxed state with foods rich in folate (asparagas), vitamin C (berries and citrus), zinc, and more. Try green tea, walnuts, oysters, berries, and other calming foods!

Type Six: The Sadness Induced Bad Mood

Feeling sad? Try a Vitamin D boost. There is a reason we feel happier when we get to play in the sun. Get some Vitamin D. Having a Vitamin D deficiency can affect the body’s ability to stabilize your mood, and reduce feelings of depression. So if you are finding yourself feeling low and depressed, up your Vitamin D intake. Try low fat milk, eggs, mushrooms, fish, cheese, and fortified cereals.

Type Seven: The PMS Induce Bad Mood

If your bad mood is because of someone else’s PMS you are out of luck, but if you are the one experiencing PMS try eating foods to increase serotonin levels. Carbs are a great place to start. Just be careful not to eat white breads, etc. that quickly raise blood sugar, then lead to a drop. This can leave you feeling more unhappy. Instead, eat things like whole grains, egg salad sandwiches, bananas, and free range turkey.

Are you ready to eat yourself into a good mood? Now you can choose the foods you need and that will really help you see a difference.

STRESS AND YOUR HEART

STRESS AND YOUR HEART

Everyone knows that stress is not good for them, but how does it affect the heart specifically?

New research published in the Telegraph suggests that stress can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels in the heart, which can increase the risk of heart attacks.

This is the first time scientists believe there is a direct biological link between stress and inflammation of blood vessels which can lead to heart attacks.

Stress triggers our ‘fight or flight’ mechanism, and this sends a surge of adrenalin to help the heart pump harder and increase blood flow to enable the body to fight or run when encountering a perceived threat.

When a person is stressed, the immune system is sent into overdrive, and produces an increased number of white blood cells. This causes inflammation in the arteries. If arteries are already thickened with plaque, this can have very serious consequences.

An already damaged artery, that becomes more inflamed, can produce lesions which can break away, leaving a wound that blood platelets and clotting proteins rush to fill, which is dangerous.

Clearly being stressed is not good for the health, but stresses occur naturally, and are part of everyday life. They are unavoidable, but there are things that can be done to reduce stress, and alleviate it when symptoms hit.

1. Learn How to Relax

Sounds crazy, but a lot of people lead full lifestyles, and so even when they have down time they do not know how to relax. Allowing your body to relax is very important to reducing stress. Meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or other exercise, laughter, are all great ways to relax. To learn more, check out this Web MD article about 10 Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress: http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot

2. Eat to Reduce Stress

What you eat can impact how stressed you feel. Eating foods that encourage serotonin production, can help reduce stress hormones. Dark chocolate (eaten in moderation) is an example of such a food.

3. Identify triggers and try to avoid them:

Running late can induce stress. Having money problems can induce stress. Taking on too many obligations can induce stress. Poor health can induce stress. If you want to protect your heart, and reduce and avoid unnecessary stress, it is time to take a minute to identify your key stress triggers, and what you can do about them. For example, if money issues are a big stress for you, create a budget, take a class on managing finances, or get some help. If running late causes you stress, set your clocks ahead, wake up a little earlier, and find ways to prepare yourself the day before or ahead of time so you aren't trying to gather and do as you are running out the door. If you can find ways to avoid your stress triggers you will have a lot less stress in your day-to-day life.

4. Take a Chill Pill

NUTRI-CALM - Provides nutrients for the nervous system and brain
Helps us settle when life becomes too much of a challenge
Helps to replenish vitamins that are often depleted in times of stress
Vitamin C and B-Vitamins contribute to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue - an amazing little supplement for more information click here

NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTERS

A vital immune system can mean the difference between a pleasant winter and a miserable one. Do your part to help your body stay strong with help from these gifts from Mother Nature:

1. ECHINACEA

The root and leaves of this purple coneflower have been used for centuries by American Indians and Europeans to boost immunity. Echinacea triggers the body’s white blood cells to attack unwanted invaders. According to research, it can significantly increase the body’s white blood cell count. Specifically, this herb increases the body’s count of T-cells, interferon, interleukin and immunoglobulin.

2. PROBIOTICS (FRIENDLY FLORA)

Believe it or not, your gut is a key part of your immune system. Eating plenty of friendly bacteria (probiotics) helps strengthen your immunity!
A recent study published in Postgraduate Medicine found that women who took a daily probiotic had higher levels of T-cells. T-cells are special white blood cells that support the immune system. So say “Yum!” to yogurt or get crazy for sauerkraut. But check the labels. Some yogurts offer very minimal amounts of friendly flora. Consider taking a quality probiotic supplement like this one (click here)

3. VITAMIN C

Many of us hit the orange juice or eat extra oranges or grapefruits during the winter months. Citrus and other red fruits and veggies (red peppers, strawberries and even leafy greens) contain vitamin C, which helps protect and support the immune system. It also strengthens the cardiovascular system, supports eye health and more.

4. VITAMIN D3

Long-cherished for its support of the bones, vitamin D3 (the sunlight vitamin) is opening eyes for its immune-system benefits. Researchers are studying this nutrient to find out how it helps support immunity. It appears to help regulate the function of lymphocytes (an important type of white blood cells), the production of cytokines (another key white blood cell) and the activity of macrophages (protein messengers vital to immune function).

5. GARLIC

This flavorful and aromatic member of the onion family stimulates the production of important white blood cells. Garlic also helps quench free radicals in the bloodstream. It even supports heart health.

6. ELDERBERRY

The western U.S. and Canada are home to the Sambucus nigra or elderberry. Its properties have been studied by many scientists, and for good reason! It contains principals that stimulate the body to make cytokines, a type of protein molecule that enhances the immune system’s response to attacks. This dark-colored berry also contains powerful antioxidants, including anthocyanins.

7. MUSHROOMS

Most people think of mushrooms as a flavor enhancer or use them to bulk up a dish. But some mushrooms offer much more than that. Researchers have found that reishi and cordyceps mushrooms contain chemicals that offer a host of immune benefits, including boosting the immune system and offering lung support. And, guys, it may help with prostate health as well!

8. ZINC

This essential trace mineral supports the body’s immunity and aids with nerve function. Zinc seems to work the best when taken at the first sign of concern.

9. OLIVE LEAF

Hold the pimientos. We’re talking about olive leaf here, not cocktail garnishes or pizza toppings. The leaves of this Mediterranean staple offer a powerhouse of protection against unwanted invaders. Olive leaf contains a bitter compound called oleuropein that also provides fabulous support to the circulatory system. And it battles free radical damage.

4 TIPS TO KEEP IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG:

1. Minimize stress. 
2. Stay active. 
3. Eat a healthful diet. Steer clear of sugary and high-fat foods, which can slow and/or weaken immune response. 
4. Socialize. People with friends have stronger immune systems than those who feel alone. Of course, try not to socialize with people who are sick ;)