The Mood and Food connection: What's eating you???

In our society today, there are SO many excuses as to why our bodies are out of balance, both physically and emotionally. Whether it be not enough time, overeating, or not eating at all, these can all get in the way of how we act in general and really affects our mood among other things.

The first physiological trigger of negative mood is hypoglycemia-skipping meals, not eating enough at meals, low blood sugar compensation by adding extra meals--- all of these create mood swings easily and can make one irritable and anxious, just to name a few side effects.

Did you know the # 1 cause of domestic violence is hypoglycemia?  Bipolar disorder can be traced back to hypoglycemic swings as well.

What can we do to help control this through supplements? Of course, we want to look at our dietary needs and concentrate on getting quality proteins, healthy fats and avoiding high carbohydrate meals(stick to lower carbohydrate nutrient dense complex carb meals)


-Chromium helps stabilize blood sugar. 800 -1000mg a day divided with meals.
-L-Glutamine 500-1500mg of it divided morning/evening
-a good multivitamin should also be included

-with these added supplements, client should have more stable blood sugar in 24/48 hrs and feel better with relief of headaches, spaciness, irritability...

If the above doesn't work, try eliminating gluten containing foods next, as gluten can spark reactive hypoglycemia.

Depression and anxiety still present though, so try adding these powerful amino acids to the mix:

Neurotransmitters: 4 (regulate mood and appetite)
1)seratonin-natural antidepressants  precursor: L-tryptophan-converts to 5-HTP
seratonin-one of first nutrients lost to a too low calorie diet-females twice as likely to be anxious/depressed as males
2)catechomins-natural stimulants L-tyrosine(direct precursor)/L-phenalanine-500 mg lowest dose.
3)gaba-natural tranquilizer-Taurine and Theanine increases GABA levels
4)endorphins- natural painkillers/euphoriants - D-phenalalinine slows down brains destruction of endorphins and can help w/ stopping pain

Protein is made up of amino acids...these neurotransmitters are all amino acids, therefore, does it make much sense to totally avoid protein (animal protein at that) and just eat high carbohydrate foods (which further strips the brain of amino acids).

Therefore, the point of this blog is to stress the importance these supplements can have on mood and help a person get back on track. First remember to get your diet/nutrition in check, and then you can start to add in amino acids to the mix. You must find out which amino acids work for you because you can't just take a bunch and hope they work, because they can have very mild side effects if taken in abundance or just the wrong ones your body specifically needs. So take some time and figure it out, I hope this helps everyone be happier and healthier!

Thanks!

Dave Shutler
www.shutlerfitness.com
CPT/LMT
Health Coach