The Facts About Nutrition, Your Mood, and Mental Health

Some of us can connect the dots between our unhealthy eating patterns and mood swings. Nutritional imbalances and fluctuations of blood sugar are often the culprits. 

These diet shortfalls may be caused by eating too many processed or refined carbs, skipping meals, or cutting out entire food groups from your diet.

Such habits can cause blood sugars to swing up and down, leading to low energy levels, tiredness, and feelings of irritability. 

The link between nutrition and mental health is complicated, and there is still much left to learn. But research is mounting up and does show how food can affect mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.

“Nutrition does not stop at the neck,” is the message from researcher Captain Joseph Hibbeln, MD, at the Brain Futures Conference where he discusses the urgency of diet in the prevention and advanced treatment of mental illness. 

Hibbeln calls for more considerable attention to the importance of nutrition education in mental health programs and goes so far as to state that he would like to see every person with a mental illness be referred to a dietician.

For many of us, that may sound like a radical idea. But, is it possible that foods which prevent medical illnesses also prevent mental illnesses?

The sad facts are those with mental illnesses have two and a half times greater risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and diabetes. As much as 14.3% of deaths worldwide are attributable to mental health disorders.

According to Beck, a 2010 study showed that women who consumed the most thiamine and riboflavin (B-vitamins) in their diets were much less likely to experience mood-related symptoms of irritability, depression, anxiety, and crying spells.

The essential amino acid, L-tryptophan, helps the body make proteins and certain brain-signaling chemicals. One such chemical is serotonin, often referred to as the happy chemical as it contributes to mood, happiness, restful sleep, appetite function, and feelings of wellbeing.

Phenylalanine is another essential amino acid and is found in mother's milk, meat, poultry, fish, lentils, and sesame seeds. The consumption of phenylalanine creates dopamine, which is converted into norepinephrine and controls reward, motivation, and concentration.

Dr. Charles Shively says essential amino acids are dietary precursors enabling conversion by the body into neurotransmitters which control major body functions. When an imbalance occurs, various physical disease and mental disorders are affected.

The Connection to Food and Mood

Strong evidence connects the relationship between dietary quality and mental health, and the need for the select use of nutrient-based supplements to address deficiencies. [Lancet Psychiatry]

The Almased Weight Loss Phenomenon™ has been widely studied by multi-national universities, showing that Almased may be the best nutrient-based supplement not only for weight loss and weight maintenance, but for optimal health, mood, and general wellbeing.

The Almased formula is food-sourced nutrition from enzyme-rich, raw honey, fermented with amino acids from both plant and milk proteins, making it suitable for vegetarians. There are no stimulants, preservatives, or additives.

The resulting amino acid profile meets the body’s needs for optimal function. The availability of phenylalanine and tryptophan increase the body’s ability to build up dopamine and serotonin, which is what makes Almased so effective.

Furthermore, Almased offers substantial amounts of anti-stress ingredients such as copper, zinc, riboflavin, manganese, selenium, vitamins C, and E.

Tap into your mind’s energy

Almased shake recipes are so nutritious they can healthfully replace a full meal – which makes Almased the best meal replacement diet for weight loss, improved mood, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing.

Beyond the scientific studies are the real-life experiences from Almased’s Success Stories, such as:

“I have a much more positive attitude overall since starting Almased. I feel happier on an everyday basis. People comment on my energy levels and how I am smiling much more these days.” - Lisa C.

“I have seen a tremendous difference in my weight and how I feel overall. I have more energy throughout the day, and I'm sleeping better. I also noticed a positive difference in my hair and nails, too, which wasn't something I was expecting. It probably has to do with all the vitamins in Almased." - Gloria B. 

Brain fitness also includes proven approaches like exercise, stress reduction, social interaction, quality sleep, and stimulating activities.

The brain is an incredibly complex metabolic organ with highly unique nutritional needs. Boost metabolism and your attitude with the best quality fuel. 

Light up your mind with Almased