Nutrition & Mood Connections
Our modern diets are poor in nutrients. Our foods are not as nutrient dense as our grandparents used to eat. Our busy lifestyles cause us to eat prepackaged meals or fast foods. We consume very little fruits, vegetables, and fresh filtered water--which are necessary for maintaining mental health, fighting illness, and replenishing cells. Our reliance on coffee, energy drinks, sugared and salty snacks, and sodas combined with busy lifestyles contributes to feeling poorly. We offer options to feel good, and function. Many of these conditions can be improved.
Brain Health Ted Talks
Key Nutrients needed for Mental Health
Amino Acids
Amino acids, are referred to as the building blocks of proteins. They are compounds that have critical roles in building of proteins, synthesizing hormones and neurotransmitters. Many brain neurotransmitters are made from amino acids. Dopamine, is made from the amino acid tyrosine andSerotonin is made from tryptophan. Amino Acids are helpful in managing some of the symptoms of mood and ADHD.
Vitamin A
Protects the body against polluted air and is important for healthy eyesight and mucous membranes. It is needed during pregnancy and lactation. Helps the body build resistance to infections and disease; and is particularly important for healthy skin (high doses of synthetic vitamin A are prescribed for acne). It is also helpful for eyesight.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is one of the 8 essential B vitamins that is an essential nutrient that all tissues of the body need to function properly. Thiamine enables the body to use carbohydrates as energy, key for glucose metabolism, and plays an essential role in nerve, muscle, and heart function.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is a key B vitamin beneficial in the central nervous system for normal brain development, and in keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy. It is involved in producing neurotransmitters, healthy blood and body metabolism. Individuals with alcohol dependence may benefit from pyridoxine supplementation. Signs of B6 deficiency include anemia, confusion, depression, mouth and tongue inflammation and a weakened immune system.
Folic Acid vs Folate (vitamin B9)
Folic acid or other vitamin B deficiencies have been linked with depression and high homocysteine levels, which impairs methylation needed for synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters regulating mood.
Folate (aka cobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin) has many effects on the body such as energy production, cognitive function, digestive health, blood cell production, and nervous system functioning. Low folate levels have been linked to poor response in antidepressant therapy (SSRIs).
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B-12, known as cobalamin, methylcobalamin, and hydroxycobalamin, boosts energy. It prevents macrocytic anemia, a condition that prevents RBC's from carrying adequate amounts of oxygen and glucose; causing fatigue, low energy, and poor concentration. Vitamin B12 influences energy production, cognitive function, digestive health, blood cell production, and nervous system functioning. Poor digestion prevents vitamin B12 from being properly digested. Birth control pills decrease vitamin B12 levels. Other medications (metformen, depakote, and GERD medicines) decrease vitamin B12 levels which help balance mood.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient as it is known for its immune supporting effects. Vitamin C is used to treat a variety of health issues like colds, flus, and skin diseases. It serves as a healing mechanism, and anti-oxidant which promotes immune function, pro-oxidant to combat cancer cells, and improves blood vessel integrity. Helps remove heavy metals, is an antioxidant, and helps brain & nervous system function. Buffered vitamin C is best for sensitive stomachs. Lipophilic vitamin C enters the cell best.
Vitamin D3
Is a hormone that improves mood, strengthens bones, regulates acid/base balance, boosts immune function, and supports muscle contraction. there is a corrolation between low levels of vitamin D and ADHD. Antidepressants (SSRIs) can deplete vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D3 is 2-3x more potent than Vitamin D2. Click the link for education below.
Magnesium
Magnesium is linked with lower levels of C-reactive protein. It helps soothe muscular tension and eases all types of pain including muscle and menstrual aches. Aids vitamin D. Magnesium levels are low in our soil and our foods and are often the reason we are anxious and struggle to sleep well. Low magnesium affects the nerves and contributes to numbness and tingling and constipation. Magnesium glycinate is the most easily absorbed and magnesium malleate helps with sore muscles and migraine headaches.
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are needed for normal sensory, cognitive, and motor function. Doco-sahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an EFA and essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants. DHA is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. The inclusion of plentiful DHA in the diet improves learning ability, whereas deficiencies of DHA are associated with deficits in learning. DHA is taken up by the brain in preference to other fatty acids.
Prebiotics
These are needed to help the gut maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria and decreases bad bacteria. Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics to form healthy bacterial levels. If your diet is low in these, you need a multi strain several billion CFU brand to help improve your gut balance.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help provide digestive benefits because they stabilize healthy bacteria in the gut microflora when eaten or swallowed. Probiotics need prebiotics (their food source) to grow. Sometimes they can cause gut interactions / unwanted side effects like gas, bloating, or loose stools. Reducing the frequency or the dose of the probiotics typically can help decrease or eliminate these symptoms. are needed to help the gut maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria and decreases bad bacteria.
Zinc
We need approximately 10-20mg daily as low body levels alter the taste of protein and lead to protein aversion. Deficiency of zinc increases hyperactivity, impulsivity, and impaired socialization in children with ADHD.
Find these key nutrients in food
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Food Supplements Support Mood, Energy, & Focus
Clevr Blends
One of each of our SuperLattes: Matcha, Chai, Golden and Coffee. A latte to suit any mood, to keep you feeling super, every day. Clevr Blends SuperLattes come in four different plant based flavors- coffee, matcha, golden milk and chai. Each blend contains caffeine (except golden milk flavor) and consist of a oat milk and coconut cream base, monk fruit sweetener, ashwagandha, reishi mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms and heat safe probiotics. Because they are organic, they are glyphosate free. Click on picture link.
OM Mushroom Powder
Mushrooms like Chagas, Lion's Main, Reishi, and Cordyceps help w/energy, focus, and concentration. This powder can be added to drinks, smoothies, or warm drinks. *
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MUD/WTR
MUD\WTR™ is a coffee alternative consisting of organic ingredients lauded by cultures old and young for their health and performance benefits. With 1/7th the caffeine of coffee, mud gives you natural energy, focus and more without the jitters and crash. * Click on picture link.
Contains: Cacao Masala Chai Turmeric Sea Salt
Cinnamon Chaga Cordyceps Reishi Lions Mane
Support for your Brain
Other Nutritional Links