Friday, December 6, 2013

Vitamin B and Omega-3 for Mood

Mood is a particular emotional state of the mind. A person could be in a happy mood, sad mood, depressive mood etc. The mood of a person depends on both the physical health and the mental health. While physical health refers to the bones and muscles mental health refers to hormones and other substances that the body produces through chemical reactions. An individual’s external environment, work atmosphere, stress levels, food habits and lifestyle can influence the mood of a person.

With life turning stressful and hectic, people are opting for supplements to enhance their mood and keep away from mood swings that have the potential to spoil a day. When negative mood persists over long periods of time or when a person is eternally depressed, it is imperative to look at supplements that enhance the mood of the individual. There are a number of supplements available in the market that act as mood enhancers. Herbal supplements are also available in the marketplace and of late have gained popularity and acceptance among the public. You can find out more about great mood boosting supplements here.

Vitamin supplements act as excellent mood enhancers. Vitamin B is very effective in elevating the mood of a person. Vitamin B helps the body to produce a number of neurotransmitters that regulate the mood of a person. Deficiency of neurotransmitters may lead to a lot of impaired brain functions such as loss of concentration, lack of attention, sleepiness and irritation. Food rich in Vitamin B contain tryptophan which is essential to the production of a neurotransmitter called Serotonin. Serotonin is popularly known as the ‘Happiness Hormone’ because it enhances the mood of a person and keeps him/her happy.

The Omega-3 Mood Enhancement

Omega-3 oils are another source of mood enhancing supplements. These oils are extracted from fish found in cold water. Omega-3 oils have the capability to treat depression and help depressive patients to have improved moods. In general Omega-3 oils improve the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Since these oils are not produced within the body, individuals have to depend on external sources to gain adequate quantities of this supplement. Omega-3 supplements are available in all leading pharmacies across the counter because they have no side effects and are time tested formulae.

While depending on supplements is one way of enhancing mood, there are other natural ways of stay happy and in a good mood. By practicing sports or by resorting to physical exercises, people can improve their mood and focus better on the job at hand.

5-HTP Benefits (5-hydroxy tryptophan)

Serotonin deficiency among individuals has become a major concern in the modern world. Many individuals suffer from mood swings, mental anxiety, insomnia, low moods, addiction and a whole lot of other psychological disorders. The main reason for these disorders is attributed to an imbalance of neurotransmitters, in the human brain, that alter the mental status of an individual. Neurotransmitters are chemicals or chemical messengers that travel between the brain and the human nervous system. These are chemicals which are responsible for different functions of the brain such as sleep, appetite, anger etc.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is also known as the ‘Happiness Hormone’. Serotonin, in optimal amounts, is essential to keep an individual happy and relaxed. When the Serotonin balance of the body is disturbed the individual experiences psychological disorders. Hence, it is imperative to treat Serotonin deficiency in order to bring back the individual to a normal state.

There are two ways of replenishing Serotonin deficiency.

1. Natural Method
2. Through Supplementation
Natural Method:

Serotonin is formed from 5–Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP) which in turn is created from an amino acid called Tryptophan. Foods rich in protein such as eggs, meat, milk etc. contain tryptophan. Tryptophan from the foods is absorbed by the body and then is converted to 5- HTP. Serotonin is synthesized from 5-HTP. By taking foods rich in tryptophan serotonin levels in the body can be increased significantly.

Through Supplementation:

Certain research studies indicate that all the tryptophan absorbed by the body from an individual’s food intake is not converted to 5- HTP. Also, since modern day foods consumed are polluted and adulterated, there is not sufficient tryptophan available in processes meats, fish and other protein foods.

5-HTP Benefits

One way to get around this problem is to use 5- HTP nutrient supplements that are readily available over the counter. These supplements are prepared from a naturally occurring therapuetic plant known as ‘Griffonia Simplicifolia’. These nutrient supplements provide the body with readily convertible 5- HTP molecules. Hence, Serotonin replacement occurs at a faster rate when compared to the traditional method.

In addition to 5- HTP molecules, the body also requires calcium, magnesium and B-complex vitamins in order for the human body to convert 5-HTP to Serotonin. So, it is imperative for individuals to ensure that the human body has enough of these other components. You can read more about 5-HTP benefits on this great blog.