Food For Your Mood

It has been estimated that nearly 65 percent of the adult population experiences some form of stress, and these numbers are continually rising. The brain needs particular vitamins and minerals, amino acids, such as 5HTP and GABA, fatty acids such as Omega 3s, magnesium glycinate, and other nutrients in order to synthesize our brain chemistry, aka neurotransmitters. Additionally, the process of methylation is essential to a healthy brain.

What the heck is Methylation?

 

Methyl groups are essential for normal DNA cell replication! They literally turn genes “on” or “off.” Among many things, “Bad” genes can be expressed by a depletion of your body’s methyl groups. Under-methylation results in low levels of our “feel-good neurotransmitters -- serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which can manifest as depressed mood or lead to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and cognitive decline.

 

So… if you have depleted methyl groups and you’re exposed to a toxin, an infection, or even a severe emotional stress, then all of a sudden—whammo -- you express the bad gene, which can even lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s. I recommend a good Methylated B Complex. Like Methyl B Complex by OrthoMolecular.  

 

Besides the methylated forms of B12, folic acid and B6, it has been said since ancient times that drinking green tea induces relaxation. Green tea is the primary source of an amino acid called L-Theanine. Suntheanine™ is the trade name for patented pure form of L-theanine.

 

The brain emits weak electrical impulses that can be measured on the surface of the head, which are classified based on their frequency… some are known as Alpha waves which puts you in a state of deep relaxation,  whereas the Beta brain waves puts you in a heightened state of alertness, logic and critical reasoning. Human clinical trials have shown that just 50 mg – 200 mg of Suntheanine™ promotes an awakened state of relaxation without drowsiness, as indicated by an increase in your Alpha brain waves, and a decrease in your Beta brain waves.

 

Additional human clinical research suggests that Suntheanine™ may have application in improving the quality of sleep, diminishing normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, promoting concentration, reducing negative side effects of caffeine and supporting the immune system.

 

We recommend Methyl B-12 for overall health and wellness. 

Best of Health!

Radhia Gleis, Wellness Director, Martins Pharmacy at Lake Hills.

 

Radhia Gleis, PhD, Med, CCN, is a certified Clinical Nutritionist/Holistic Practitioner, Wellness Director for Martins Compounding & Wellness Pharmacies with three locations in the Austin area. She is available for private consultation at the Lake Hills Pharmacy, M-F, 1:30 to 6:30pm. Contact [email protected].