Are These Bad Habits Making You Moody, Anxious & Depressed?

Not Getting Enough Essential Vitamins

Along with an improper diet, not getting the necessary vitamins that are essential for neurological health can greatly affect a person’s mental stability. Specifically, omega-3s and vitamin D are vital for optimal brain health and mental performance. Omega-3 fats are the building block of brain tissue, and can only be derived from our diets, and an omega-3 deficiency can leave the brain vulnerable to depression. The best sources of omega-3s are found in wild, cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, other seafood such as sardines, as well as in walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fish oil supplements.

Vitamin D is not just essential for building strong bones, but it is essential for optimum brain health as well. Approximately eighty percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient, and the best source of vitamin D is the sun. From March to October, midday sunlight exposure stimulates vitamin D production within the skin, which is ideal for absorbing those essential nutrients for a few minutes throughout the day. For darker, colder months, an individual can take a vitamin D supplement to ensure they are getting enough.