How Nutrients in Foods Affect Your Moods

You’ve heard it said that you are what you eat, and there’s a lot of truth to that old adage. What you ingest — and what you don’t — affects you physically and emotionally. Here’s how.

“You are what you eat” isn’t just an empty saying; it’s an essential fact of life that many people miss.

In fact, the link between what you eat and how you feel — both physically and emotionally — has spurred a whole new field of medicine called nutritional psychiatry, in which researchers study the impact of diet on mental wellness and how specific nutrients can affect moods.

At Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn, our experienced specialists are passionate about helping New Yorkers identify nutrient deficiencies and finding innovative ways to address them. Here’s how nutrients impact your mental well-being and how targeted IV therapies can balance your moods.

The link between food and mood

The connection between diet and mood is more profound than many realize.

Your brain is susceptible to the quality of the food you consume, and certain nutrients play pivotal roles in brain function and emotional regulation. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish, may lower the rates of depression.

Similarly, vitamins B12 and D and minerals like magnesium and zinc are essential for maintaining a balanced mood.

Nutritional deficiencies that affect your mood

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Here are some key players:

Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” regulates mood and wards off depression.

B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, B9 (folate), and B12, are essential for energy production and cognitive function.

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain health and may reduce symptoms of depression.

Magnesium aids in brain function and mood regulation.

Zinc, when low, may lead to depression and other mood disorders.

Serotonin

We can’t discuss nutritional psychiatry without talking about serotonin. Your gastrointestinal tract produces about 95% of your body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates everything from pain and sleep to appetite and mood, so your gut health affects your mental health.

When you eat well and protect your gut lining, you help your body absorb nutrients and activate nerve pathways between your gut and your brain. That’s why people who eat a Mediterranean diet rich in veggies, seafood, fermented foods, and unprocessed grains have a lower risk of depression.

How to reverse nutritional deficiencies

Though a balanced diet is fundamental for good mental health, we offer additional support through nutritional IV therapies: glutathione and lipo-mino mix. These treatments provide targeted nutrient delivery, ensuring your body gets what it needs efficiently and effectively.

Glutathione IV therapy

A powerful antioxidant, glutathione is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. It detoxifies the body, supports immune function, and protects against oxidative stress. It also impacts mood by:

Detoxification: By removing toxins from the body, glutathione reduces inflammation, which can negatively impact mental health.
Antioxidant protection: Glutathione protects brain cells from oxidative damage, which can contribute to cognitive decline and mood disorders.
Neurotransmitter regulation: It aids in producing serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and anxiety levels.

Lipo-mino mix IV therapy

Lipo-mino mix IV therapy combines lipotropic compounds and amino acids to support fat metabolism and energy production. This innovative treatment not only aids in weight management but also has significant implications for mood regulation through:

Fat metabolism: Efficient fat metabolism improves overall energy levels, boosting mood and reducing fatigue.
Amino acid supply: Amino acids like methionine, inositol, and choline support brain function and enhance neurotransmitter production.
Vitamin B12: This crucial vitamin, often included in lipo-mino mixes, is essential for energy and cognitive function. It also helps to prevent depression and improve mood stability.

If you’re considering integrating glutathione IV therapy or lipo-mino mix IV therapy into your wellness routine, we’re happy to discuss it with you. However, these therapies should complement, not replace, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

For more information on how to get started with these innovative therapies and to explore personalized treatment options, call Advanced Medical Care or book an appointment online.