The Moody Blues

Bad Mood? Good Mood? No Mood? What is a mood and where does it come from? Mood is defined as a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion. Moods are how we express happiness, sadness, anger, loneliness and depression. Moods are caused by changes in brain chemistry. The main brain chemicals that effect mood are neurotransmitters called dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. If these chemicals are out of balance our mood changes without rhyme or reason. Poor eating habits have a direct effect on mood. This is because the three mood related brain neurotransmitters are dependent on nutritional needs for their proper chemical make-up. For instance, proper protein, fat and carbohydrate intake directly influences the production and more importantly the balance of mood altering / enhancing neurotransmitters. Vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains are the type of carbohydrate that we should eat to regulate our blood sugar levels. In addition to aiding neurotransmitter production, these carbs help with blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels drop, a person's mood can drop as well. On the other hand, protein moderates mood changes due to the stabilizing effect it has on blood sugar and also because all the neurotransmitters are made up of the building blocks of protein called amino acids. Eat lean meat, eggs, turkey, chicken, dairy, nuts and beans for your wholesome protein choices. Essential fatty acids are extremely important for mood. Research has shown that Omega 3 fats, due to their ability to make neurotransmitters work more efficiently, regulate mood and prevent depression. Add the following fats to your diet if you can: Fish oil, flax seed oil, walnut oil and olive oil.

Thought for the Week: "Instead of loving your enemies, treat your friends a little better." -------- Ed Howe

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: The brain sends mental impulses through the spinal cord and then out through the spinal nerves to the rest of the body. This is how the body works and how the body stays healthy. If there is an interference in the mental impulse or nerve flow from the spinal cord and or spinal nerve, the body cannot function properly or be healthy. Chiropractors remove that interference. allowing the body to function properly.