5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health

Most people have dealt with emotional eating at some point in their life. For many, it's a constant battle. It's because foods can literally boost the serotonin in your brain and make you feel happier. The problem is that most of these foods tend to be sweets and carbs, which also lead to weight gain and diabetes.

So how can you use food to enhance your mood without getting caught up in high calorie, toxic junk food?

Here are 5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health...

1- Scratch Artificial Sweeteners off your meal plan! ...They do not belong, and not only that, but they have been linked to health problems. In particular, Aspartame, known as "Nutrasweet" and "Equal," have been reported to cause brain problems including depression, anxiety, memory issues, and even more severe neurological diseases.

2- Up Your Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3s! ... Omega-3s help make up your brain cell membranes, where neurotransmitters like serotonin enter your cell, allowing the feelings of happiness, optimism, and peace of mind. If you don't have enough omega-3, your brain won't receive your happy hormones nearly as effectively, and you're likely to feel more sad or other unpleasant emotions. You can get omega-3s from free range egg yolks, free range poultry skin, walnuts, flax oil, and wild caught fish.

3- Trash Trans Fats! ...The government now tells us that no amount of trans-fats are safe for human consumption. In fact, they can cause cancer, diabetes, and yes, brain problems like depression and attention defecit. Why? Because they clog up the receptors sites where your Omega-3s belong. Trans fats are found in many processed foods still and can be identified on the label as "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.

4- Protein Power! ... Protein provides the key nutrients for building your happy hormones, aka, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, etc. Therefor, it's important that you get enough protein every day. Otherwise your body will triage whatever you have to more important things, like maintenance of heart tissue, which could leave you feeling blue. Most people need around 60-80 grams of complete protein per day, and some need much more, depending on exercise output, daily stress, immune load and injuries.

5- Digestion is Key... The digestive system and brain are sister organs therefore if your digestive system is not working so well, your brain will suffer. Why? Because neurotransmitters are produced primarily in the gut. If your gut is not working smoothly- as evidenced by constipation, gas, inflammation, etc.- you'll need to restore it starting with healthy probiotics, water, possibly some fiber, and fresh green foods. Supplements can be incredibly useful for repairing a broken down digestive system as well, although I recommend consulting with a licensed nutritionist or medical practitioner before adding random items.