Good mental health is critical to living a healthy and fulfilling life. And, maintaining a healthy mentality requires providing our body with routine care and maintenance. Regular physical activity, eliminating stress, and connecting with a supportive community are some ways we can ensure our mental health is supported. Additionally, good nutritional choices, including adding critical nutritional supplements, are essential to keep your mind in a healthy state.
With an abundance of dietary supplements to choose from, it can be challenging to select ones that will benefit both your mental and physical health. At Fuel Victoria, we understand the importance of a whole-body approach to wellness. We want to shed light on the importance of good mental health in the fitness community.
Consider using these four mood-boosting supplements to actively support good mental health.
Nutritional Supplements for Mental Health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Regularly taking an Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplement has shown to improve and support good mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the oils of fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel. They can help prevent depression and alleviate symptoms of mental illness.
It’s estimated the brain’s delicate tissue, gray matter contains a high percentage of fatty acids. Adding these essential lipids to your nutritional supplement regime will aid the formation and maintenance of healthy brain tissue.
Vitamin B-Complex
B-vitamins’ family includes several compounds similar in molecular structure but have very different functions within the body. Many members of the B-vitamin family help to improve mental health. They do this by acting as natural mood stabilizers and stress reducers.
B-vitamins that promote good mental health include:
- B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- B9 (folate or folic acid)
- B5 (pantothenic acid)
- B6 (pyridoxine)
Complete B-Complex supplements are recommended for supporting physical and mental wellness, especially for women.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid well-known for its ability to help build muscle mass. It’s an essential amino acid found in many high-quality whey protein powders, such as pre-workout products. Tryptophan is instrumental for muscle formation, but it’s also vital for producing a neurotransmitter called serotonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found within the digestive system that helps to reduce depression and regulate anxiety. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to greater instances of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Regular consumption of serotonin’s precursor, Tryptophan, can help to improve and maintain good mental health.
Minerals
Dramatic mood changes can signal the body’s mineral stores aren’t as high as they should be. Several essential minerals are needed to keep moods stable and reduce the risk of developing poor mental health.
Low levels of minerals that have been shown to affect mood and mental health include:
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Chromium
- Lithium
- Iron
Taking a daily multivitamin can help keep the body’s mineral levels in-check and maintain balanced mood levels.
Foods that Promote Good Mental Health
Supplements are excellent to ensure your body meets its nutritional needs. For bodybuilders and fitness athletes, food alone often isn’t enough to keep up with a robust training program’s demands.
However, whole sources of protein, vitamins and minerals, and carbohydrates should be your body’s primary source of nutrition. The foods you eat can positively and negatively affect your mental health.
For the promotion of good mental health, regularly eat the following foods as part of a healthy diet:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Lean sources of protein
- Beans
- Legumes
Stay away from foods that can negatively affect mental health and moods. Example of foods that can harm your mental health include:
- Refined sugars
- Alcohol
- Processed foods
- Fried foods
Fuel Victoria Has Nutritional Supplements For Better Mental Health
Better mental health can begin with better food and supplement choices. How you fuel your body drives all aspects of your health, including mood and brain function. At Fuel Victoria, we have supplements that can help improve your physical state and your mental health. Visit any of our three stores in the Greater Victoria Area for the best quality supplements or shop online and have your nutritional supplements shipped directly to you.
