There are a number of nutritional experts who believe that combined with a proper well maintained and balanced diet, taking certain natural supplements which are available on the market, can make a huge difference when you’re looking to elevate your mood, and trying to get rid of that general “blah” feeling.
If you’re wanting to boost your current mood based on say a particular event, such as perhaps a recent breakup of a relationship, loss of a loved one or losing a job, you should begin to feel a lot better as well as stress free by trying these natural supplements.
If you’re happening to feel a little down without any particular reason, which can happen to all of us from time to time, then you should be seeking guided help other then taking these recommended mood boosters. Feeling “down” at times can be a result of heart trouble, which won’t allow enough oxygen to properly get to the brain. Or it could also be some types of intestinal problems which restricts the body to efficiently absorb much needed Vitamin B12. This is not to judge, recommend or diagnose your particular condition, but it’s definitely something that you should not have to tackle alone.
Recommended Natural Mood Enhancers
NOTE: These supplement descriptions and recommendations are for information purposes only, so use at your own risk.
B Vitamins
For the majority of people, particularly for women who are 65 years or older, there happens to be a deficiency in Vitamin B, and tests has shown that there is a dramatic positive response in these subjects when they are injected with the B Vitamins. B vitamins has shown to be able to naturally enhance ones mood. What they’re able to do is facilitate the neurotransmitter functions in the brain.
Other positive effects of the B vitamins are that they can also help in preventing other health related issues such as, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Recommended Dosage: Take at least 800 mg of Folic Acid, 25 to 50mg of Vitamin B6 and 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12.
Essential Fatty Acids
The benefits of absorbing essential fatty acids has proven to be among the very best for mood elevation. The reason why they’re so effective is because there are certain essential fatty acids which happen to be associated with every cell membrane in the body. If those cell membranes are not functioning properly, they will effect proper brain function.
The Recommended Dosage: Take at least 2000 to 4000mg of fish oil on a daily basis. The fish oil should be either distilled or purified, so that it’s completely free of any heavy metals or toxins. There are also no known side effects or risks of absorbing fish oil, as it will naturally oxidize in the body. You can also take it with other antioxidants such as Vitamin E (400 IU) per day.
Amino Acids
Amino Acids are the basic building blocks of neurotransmitters. 5-HTP is the most popular natural supplement. Taking this has proven to elevate your mood in cases of anxiety or panic attacks, as well as relieving insomnia. What 5-HTP does is it will increase the production of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin.
The Recommended Dosage: Start with taking a low dose such as 50 mg, 2 to 3 times per day. After around 2 weeks, you can then increase the dosage to 100 mg, 2 to 3 times a day. The risk or known side effects of 5-HTP may be mild nausea. So before starting, it’s important that you get off any doctor prescribed antidepressants if you’re taking any, as the combination has the potential of producing too much serotonin.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is one of the better known natural remedies which is useful for mood elevation or treating mild depression.
The Recommended Dosage: Start on a dosage of 300 mg (which should be standardized to 0.3% hypericin extract) 2 to 3 times a day, depending on the severity. Keep in mind that taking St. John’s Wort can take anywhere up to three weeks until it shows any benefits. The risks or side effect is that it most likely will interfere with the majority of both prescription as well as over-the-counter drugs. So it’s entirely up to you to decide if you’re wanting to get completely off your doctors prescribed medication to try St. John Wort.
SAM-e
SAM-e is an amino acid combination which is naturally produced by the human body, animals as well as plants. SAM-e supplements are also available in a synthetic version which is produced in a lab, and has shown some positive results in initial studies and testing. What it does is it affects the synthesis of neurotransmitters. SAM-e actually has fewer side-effects or risks than taking 5-HTP, as well as fewer drug related interactions than taking St. John’s wort.
The Recommended Dosage: The dosage of SAM-e can range anywhere from 400 to 1200mg daily. Higher doses however can cause mild nervousness and insomnia. The risks which are associated with taking SAM-e include those with bipolar disorder should not take it without proper supervision, since it can trigger mania.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is considered to be an adaptogen, which means that it can increase your bodies resistance to a host of stressors. It may be useful to elevate your mood or to treat mild depression.
The Recommended Dosage: Take anywhere from 100 to 200mg of Rhodiola Rosea 3 times a day, which should be standardized to 3% rosavin. The risks which are associated when taking more than 500mg per day is that it can potentially cause insomnia or irritability.
These natural supplement descriptions are for entertainment and information purposes only. Conduct your own research and always consult with your health practitioner. Always take at your own risk.