Top up your gut health
We’ve done a sweep of the latest news to show you the evidence-backed ways to radiate good health with the simple benefits of prebiotics and probiotics.
Can you eat your way to happiness?
You may be surprised to learn that eating can have a positive effect on your brain chemistry, and that’s ultimately the release anyone wants under the stranglehold of depression or anxiety.
Food for happiness
Folate
Low folate levels are linked to depression. So, there’s no harm in getting on top of recommended folate intake. Also, folate improves the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs.
Folate can be found naturally in vegies such as leafy greens, legumes, rice, avocado, fruit and liver.
Amino acids
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used by nerve cells in the brain to make serotonin, the happy chemical, and melatonin, a hormone that increases sleep quality and length.
As tryptophan is present in proteins, food such as eggs, milk, fish, meat, poultry, dairy, seeds and legumes are good sources.
beyondblue recommends two to three servings of oily fish a week for your omega-3s too.
Water
Apparently even minor dehydration causes irritability and restlessness.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and focused.
Reducing sugar
Sugar comes with its own false highs and lows that can interfere with your life.
Limiting caffeine
Most people already have a pretty clear handle on their caffeine habits.
beyondblue however recommends limiting yourself to 2 coffees per day or none for people with anxiety.
Unfortunately some of the side effects of going cold turkey on a caffeine addiction are depression and headaches, so good luck with that anxiety sufferers. Luckily, these symptoms are usually temporary and most people who kick the habit are over the worst of it in 3 days.
Help for mental health
Mental health issues are increasingly becoming more top of mind and we’re here to help support you and your family through mental health conditions.
Peoplecare members with hospital cover who meet program criteria have free access to their own personal mental health coach through the phone-based MindStep program. The service provides an invaluable guide through the mental health system and cognitive behavioural therapy over the course of six weeks.
If you have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression and would like to find out if the program is right for you, you can ask our experts, call us on 1800 808 690 or send an email to info@peoplecare.com.au.
Source: beyondblue
