The food you consume provides your body with the essential nutrients you need — which are building blocks for the building of the various parts of your body, including your neurotransmitters. In this video, our nutritionist Kendra Whitmire details the main nutrients for brain & neurotransmitter health including:
Amino acids (protein)
B vitamins (especially B6, B9, and B12)
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc
Iron
Omega-3 fatty acids
While eating a diet sufficient in protein should provide the necessary amino acids for neurotransmitters, you may want to make sure you consume various sources of protein so you get all the essential and conditionally essential amino acids you need for your neurotransmitters. These are the amino acids the body cannot create — or cannot create in certain conditions.
The most important for mental health include:
Tryptophan (serotonin precursor)
Tyrosine (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine precursor)
Choline (acetylcholine precursor)
Other key amino acids include glutamine, arginine, histidine, proline, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine.
Many of these amino acids can be found in the same foods, including:
Nuts and seeds
Beans and legumes
Soy
Eggs
Dairy products
Fish
Turkey and chicken
Other meat products
Consuming a protein-sufficient, varied, colorful diet rich in fruits and vegetables should ensure sufficient levels of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for brain health, as well as overall health.
This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Always discuss your own unique situation with your doctor, nutritionist, and/or another healthcare practitioner in your treatment team to find out the best plan for your health journey.
Schedule a free, 30-minute consultation with us for additional assistance at www.sunshinenutritionwellness.com/appointments.
