Life is filled with emotional highs and lows, from joyful moments to stressful times when every situation can trigger anger or sadness, and sometimes even depression.
If you’re experiencing an emotional time in your life, an uplifting supplement for mood may aid in easing the burden.
The most effective mood boosting supplements can improve your mood and thoughts in a variety of ways, from increasing your production of mood-enhancing chemicals , to improving your mental performance and function.
Although these supplements should not be considered as treatment for mental health issues such as major depression or anxious disorders, these supplements could be a useful component of your own tools to maintain your mental health.
Below, we’ve explained the mood-boosting supplements and vitamins are, and the ways they can improve your feelings, thoughts and mood.
We’ve also provided the most effective supplements to boost your spirits and moving forward in your life even when odds seem to be stacked against you.
Mood-boosting supplements are available over-the-counter products designed to enhance your mood and thoughts, as well as specific aspects of your cognitive performance. They’re sometimes referred to by the name of “brain supplementation” as well as “mood pill.”
The majority of supplements to improve your mood and emotions contain minerals, vitamins, nutrients and herbs.
Before we dive into the details of mood supplements and other supplements for brain health It’s crucial to take one thing out from the equation. The supplements that boost mood aren’t drugs or prescription drugs, and aren’t made to treat mental health issues.
This means that when you’ve been diagnosed with an illness of the mind and you’re not able to use an uplifting supplement for mood to replace your medications, or for treatment for mental health such as psychotherapy.
It is better to consider natural supplements for your mood as general tools to maintain a steady, positive attitude throughout your day.
It’s important to recognize that research behind many of these nutrient supplements isn’t always clear and we’re studying what these substances can improve your mental health.
Simply put, mood-boosting supplements are an optional supplement that can aid in feeling better, but not as “cure-alls” to treat issues like anxiety or depression.
What is the best way to make Mood Enhancing Supplements Work?
What exactly are they? How can these supplements really work? Over the years, scientists have examined a variety of substances for possible positive effects on mood and the quality of life. They have made a number of fascinating discoveries in the process.
A lot of the ingredients in mood-boosting supplements are believed to boost the body’s production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals which regulate your thoughts and feelings.
Two neurotransmitters that frequently pop in this study are dopamine and serotonin. The first neurotransmitter, serotonin, is thought to regulate the levels of happiness as well as anxiety, focus, and general stability in your emotions.
The low levels of serotonin are linked to a variety of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Dopamine is, in contrast is involved in the brain processes involved in learning and reward as well as memory. It is an “feel great” chemical that is involved in managing your emotions, directing your focus and serving as an incentive to complete tasks.
A variety of mood-boosting supplements work — or, at the very least, claim to be effective — by increasing the concentrations of either one of the neurotransmitters.
Others help to improve your overall health of your brain. For instance, many of the supplements to boost your mood include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins , and other ingredients which are associated with a lower chance of developing cognitive impairment.
All in all, mood-boosting supplements adhere to the general “rule” of nutritional supplements that the active ingredients are much, far more significant over the name brand.
We’ve concentrated on certain ingredients to search for rather than brands-name drinks, pills and other items which claim to help you feel better, boost your energy levels, and help problems like depression symptoms.
The Most Effective Mood Enhancing Supplements & Vitamins
Although there isn’t a “best” supplement for mood for everyone, studies suggest that a variety of popular supplements could have benefits for the levels of serotonin in your body as well as moods and general well-being.
Below, we’ve listed the ingredients and have included scientific studies to support the potential effects of each ingredient on mood.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient your body utilizes to maintain strong bones and healthy bones, to reducing inflammation, controlling the growth of cells and metabolizing glucose.
Research suggests that the low levels of vitamin D could play a part in depression-related symptoms. A study that was published by the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine in the year 2020 found that the serum D levels are in inverse correlation with the risk of depression.
The body receives the majority Vitamin D through the sun and also from food sources like mushrooms, fish milk, fortified cereals and dairy products.
A few studies suggest the possibility that vitamin D supplements may help to boost moods of people who suffer from depression. In a meta-analysis of four studies, researchers discovered that those who took vitamin D supplements had improvement in their assessment of depression-related symptoms.
They also noted that the findings must be considered to be speculative, since the number of studies regarding vitamin D and depression is at present limited, as well as the caliber of research available is inconsistent.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins are a class of vitamins that play vital functions in your health, which includes allowing your body to create red blood cells and generate fuel from nutrients found in foods.
A variety of B vitamin are linked with improved mood and brain function. In a study published in Nutrients Researchers linked B vitamins B vitamin folate (vitamin B9) B6, B6 and B12 to the production of neurotransmitters or overall healthy brain function.
A few studies suggest the addition of B vitamins can help reduce the intensity of depression symptoms in those who take antidepressants.
For instance an uncontrolled, randomized trial that was published in The Open Neurology Journal in 2013 revealed that people suffering from depression with levels of normal B12 levels. B12 levels who were treated with an vitamin B12 treatment along with antidepressants had greater improvements over their peers.
But, it doesn’t suggest that B vitamins can treat depression symptoms when taken without prescription medication.
Similar to vitamin D, a variety of B vitamins are found in food items, like leafy vegetables, and protein sources such as poultry and red meat, fish and dairy products. A lot of multivitamin supplements contain B vitamins.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally occurring fats found in certain food items, such as fat fish, plant-based cooking oils, and certain seeds and nuts. They are also readily available in supplements, such as capsules of fish oil.
While omega-3 supplements are most well recognized for their effect on heart health, some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids could also play an important role in preventing certain mood conditions.
For instance, studies have discovered that deficiencies in certain omega-3 acids can be a contributing cause of mood disorders, and that supplementation with omega-3s could provide benefits in treating depression in certain types.
But, because doses as well as study designs and omega-3 ratios differ between studies researchers haven’t yet figured out how omega-3 fatty acids can be used in treatments for depression and other mood disorders.
Creatine
If you’ve heard of creatine previously you’re likely to associate it with increased exercise performance and increased muscle mass.
Although creatine is most commonly regarded as a supplement for fitness There is also research-based evidence suggesting that it could aid in boosting mood and increase your mental clarity.
For instance, research has discovered that creatine could have antidepressant effects.Other studies have revealed that the consumption of creatine can improve short-term memory as well as various other aspects of cognitive performance.
The exact connection between creatine and possible improvements in mood aren’t fully realized.
St. John’s Wort
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John’s wort, is an annual flowering plant that has been utilized as an ingredient in traditional European medical practices for many years. It’s widely marketed as a supplement to boost the mood as well as treating moderate cases of depression.
While the evidence isn’t unanimous regarding St. John’s wort overall However, some studies have shown that it has real benefits for those suffering from mild to moderate depression. However the range of these studies is a bit limited and it’s not clear what the duration of these benefits could last.
A thing to be aware of with St. John’s wort is that it could interact with medication, such as many common antidepressants. Certain interactions could result in serious and even life-threatening health problems.
This is why it’s essential to speak with your doctor before taking St. John’s wort to boost your mood, particularly when you are taking any other medication for anxiety or depression.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
N-acetylcysteine (also known as NAC) is an amino acid that’s available as a supplement to your diet. It’s used to treat for a variety of health issues such as acetaminophen-related overdoses and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
Experts have been studying the effects on NAC in relation to mental wellbeing for a long time and have seen promising results for mental health issues like schizophrenia and addiction disorders.
There is also evidence to suggest that NAC could be beneficial for those suffering from mood disorders like bipolar disorder, however, the results vary between studies.
Experts believe that further research is required to determine the efficacy in the use of NAC as a possible stimulant of mood.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral your body requires to perform a variety of functions, including improving brain health and the metabolism of cells. It is found in a variety of food items, such as oysters, crab, and red meat.
Over time, researchers have looked into a possible link between zinc and the signs of depression. Intervention studies demonstrating that supplementation with zinc can boost positive mood among people suffering from depressive disorders.
However, the possible mechanisms that link zinc to mood regulation aren’t completely clear and studies are in progress to determine the effectiveness of zinc as a remedy for low moods.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a different mineral that’s essential. It’s actually required for over 300 different processes in your body, which includes helping to boost your immune system, assisting you maintain a steady heart rate, and assisting in maintaining the normal function of your nerves.
Studies have linked magnesium to brain regions of the limbic system – the brain region which is responsible for controlling emotional reactions. There’s also a connection between magnesium deficiencies and signs of depression.
While research findings are mixed however, some studies have discovered that magnesium can aid in improving mood and help treat depression.
Magnesium is found in a variety of foods that are commonly consumed such as nuts, fruits and milk, whole grains as well as soy and peas. It’s also a popular ingredient of mineral supplementation.
What Should You Do If You Find It Hard to Feel Happy
If you’re feeling exhausted or stressed, or just unsatisfied, adding one of the above supplements to your routine could aid in improving your mood and improve your mental health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression in women, like a constant negative mood, a decrease in enthusiasm for your hobbies and relationships, or even thoughts about suicide, then it’s crucial to seek out help from an accredited mental health professional.
You can seek help by asking your primary care physician to refer you to a mental health professional or meeting with a mental health professional within your region or connecting to an authorized provider online through our mental health services including our online psychiatry services.
If you suffer from a depressive disorder, your doctor might suggest taking medications, participating in therapy, or a mix of methods to treat your symptoms and assist you to be more comfortable.
If you are currently using supplements to boost your mood, be sure you inform your health doctor prior to taking any kind of medication to treat depression, because certain mood-enhancing supplements could result in adverse reactions and/or drug interactions.
If you are suffering from symptoms of severe depression and require urgent assistance, you can make use of the resources in our list of mental health crisis and crisis hotlines to receive professional help immediately.
The Facts on Mood Boosting Supplements
The most effective mood-boosting supplements can help stabilize your mood, decrease the intensity of anxiety and depression symptoms and have other beneficial results. Other supplements, like the Mood mental health probiotic, will aid in promoting the balance of your digestive system and improve your emotional wellbeing.
There’s an article about additional probiotics to treat depression and anxiety here If you’d like to know more about it.
These advantages can make appropriate mood-boosting supplements beneficial inclusions in your routine, particularly if you’re experiencing a difficult time in your life.
It’s also important to remember that mood-boosting supplements aren’t medicines and aren’t recognized as treatment for anxiety or depression.
If you suspect that you could be suffering from depression or other mental health issues It is important to seek professional assistance. This can be done by speaking to your primary care physician or at home by using our online services for mental health.