The Food and Mood Connection

Macey – RDN, LD

We are finally getting to the time of the year when the days feel longer, and we are seeing more sunshine. I don’t know about you, but I definitely notice a positive change in my mood during this time of year.

Speaking of mood, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. More, now than ever, we are shining a light on the important topic of mental health. With that, I wanted to discuss the connection between diet and brain and mental health.

When it comes to the overall health of our brains and our day-to-day mood, what we eat can make a difference. Though there is no singular nutrient that is the answer to all things brain health, there are some nutrients we know to have a positive impact on the health of our brains. Today, I wanted to focus on one nutrient in particular—omega-3 fatty acids. We know that our brains need the omega-3 DHA to function optimally. In fact, the brain is largely made up of fat, with DHA being a very prevalent component.² With it being such a prominent portion of the brain, we must continue to replenish it through dietary intake of more DHA. Not only do omega-3s play a role in makeup of our brains, there is also evidence that adequate omega-3 intake may decrease the risk of depression¹ and cognitive decline.⁴ Knowing all of this, it only makes sense for us to bring this nutrient to the conversation of diet and brain health. With that, here are four foods you can incorporate into your diet to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

1. Seafood, specifically fatty seafood

Though seafood may be the first food to come to mind when we talk omega-3s, not all seafood is a great source of omega-3s. Use the acronym SMASH to remember the best seafood-sources of omega 3s.
S – Salmon
M – Mackerel
A – Anchovies
S – Sardines
H – Herring

2. Nuts

Walnuts are the only tree nut that is an excellent source of ALA. Pecans, pistachios, macadamia, and pine nuts, among others, also contain ALA.
Tip: sprinkle nuts on your salad, add them to oatmeal and baked goods. The options are endless!

3. Seeds

Flax and chia are both sources of the omega-3 ALA.
Tip: Add to smoothies, salads, oatmeal, baked goods and more!

4. Oils

Canola oil and soybean oil provide the omega-3 ALA

Did You Know?

ALA is the only omega-3 that is considered essential, meaning our body cannot produce it so we must obtain it from our diet. Our bodies can make DHA and EPA from ALA but it’s a very inefficient process. That’s why it’s so beneficial to ensure adequate dietary intake of all three omega-3 fatty acids!

Ready to incorporate more omega-3 rich foods into your diet? Here’s some recipe inspiration to get you started!

Cucumber Walnut Bites

Sweet & Spicy Walnuts

Pineapple Salmon Kabobs

Maple Glazed Salmon

Macey Hurrle, Registered Dietitian
RDN, LD

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Cited
1. Bachman C. Fish is Brain Food | Seafood Nutrition Partnership. Published June 13, 2023. https://www.seafoodnutrition.org/research/dietary-guidelines/fish-is-brain-food/
2. Omega 3’s and Brain Health | Always Omega 3’s. https://alwaysomega3s.com/why/brain-health.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids | National Institute of Health. Published February 15, 2023. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
4. Two omega-3s in fish oil may boost brain function in people with heart disease | American Heart Association. Published on November 8, 2021. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/11/08/two-omega-3s-in-fish-oil-may-boost-brain-function-in-people-with-heart-disease

Jason

Depression is a serious medical illness. It’s more than just a feeling of being sad or “down” for a few days. Depression occurs in more than 19 million teens and adults in the United States, and for them, the feelings do not go away, they persist and interfere with everyday life.

Although depression may occur only once during a lifetime, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include;

Feeling sad or “empty”
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling very tired
Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is a disorder of the brain. There are a variety of causes, including genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression can happen at any age, but it often begins in teens and young adults. It is much more common in women. Women can also get postpartum depression after the birth of a baby. Some people even get seasonal affective disorder in the winter (can’t imagine that around these parts, right?).

Depression is a serious disorder that can take a terrible toll on you and your family. Depression often gets worse if it isn’t treated, resulting in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your life.

There’s no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help.

Take steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and boost your self-esteem.
Reach out to family and friends, especially in times of crisis, to help you weather rough spells.
Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening.
Consider getting long-term maintenance treatment to help prevent a relapse of symptoms.

If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. If you’re reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, any health care professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
medlineplus.gov/depression.html

Jason,
Pharmacy Clinical Program Manager