by JEFF NAGLE
Fueling your brain with proper nutrients is paramount to continuous creativity. Here are some of the vitamins that I take to help boost my mood.
We all know that we must feed our bodies right, but it can be hard sometimes. To be able to eat a variety of foods that will give you everything you need on a regular basis means you must eat almost all day long. To some people, this is a norm. But for people like me, it is a challenge to fit it all in.
I don’t profess to be a physician, a pharmacist or a dietician. I am merely a writer, technical report writer and fitness instructor. However, I have read many books on mental health and one in particular; “The Healthy Brain” by Aileen Burford-Mason got me thinking: How can I optimize my brain health and energy levels with my diet to be more creative?
My priority was to even out my moods regardless of rest levels, and I wanted to be more mentally sharp so that I could be more spontaneously creative. With as much research that I could muster, I created myself a daily vitamin routine specifically focused on energy production and mental health. Without fail, for the past two months, I have taken my heap of vitamins and the results have been amazing.
I will share with you the vitamins that I am taking. Take it all with a grain of salt as everyone’s body is different and everyone’s lifestyle is different. I lead a relatively active lifestyle with rigorous daily exercise. This combination of vitamins has worked for me but they may not work for you. That being said, I hope with this knowledge you get from my experience may lead you to pay more attention to your nutrition and maybe look into vitamin supplements for your own health.
Here are the vitamins that I am taking:
Omega-3
I take one Omega-3 supplement per day. This polyunsaturated fatty acid is found in fatty fish such as salmon and in avocados. While I do love salmon, my love for avocado is just not there. I picked Omega-3 because it is responsible for heart health by regulating cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease and helps reduce arterial plaque. Omega-3 is also a help for the mind in reducing depression and anxiety as well as slowing age-related mental decline. I do not get any fishy aftertaste when taking this supplement as most manufacturers remove that element to the formula.
Oregano oil with vitamin E
I take one oregano oil supplement per day. This all-natural essential oil is a robust immune system booster as well as an excellent anti-inflammatory. Oregano oil is also a great respiratory cleanser as well as a digestive aid. The added vitamin E helps with skin health and other antioxidant properties. While I do get a big Oregano burp after taking this supplement, it is only temporary, and I have grown to tolerate it.
Vitamin D
I take two 1,000 IU vitamin D supplements per day. I live in a climate with dark winters, and I work in an office all day. I just don’t get enough sun. In 1/2 hour of the midday sun, you can gather about 10,000 IU of the sun, I don’t usually get nearly that in a run of a day. Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium in our body. It is also an immune system regulator, anti-inflammatory and helps promote cell growth. Vitamin D is also an energy booster and mood regulator. While Vitamine D is found in fatty fish, I take the supplement because I do not eat enough fish and I do not bake in the sun very often.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea, I take one supplement per day. I am not much of a green tea lover so, I take this supplement for its mental health benefits. L-Theanine is a natural anti-anxiety inhibitor by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. It increases alpha brain wave activity which helps with mental relaxation, concentration and deep sleep.
Vitamin B12
I take one vitamin B12 supplement per day. Vitamine B12 is found in dairy, eggs and fish and is not generally found in vegetables. Vitamine B12 benefits include boosted energy levels, memory loss prevention and decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and lowers heart disease risk. Vitamine B12 is an essential nutrient and studies have shown that most people are deficient in it.
Echinacea
I take 1 echinacea supplement per day. Most of us are aware of the benefits of this herbal supplement. It promotes a healthy immune system and helps us avoid colds, flues and other infections. There are many different uses for echinacea like treatment for acid indigestion, gum disease and migraines; but I mostly take it to avoid colds.
Over the past two months, I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my mental state. I remember things much better, I retain new knowledge more quickly, and my creativity (especially with writing) is almost always available. I have never been more balanced regarding mood swings and anxiety in my life. While two months is still a relatively small sample size to determine if my changes are directly related to my new vitamin regime, I have a strong feeling that it is.
Ask your doctor, or do ample research if these vitamins will benefit you. I know they have been a game changer for me, so hopefully, you can benefit from my experience. Be sure to always eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water as there is never a supplement to fix lousy eating habits and help with improper hydration.
