As the temperature drops, seasonal depression creeps in. So, to help fight the seasonal slump, try a mood boosting supplement. “Mood-boosting supplements are like the unsung heroes in the world of wellness,” board certified medical doctor and co-founder of Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, Suzanne Manzi, MD, told 21Ninety. Depending on the supplement you can get a boost of energy or rejoice in stress relief from having to switch out your entire wardrobe. There are even supplements out there that do both.
Psychiatric physician assistant at Relief Mental Health, Jamie Pacilio, PA-C, told 21Ninety, “[mood boosting supplements] could be an effective first step for individuals who may want to address low mood with an over the counter option before pursuing prescription medications.”
Mood Boosting Supplements
“A mood boosting supplement is usually an over the counter substance that, when taken on a consistent basis, has the potential to promote feelings of well-being, increase energy, or improve cognition to some degree,” PA Pacilio said. Dr. Manzi mentioned that mood boosting supplements replenish your brain with “essential nutrients and neurotransmitters that are pivotal in regulating mood.”
The Ingredients that Make the Difference
All mood boosting supplements are not created equal. Some supplements have a single ingredient, while others have a mix of mood booster in one capsule.”I recommend 5-HTP for promoting mood, vitamins B12, B6, and D for promoting energy levels (as well as mood to some degree), and ashwagandha for promoting stress reduction,” PA Pacilio stated.
Dr. Manzi called out omega-3 fatty acids, L-Theanine, and Magnesium as mood boosters. Both experts agree that incorporating B-vitamins is also a great way to boost your energy and reduce stress.
Know What’s Right For You
While mood boosting supplements are great at what they do, know that you should always be mindful of your current medication ritual before trying something new. Even if that means chatting with your medical professional before hitting the “Buy Now” button. For example, PA Pacilio explained that some mood boosting supplements contain 5-HTP.
“5-HTP in particular is a precursor to serotonin and is shown to increase serotonin levels in users who take the supplement consistently,” according to the psychiatric physician assistant. That said, PA Pacilio said that it is not recommended to take 5-HTP along with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). So, definitely consult your medical professional if you are taking either type of medication.
Ready To CHILL
Ready To’s CHILL supplement has a majority of the expert recommended ingredients to look for and more. Each vegan capsule includes ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, vitamin D3, along with vitamins B6 and B12. There’s also rhodiola root, folate, and riboflavin. All together these ingredients combine to reduce stress while supporting a stable mood. Quite literally lifting you out of your cold-weather slump with a subtle energy boost.
LiveOn Lypo–Spheric B Complex Plus
LiveOn’s Lypo–Spheric B Complex Plus lifts your mood with an added energy boost. This vitamin B complex plus contains B vitamins, minerals, cinnamon, and phospholipids (a molecule that’s a part of your cell membrane). All you have to do is mix one of the packets in water and take a big gulp of the vegan supplement. With regular use, you’ll notice your energy levels increase without crashing afterwards.
Thorne Theanine
Thorne’s Theanine is a bottle with capsules of the mood boosting L-theanine and nothing else. L-theanine boosts your mood by promoting a healthy response to stress. It won’t make you feel sleepy or hyper. Simply level you out as you take it regularly. You just need to take one capsule per day.
NOW Supplements 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
This bottle of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) by NOW Supplements in a bottle. Dr. Manzi mentioned that HTP is “often called the ‘feel good’ hormone.” So, if you’re looking for that extra boost of positivity to your brain receptors, then try these out. Each vegan (and Kosher) capsule only contains HTP. The recommended dose in one daily capsule.
Nature Made Fish Oil
You’ve probably had a relative try to get you to take fish oil but it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nature Made’s Fish Oil has no added color or artificial flavors. Plus, it’s gluten- and dairy-free. Just take two soft gels per day. With regular use, you’ll be supporting your heart health while improving your mood.
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