Mood is all about how you feel, your emotions, your attitude. While there are many facets, on a basic level, we all know that mood is linked to both the health of the mind and body. Here are the top 5 supplements (clinically studied with proven research) that can help boost mood by helping the body and mind achieve nutritional balance. 

1. Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas produced from nitrates by the blood vessels. It helps the body produce energy, uptake nutrients, and improve blood flow. Deficiency is linked to mood swings, low mood, and poor brain health. You can obtain nitrates dietarily, but it’s very hard to eat enough. We recommend certified high nitrate beet juice powders to boost your nitric oxide.  

2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D (the sunbathing vitamin) comes from the sun and some foods, like salmon. Even so, 42% of the US population is vitamin D deficient and at risk for chronic low mood, SAD, and poor cognition--how frustrating! Save yourself some money by checking your vitamin D levels first with an at-home test kit. The best vitamin D supplements are oral liquids and sun lamps. 

3. Amino Acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that make up your ENTIRE body, including your brain and neurotransmitters. This is why a deficiency in amino acids, especially essential amino acids, has been linked to low mood, insomnia, and fatigue. When deficient, you are essentially running on fumes.

Some specific names to pay attention to are: 

Tyrosine: supports healthy chemical messaging 

Tryptophan: supports serotonin, the happy neurotransmitter

Taurine: supports a calming effects on the nervous system

4. Omega 3. Omega 3 deficiency can contribute to low mood because it helps serotonin production. It’s also important for a healthy central nervous system and chemical messaging. Omega 3 can be obtained from fish, like salmon and mackerel. If you choose to buy an Omega 3 supplement, make sure it has EPA, DHA, and DPA; they are important mood boosting fatty acids. 

5. Probiotics. The gut is highly innervated with nerves directly from the brain; it also produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain. When the gut is in distress, the mind can be, too! While the mechanism is still unknown, probiotics have been shown to boost mood and lower stress by supporting a healthier gut and brain. Fermented foods are high in probiotics and a great, natural supplement option. 

BONUS

6. L-Theanine. L-theanine, typically extracted from green tea, calms and focuses your body and mind while blocking the neurotransmitters that make you anxious and overexcited. 

Check out these options for boosting your mood:

1. Beet Boosted Coffee w/Mushrooms & L-Theanine

2. Multivitamin with omega 3

3. Amino Acids EAAs & BCAAs 

4. Vitamin D test kit

5. Probiotic Bulgarian Yoghurt