Most people think that the “happy” chemical Serotonin is made in the brain. Some is, it’s true, but up to 90% of it is made in the gut! And that’s why you need to care about your gut health! The secret of happiness is no longer a mystery. You saw it here first! Happiness lies in the gut! Digestion is EVERYTHING. And if yours isn’t perfect then we can help you! De-Stress 2 Digest is a program designed for those suffering with digestive issues. Why it is so important to know the reasons why you are suffering and the many things you can do to improve it. Here are some highlights
In the meantime keep reading for the list of foods you can eat to naturally increase the production of those ‘Happy’ chemicals:
AMINO-ACID-TYROSINE Makes Dopamine and is found in:
Avocados
Beans:
Adzuki Beans, Lentils, Split Peas, Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Broad Beans, Fava Beans, Pinto Beans, Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
DAIRY: Ricotta cheese, Parmesan,
Dark chocolate
Eggs,
Edamame,
FRUITS: Strawberries, Prunes and Blueberries
Meats: Lean grass fed/pastured plus duck, chicken and turkey.
NUTS AND SEEDS:
Pumpkin Seeds, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Chia Seeds, Pine nuts, Macadamia nuts, Flaxseeds, Pistachio nuts, Almonds, cashews, pine nuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts
SEAWEED
WHEATGERM
WATERMELON
AMINO ACID – tryptophan makes Serotonin and is found in:
Black eyed Peas
Cheese: cheddar, gruyere and swiss cheese
Nuts: almonds, chestnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, squash seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts.
B vitamins and folate
We need plenty for the production of serotonin.
VITAMIN B
AND POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (OMEGA-3) –
Omega-3’s increase dopamine… found in:
Tuna, herring, salmon and mackerel
SELENIUM an important trace mineral to combat depression also found in the fish above.
VITAMIN B6:
leafy greens, fish, poultry and whole grains help to elevate serotonin levels.
Often those diagnosed with clinical depression who have been tested have low levels of folate. How do you increase…
FOLATE:
leafy greens, starchy beans such as chickpeas (garbanzo beans) kidney and black beans. Remember though, not canned, use dried and soak to release those enzyme inhibitors! Try not to overcook to keep some of those crucial enzymes intact. Supplement with enzymes when necessary.
PHENYLALANINE (essential amino acid for creating DNA and the brain signaling molecules. Also used to make that HAPPY amino acid TYROSINE
Wholegrains: (highest concentration first)
Kamut, Quinoa, Wild Rice and Millet, Couscous, Bulgar, brown rice, buckwheat groats, Pearled Barley.
HERBS TO BREW FOR TEA AND WILL INCREASE DOPAMINE LEVELS
Peppermint, nettles, Fenugreek, milk thistle, ginseng, red clover
BEETS, AVOCADOS and ARTICHOKES contain a variety of amino acids and are rich in anti-oxidants. These three veggies help with dopamine production.
DOPE DIET FOCUS :
A balance of whole complex carbs from the GI tract. Slow burning fuel from complex carbs support long aerobic activities.
Grains/legumes 2:1 ratio:
Will create whole protein combinations. (see notes on soaking.)
High quality fats:
Butter, coconut oil, EFA oil, lean organic proteins, whole free range eggs.
Include as many vitamins and minerals, amino acids and fatty acids as you can.
