Foods to Alter your Mood

In a typically healthy person there exists a type of fat called Omega-3 fat or DHA. The particular fat makes up 30 percent of brain cell tissue.

In people suffering from depression, studies have shown that these people have a lowered DHA level. Alarmingly persons with this lowered DHA level can be tipped over the edge if their dietary intake of these foods is low too.

If you want to increase your levels of Omega-3, DHA, try to include in your weekly meals a serving or two of Omega-3 rich fish. Omega-3 rich fish is salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring and these will provide you with more than enough to improve your mood. If you are vegetarian, then you can obtain Omega-3 replacement from your local health food shop or pharmacy.

Another great mood changer is FOLIC acid. Folic acid can be found in a glass of orange Juice or a cup of Spinach. Folic acid had also been found to affect mood and is an important nutrient in defeating depression. As little as 200 micrograms a day will help to boost serotonin levels (serotonin is the hormone released which affects your moods)

If you cannot get your hands on some of these foods and you are after an immediate booster, try some caffeine. Caffeine can work as an effective anti-depressant. Taken in small doses - like a cup or two a day, studies have shown that caffeine is a mood lifter and has mood-lifting abilities for people who haven't been diagnosed with serious depression.

WINTER TIPS

In the winter you may not think that your skin is at risk. Hands up for those who are not as cautious with their skin in the cooler months? Well - you are sadly mistaken to think this way! Often your skin is at more risk in the winter because of this very fact - that people believe they are not at risk so they "slack off" when it comes to protecting it.

Here are some tips to help your skin looking as fresh and smooth as ever:

1. Always no matter the time of year - cleanse your skin! Many soaps are too drying, so avoid using highly perfumed soaps or go for one with a built in moisturiser if you must use soap. If you already suffer with flaky skin, then stop using soap and get yourself a decent cleanser. You can pick up some affordable products that work just as well as the pricier items for around $10-$15.00.

2. Tone your skin as well! This replaces the skins natural ph balance. It also helps to rid your skin of any traces of dirt or left over cleanser.


3. Moisturise! Just because you can't see the sun doesn't mean it's not there! Your skin can dry out even more so because it is windier and UV rays can often be even stronger & harsher in the Winter. So select a moisturiser that is right for you. And select a moisturiser with a sunscreen in it.

When the days are windy and cold, protect your lips against drying out and cracking by using a lip balm. Choose one that isn't too glossy so you can put it under your lipstick. If you choose a glossy one, then use this as a gloss - and Glossy lips are in again anyway!
And again, make sure you choose one with a high SPF factor in it. When you go to bed at night, not only cleanse, tone & moisturise your face, but then add on some lip balm too.
(make sure you get all the kissing over first though and then put your lip balm on!)

Remember: the higher the SPF factor, the more protection! These days you can obtain products with SPF factor 30+, so if you can get a moisturiser or a foundation with this level of sunscreen and it works with your skin, then go for it!

- Michelle Palmer