Nutrient and neurotransmitter deficiencies (as well as hormonal imbalances) can contribute to poor self-confidence, low motivation and the blahs, feeling negative and being overly self-critical.
Poor self-confidence, worry, overwhelm, anxiety and negativity could all be signs of low serotonin. Serotonin levels can be increased by:
- Eating enough good quality protein since protein provides amino acids for making neurotransmitters. Some examples of good quality protein: grass-fed organic beef, New Zealand lamb (which is always grass-fed and free of hormones and antibiotics), pastured eggs and chicken (preferable) or second best, organic, wild fish and seafood.
- Eating plenty of veggies, fruit, good fats – all part of a whole foods diet – provides all the cofactors necessary for making neurotransmitters.
- Exercise, sunshine and the use of a full-spectrum lamp also raises serotonin.
- And of course you’ll feel more confident, less overwhelmed and anxious, and more optimistic very soon (5-10 minutes) after taking one of the amazing amino acids tryptophan or 5-HTP.
With sufficient levels of serotonin you will also sleep better, and you will not have the afternoon and evening sugar cravings that are common with low serotonin.
If you have low motivation, the blahs and feel depressed (the kind of depression where you don’t want to see anyone), these could be signs of low catecholamines. If this is the case, you’re also likely to also have low energy and poor focus, and possibly feel like you are all over the map (kind of like ADD). Just so you know, negativity can be a sign of low serotonin and low catecholamines and many people have deficiencies in both areas.
- Again, eating enough good quality protein and eating real food is crucial.
- The amazing amino acid tyrosine can do wonders (also in 5-10 minutes) to raise catecholamines and get you super-motivated, laser-focused and full of energy.
And with good levels of catecholamines you won’t be drawn to sugary foods or beverages for an energy pick-up.
Here is additional information on the amino acids and how to do a trial