Just as certain foods can disrupt proper neurotransmitter function and create imbalance, others foods can help provide the body the specific amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other cofactors necessary to maintain optimal amounts of neurotransmitters once they have been rebalanced.
Foods that Promote Neurotransmitter Synthesis
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Serotonin (& melatonin) Salmon, turkey, chicken, lean meets Soy protein – tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, soy beans, soy nuts Brown rice Brewer’s yeast Avocados/guacamole Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts Seaweed, Blue-green algae Oats/oatmeal Rice bran Cottage cheese Yogurt Sunflower seeds Wheat germ Whole grains Broccoli Ginger Onions Asparagus Kale Bananas, dates, figs Pears, Peaches and Apricots Strawberries Blueberries Flaxseeds Green leafy vegetables
Cherries – melatonin Ginger – melatonin |
Dopamine & Norepinephrine Almonds Avocados Bananas Lima beans Pumpkin seeds Sesame seeds Chicken Turkey Fish Tofu Lentils Garlic Onions Soybeans Seeds Yogurt
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Eating these foods and avoiding those that can cause depletion can be a great way to maintain proper neurotransmitter levels. However, most times if a neurotransmitter imbalance is present, eating the proper foods will not be enough to offset the imbalance. Luckily, there are several botanicals and supplements that can be used to rebalance neurotransmitter levels and aid in your healing process.
In addition, many supplements have been shown to be useful in the management of depression; see the Supplements section for more details.
