Natural cures for summertime blues

The sun's out but your mood is gloomy.

Try some lifestyle and dietary changes before you reach for medication. Turn off the TV and step away from the computer! One of the fastest and easiest ways to counteract the blues is with a daily walk—twice a day is even better.

Your diet and nutritional choices can also make a big difference in your mood. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flax and B vitamins can increase your body's production of natural mood enhancing neurotransmitters. Foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan can improve mood too. These include chocolate, bananas, poultry, meat, figs, fish, milk and cottage cheese.  Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, zinc, selenium and iron, are nutrients that also support mental health and wellbeing.

Avoid artificial sugars, such as aspartame and phenylalanine. Studies have shown that artificial sweeteners actually depress serotonin levels and may be contributing to increased incidences of mood disorders or depression in our society.

Image source: Holly McLennan