The making of neurotransmitters - important chemicals are involved in your mental well-being - require a number of ‘raw materials’ so to speak. These raw materials, work to make neurotransmitters - chemical messages - that ‘speak’ to cells in your brain and other parts of your body (nerves, muscles, glands etc).

Once I understood this - I really began to understand how what we consume has a direct effect on how you feel. How lacking in one or more of these raw materials can contribute to depression.

We know that if a depressed person is low in folate (possibly the cause of the depression), they are less likely to respond to an SSRI (antidepressant medication). We know that low levels of zinc are more common in people with depression. Low levels of vitamin D is present in over 90% of people admitted to psychiatric units (from two studies in England and Italy).

Below is an info-graphic describing in very basic terms - the formulation of neurotransmitters. The four major neurotransmitters that regulate mood are Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA and Norepinephrine.

Share this - so that you may encourage others to understand how food affects mood.

Helen is a registered nurse with a Master's in Health Science and a Life Coach, specialising in mental health from a holistic perspective. She is passionate about supporting people to have optimal mental health and well-being.

Based in New Zealand, Helen is available for speaking and workshops on mental health & well-being and one-on-one appointments.

• Get in touch with Helen here

• Purchase the Mini Guide to Mental Well-being here

• Do Helen’s ‘Changing Lives’ course here