Brain Food

Food can translate to information for our cells. A healthy brain leads to a happier and more successful life, so eating for optimal health and cognitive function is essential. You can increase essential mood-boosting chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA through the foods you eat.

Look at it this way: brain food can supercharge your brain and help reduce the common human vulnerability – brain fog. More brainpower, better you.

What’s on your fork to power up both your brain and body?

Dopamin:

The feel-good neurotransmitter

Dopamin is commonly known as the feel-good neurotransmitter. It is the primary brain chemical messenger responsible for making us feel motivated. Dopamine is involved in both reward and motivation. This chemical messenger also plays an important role in the coordination of body movements.

Dopamine boosting foods can provide the drive and focus needed in order to be productive. Dopamin is greatly involved with our focus and attention span, the ability to follow-through and to experience pleasure.

Dopamin boosting foods:

Top sources

• Protein-rich foods that decrease insulin
• Meats: wild-caught fish, grass-fed lamb, pasture-raised chicken)
• Beans & eggs
• Nuts & seeds: walnuts in particular, might also improve memory
• High protein and organic veggies like broccoli and spinach
• Clean protein powders 

Serotonin:

The natural mood stabilizer

Serotonin is both a hormone and neurotransmitter. It impacts every part of our body from our emotions to our motor skills, and is considered a natural mood stabilizer. Serotonin plays an important role in regulating and modulating mood, sleep, anxiety, sexuality and appetite.

You may have heard about Jordan Peterson’s first rule of life; “Stand up straight with your shoulders straight”? Where he specifically mentions lobsters and the increase of serotonin levels as of crucial importance? Practice the first rule, as well as load up on serotonin boosting foods.

Serotonin boosting foods:

Top sources

• High fiber carbs (carbs that do not raise your blood sugar)
• Sweet potatoes
• Brown rice
• Steel-cut oatmeal
• Apples
• Cherries
• Red bell peppers

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid):

The calming neurotransmitter

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid that acts as the body’s main inhibitory chemical messenger. GABA’s primary role in the body is to reduce the activity of neurons in the brain and central nervous system. GABA contributes to vision, motor control, and plays a role in the regulation of anxiety.

Eating GABA boosting foods can help to increase relaxation, reduce stress, balance your mood, and improve sleep.

GABA Boosting Foods:

Top sources

• Whole grains
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Nuts
• Lentils
• Green tea

Boost Your Brain!