Protein-rich foods
These are foods like wild fish, organic meats, eggs, and dairy. They are rich in tyrosine, the amino acid which is the building block of dopamine. "Calcium in dairy helps improve the function of nerves, and also acts as a relaxant which eases anxiety," says Ostrower, who adds that egg yolks are also good for memory since they are rich in choline.
Image via Ekaterina Smirnova/Moment/Getty
Fruits and vegetables
You knew this one was gonna come up — but that's because it's true. You actually have to eat fruits and vegetables as part of a normal healthy diet. Why? Well, Ostrower says that you need the fiber it provides to clean out your insides and make you feel better again.
"Vegetables and fruits are high in both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps to cleanse the intestines by binding with and carrying out waste, fat and toxins. This cleansing process is crucial for efficient digestion and facilitates both weight loss and nutrient absorption," she says.
"Colorful fruits and vegetables also contain high levels of phyto-nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which aid in the production of anti-depressant neurotransmitters. Antioxidants help to protect cells against free radicals," says Ostrower. "In addition, these nutrients help build immunity, counteract cell degeneration, reduce inflammation, and increase brain function. Fruits and vegetables also help to alkalize the blood, increasing energy."
So, basically, eating fruits and vegetables will help clean up your insides, make you feel better, improve your memory and increase your energy? Sounds like a pretty good deal to us.
Image via Enrique Díaz/7cero/Moment/Getty
Probiotic foods
"Probiotic foods such as kefir, kimchi, miso, etc help to establish a healthy inner-eco system which is crucial for making available and manufacturing the nutrients which are responsible for brain, cell, and organ health," says Ostrower. "Beneficial microflora also neutralize toxins and combat yeast infections. Toxins and yeast can cause 'brain fog', irritability, and depression."
Image via Float Mod/EyeEm/EyeEm/Getty
Other foods and remedies to try
Ostrower recommends the following to add to your diet as well for a pick me up and make yourself feel a bit better:
● Umeboshi is a fermented Japanese plum. It is highly alkaline, and also has antibiotic properties. Used to treat fatigue, colds, flu, and viruses and it can enhance digestion. Plus it can be great when you've overindulged in the booze.
● Apple cider vinegar assists with digestion and helps to reduce blood sugar levels. It is detoxifying and helps relieve liver congestion, mental depression, and fatigue.
● Ashwaghanda helps to rebuild blood, nerves, muscles and sexual strength. Good for exhaustion and quelling anxiety.
● Siberian ginseng is good for endurance and stamina. Counters fatigue, supports immune function, improves mental abilities.
● Rhodiola increases resistance to variety of chemical, biological and physical stressors. It is beneficial for insomnia, fatigue, hypertension, memory, depression.
● Gingko improves blood circulation to brain. Good for memory and mental clarity and helps to maintain healthy circulation.
● St. John's Wort is effective at boosting serotonin levels.
● Dark Chocolate contains anadamine, which improves mood and acts as a stimulant. Chocolate also boosts endorphins. Flavanols help to improve cognitive ability.
Image via (C)Andrew Hounslea/Moment/Getty
