The nutrient: phosphatidyl choline (found in eggs and
sardines) boosts memory, as does an amino acid called: pyroglutamate (found
in fish, dairy products, vegetables and fruit). Supplementing the diet with
glutamine, ginko biloba, vinpocetine, a B vitamin complex and zinc also
helps aid memory.
Thought processes can be given a little boost with
certain 'smart fats', such as mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, anchovies,
salmon and trout. Balanced sugar levels also enhances thought speeds and
clear thinking, so slow-release carbohydrates rather than sugars are the
preferred food.
Alcohol promotes GABA which in turn gives us Dutch
courage. GABA reduces adrenaline, making us feel calmer. Once this has been
raised however a maximum is attained and the levels fall after a few hours
(even if more alcohol is taken). GABA production is also promoted by
magnesium (found in kale, spinach, nuts and seeds).
Fish, eggs and meat all contain taurine, similar to GABA.
Many of us feel lethargic or depressed, this is often
caused by the break down of serotonin, a nuerotransmitter. Trytophan, an
amino acid promotes serotonin production. Fish, chicken, cheese, beans, tofu,
oats and eggs all contain levels of trytophan. Vitamins B3 and B6 (found in
wholegrain foods and bananas) help too.
PMS-related mood swings can be reduced by getting the right
vitamins, such as B6 (found in wholegrain foods and bananas), zinc (found in
oysters and seafood), magnesium (found in green vegetables, nuts and seeds)
and essential fats (found in nuts, seeds and oily fish). Each reduces
symptoms of PMS but together have a far greater effect.
Gluten is protein found in certain grains such as
wheat, barley, rye and oats. It is used in many areas of food production in
the form, mostly, of flour. It is used as the chief ingredient (bread,
pastry or biscuit); as an emulsifier (binding together other ingredients);
or as a starch. In some people they develop an autoimmunity to the gliadin
in gluten that reacts in their intestine producing a gluten intolerance,
often diagnosed as Coeliac disease (not a real disease as the sufferer is
constantly affected by any gluten ingested into the system, and is never
cured of their condition).