Specific foods for the brain and mood enhancement:
a) FRESH, IN SEASON, fruit and vegies still retain ‘life’ in them. People feel better and more energised by eating them. They also contain the most important nutrients for us at their time of the year. For example, in season oranges, lemons, mandarins, etc. all contain high quantities of Vit C so important for fighting winter colds and flu.

b) Carbohydrates – COMPLEX (wholegrain) carbohydrates in your meals enhances your brain’s memory and learning capability.

c) Proteins from eggs, almonds, seeds, avocados, dairy and animal flesh. Tryptophan, for instance, found in seeds, nuts, fish, soy products, dairy and red meat affects neurotransmitters that keep us calm and content.

d) Fish – Eating Fish Will Make You Smarter. Fish feeds the brain with the right nutrition, e.g. DHA omegas. Other rich sources of DHA omegas include flax oil (linseed), eggs, wheatgerm, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and soybeans.

e) Eat regularly and don’t skip meals – otherwise blood sugar levels will dramatically fluctuate, resulting in erratic moods and behaviors and ‘flat’ periods. For optimum brain function, aim for three meals throughout the day and if you snack, snack healthily!

f) AVOID PROCESSED FOOD as much as possible – most of it has no ‘life’ left in it at all, contrary to a) above. (Constantly eating processed and packaged food will cause you to feel ‘flat’ and lethargic.)

g) Eat fresh from your garden (or the garden you are, hopefully, planning!!)
Naturopathic approaches and medicines can positively improve moods/attitudes, brain function and mental clarity. Speak to Mark.

Scotch Broom Flower Essence

Scotch Broom is used “to promote a positive attitude; to evoke hope and optimistic feelings about the world”

It’s “branches bear numerous golden-yellow flowers that bring cheer to hillsides, forest glades and heaths in early spring. ‘Cheer’ is the key word, expressing the essence’s ability to help develop a more positive outlook”

Negative state:
Discouraged and disheartened

Pessimism about the world (FES)

Positive state:
Seeing difficulties/challenges as opportunities for personal growth

‘Positive and optimistic feelings about the world’ (FES)

(Quotes from Mark’s “the Essential Flower Essence book”)