Mood swings make all parts of life difficult, including both personal and professional relationships. Anti-depressants are commonly prescribed for mood instability; however, many people prefer to use natural treatments and home remedies. Exercise has been shown to help stabilize and elevate mood. Additionally, extensive research supports the use of vitamin supplements to treat mood instability in some people.
Exercise
Exercise causes an immediate reaction within the brain, releasing both norepinephrine and domapine, chemicals responsible for mood regulation. It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when feeling sad; however, according to research conducted by Richard Merritt from Duke University, regular exercise can keep brain levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine higher, decreasing long-term depression, a common cause of mood swings.
Folic Acid
The most common symptom associated with folic acid, or folate, deficiency is depression and mood instability, and a deficiency of folate has been detected in 15 to 38 percent of adults diagnosed with depression, according to researchers Alpert and Fava from Harvard Medical School. Folic acid works with other vitamins and minerals to provide the brain with the materials needed to synthesize serotonin and dopamine. Low serotonin or dopamine levels lead to mood swings, mood instability and depression.
Vitamin B
All B vitamins are crucial to brain function, including the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for experiencing pleasure. A Finnish study reported in "Psychology Today" found that high levels of B12 was linked to more successful outcomes among people being treated for depression. A vitamin B deficiency can cause irritability, short attention span, depression and mood instability.
Vitamin D
Researchers have examined the possible link between vitamin D deficiency and mood instability. Researchers Allen T. G. Lansdowne and S. C. Provost from The University of Newcastle in Australia found that subjects given daily vitamin D doses of either 400 or 800 I.U. had a significantly more positive mood than those not given vitamin D. Individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are most affected by vitamin D deficiency, and research reported by Peggy Nepps, PSY.D. has shown that using vitamin D to treat mood instability among those with SAD is more effective than many conventional treatments. Furthermore, Nepps explains that though it is unknown exactly how vitamin D helps stabilize mood, it is speculated that the vitamin plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
