Mood swings are characterized by drastic changes in emotion. Feeling depressed one minute and angry the next can disrupt your daily life and put a strain on relationships. Depending on your age, health, and gender, there are many different reasons why you might be experiencing fluctuations in mood. There is a link between emotions and vitamin deficiencies. Certain essential vitamins could help to stabilize your mood swings.
Vitamin D-3
Vitamin D-3 is an essential vitamin that humans mainly get from the sun, though it is also available in supplement form and is added to some foods, including milk. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D deficiency could be linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder or "SAD," a condition that causes depression in the winter months when sun exposure is much lower. If you find that your mood swings are seasonal, you may want to speak with your health care provider about SAD and vitamin D.
B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are necessary for overall health and are also linked to regulating mood. Psychology Today states that deficiencies in some of these vitamins, especially B-12 and folate, have been linked to depression, anxiety and unstable emotions. According to a study in the British Journal of Medicine, taking B-6 helps with premenstrual depression. B-complex vitamins are available as supplements and can also be obtained from eating a healthy and varied diet. Taking too much of any vitamin can have serious side-effects, so speak with your health-care provider before taking B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important nutrient that acts as an antioxydant and supports the immune system. It has also been linked to improving mood levels. In one clinical study in Germany, increased doses of vitamin C were shown to decrease depression, stress, and anxiety. As with other vitamins, taking high doses of vitamin C supplements can have risky side effects. You can acheive healthy vitamin C levels by eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetable, especially red peppers, kiwi and oranges.
