Have you ever wondered why it is you always feel low after a bad cold or bout of flu? It’s not just the aches and pains, snot or thumping head that are making you down in the dumps, or the fact that you’ve lost a kilo in sweat or been incarcerated in the house for a week. Research shows that, as our immune system springs into action to fight off infection, this can trigger depression.

When the immune system senses the presence of an invader it releases chemicals called cytokines to help fight the bug. While cytokines are an essential part of our body’s defence they also lower levels of our feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin.

The role these chemicals play on mental and emotional health has drawn significant medical interest over the past decade. In research published in the medical journal Neuropsychopharmacology it was shown that elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines have been found in a number of psychiatric conditions, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia and depression.

 

So what can you do about this low mood and depression? 

As well as supporting your immune system while you’re suffering from and after a cold and flu, it’s helpful to give your mood an extra boost too. Key practical steps to take include:

  • Take time off and get plenty of rest
  • Don’t isolate yourself – connect with other people
  • Get a bit of fresh air
  • Take some gentle exercise as soon as you’re able
  • Resist the temptation to comfort eat – pack yourself full of greens and nutritional food

Yes, we know we’re stating the obvious here. But when was the last time you took a few of these practical steps after you’d been laid up in bed with flu?!

Top supplements to lift your mood

Here are some good food supplements to take to help lift your mood: magnesium, B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, folic acid, omega 3 fats (in particular EPA) and, the no1 for boosting feel-good serotonin, 5-HTP.

Posted in Flu