Tips on All-Natural Lifestyle Helpers for Healthy Mood

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its "Be Good to Your Whole Body" campaign in its Whole Body departments, Whole Foods Market will focus on healthy mood for the month of October.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070927/LATH047LOGO)

Everyone has a bad day every once in awhile. While anyone suffering from depression or a diagnosed mood disorder should work closely with their healthcare practitioner for treatment options, in-store lectures by Whole Body experts and podcasts will provide shoppers with ideas and tips on natural support for happy days.

"A home cooked meal will always be comforting, but research has shown that healthy eating patterns in general can help control mood swings by keeping blood sugar levels in check and providing a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients(1)," said Malia Curran, nutrition consultant for Whole Foods Market. "A healthy diet with plenty of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, tryptophan, folate and even moderate amounts of dark chocolate can help maintain a balanced state of mind."

In addition to nutrition and diet, herbs and lifestyle factors can help maintain a healthy mood. Ideas

include:

• Mind body therapies like meditation and breathing, exercise, massage and acupuncture can help promote and maintain mental and emotional health, while decreasing everyday anxiety.
• The act of sitting down to enjoy a cup of tea can be calming and re-centering. A few herbs that can be brewed specifically for promoting a balanced mood include St. John's Wort, ginkgo biloba, Ashwagandha leaf, chamomile and lemongrass.
• Keeping natural options nearby, like Bach's Rescue Remedy, an uplifting mixture of flower essences. Additionally, pocket-sized homeopathic remedies, formulated for specific symptoms like grief, sadness, nervousness, insomnia and overall stress can be helpful.
  

Several resources are available online, www.wholefoodsmarket.com, including an audio podcast on nutrients for mood balance. A second podcast discusses potential causes of mood imbalance and science-based herbal approaches with Dr. Keri Marshall, naturopathic doctor and medical director for Gaia Herbs. A third podcast explores breath and meditation for stress release. Check local store listings for events and more information.

About Whole Foods Market® Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America's first national certified organic grocer, was named "America's Healthiest Grocery Store" in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"(TM) captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its more than 50,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2008, the company had sales of $8 billion and currently has more than 275 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & Wild(TM), and Harry's Farmers Market® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats® and Capers Community Market(TM) are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc.

(1) Mayo Clinic, 2009

SOURCE Whole Foods Market

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com