Thursday, January 17, 2013

Feed Your Head: Folic Acid / Folate


Folic Acid / Folate:  

Folic acid is critical for everyone who has a mood disorder.

NOTE! Studies indicate that it is better and safer to get your folic acid from your food rather than from supplements.* Studies using folic acid supplements have found increased rates of the same cancers that a diet rich in folic acid sources reduces.

Here's a excerpt from whfoods.com about folate:

What events can indicate a need for more high-folate foods?
  • Irritability
  • Mental fatigue, forgetfulness, or confusion
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • General or muscular fatigue
  • Gingivitis or periodontal disease
Excellent sources of folate include romaine lettucespinach,asparagus, turnip greens, mustard greens, calf's liverparsley, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and lentils.
I find it easiest to get in the habit of having large salads based on spinach or romaine to ensure I get enough folate.

*There is, however, a small percentage of us who have a genetic problem that makes it difficult for our body to process folic acid.  There is a test that can be ordered by a doctor to find out if this is true of someone and, if so, there is a prescription form of folic acid that can help them.

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