Have you ever felt trapped in a case of “the blues” you can’t shake? You’re not alone. According to the National Council on Aging, about 21 million US adults are affected by depression each year.
In fact, chronic medical conditions, disability, and social isolation can increase your risk as you age. Depression can cause low energy, insomnia, and other symptoms that can affect your quality of life.
Before that happens, try these supplements to boost your mood. Take control of your life with these natural mood enhancers for seniors!
Berberine
Berberine is extracted from various herbs and plants, including the Berberis shrubs. It activates an enzyme within cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK helps regulate the body’s energy levels and metabolism.
Some animal studies indicate that berberine can help increase dopamine levels. Dopamine is a type of hormone and neurotransmitter.
It plays roles in memory, movement, motivation, and mood. Known as the “feel good” hormone, dopamine can contribute to feelings of pleasure.
Low dopamine levels can cause a lack of motivation, moodiness, and tiredness. According to the National Library of Medicine, multiple components of the dopamine system decline as we age. Lower levels are associated with:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Restless legs syndrome
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Berberine may help increase dopamine levels, potentially improving your mood and energy.
In some test-tube and animal studies, berberine had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Inflammation is a normal response that helps the body heal from illness or injury.
Chronic inflammation, however, can cause:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood disorders
- Weight gain or loss
- Joint pain and stiffness
Excessive inflammation is associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Taking anti-inflammatory supplements like berberine could help reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially lowering your risk.
However, there’s not enough research into the effects of berberine supplements on humans. Before adding these mood-boosting herbs for elderly people to your routine, consult a doctor. They’ll ensure these supplements won’t react with any medications you’re already taking.
Caffeine
Like many natural mood enhancers for seniors, caffeine could help increase the release of neurotransmitters to boost your dopamine levels. It can also promote wakefulness and enhance alertness to provide an energy boost.
Caffeine may help increase brain function by increasing the brain’s dopamine receptor levels. However, everyone has a different caffeine tolerance level. It’s possible your body learned how to process increased amounts over time.
Caffeine travels through the liver before it affects other organs. For example, it can block the effects of adenosine on the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that can make you feel tired.
By connecting to adenosine receptors and keeping them from activating, caffeine could help you stay awake. Increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity could help promote:
- Alertness
- Focus
- Arousal
If you want to improve your senior wellness with herbal supplements, explore your senior living community’s dining program. You can start your day with a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or a nutritious meal containing mood-boosting herbs for elderly seniors.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. As with many natural mood enhancers for seniors, you can take it in tea, capsule, or powdered forms.
Curcumin may help increase the release of dopamine. However, more research is needed to understand its use in managing depression.
Other potential health benefits of turmeric and curcumin include helping:
- Reduce markers of inflammation and osteoarthritis symptoms
- Regulate body fat
- Reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Improve blood sugar metabolism
- Protect against chronic liver damage
- Reduce the activity of colon and other cancer cells
To improve your senior wellness with herbal supplements, add turmeric to your favorite dishes. You can explore your senior living community’s dining program to find healthy meals that contain turmeric.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These natural mood enhancers for seniors may have antidepressant effects. When taken regularly, they could help improve your mental health.
Fish oil may help regulate our dopamine levels. In one animal study, a fish-oil-enriched diet increased dopamine levels by 40%. Consider adding more fatty fish like salmon or fish oil supplements to your routine.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba supplements may help improve your:
- Mood
- Brain function
- Mental performance
Test-tube studies show that Ginkgo biloba may increase dopamine secretion by reducing oxidative stress. When taken long-term, it could help improve memory, motivation, and cognitive function.
Ginseng
As you explore herbal remedies for senior mood enhancement, consider adding ginseng to your diet. Ginseng may help enhance:
- Memory
- Behavior
- Mood
As with other ways to enhance mood naturally for seniors, it works by boosting dopamine levels. It may be beneficial for your mental health, including cognitive function and attention. You can flavor your favorite dishes with ginseng to add it to your diet.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It may help increase certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine.
By increasing dopamine production, L-theanine may provide antidepressant effects. It may also enhance cognitive function. Frequent green tea consumption may help increase dopamine production and lower rates of depressive symptoms.
Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens is a tropical bean native to Southern China, India, and Africa. It’s often processed into a dry powder and sold as a supplement.
Mucuna pruriens contains the amino acid levodopa (L-dopa). Your brain needs L-dopa to produce dopamine. Consuming these natural mood enhancers for seniors may have an antidepressant effect.
Try These Supplements to Boost Your Mood
If you’ve been feeling down lately, consider adding these mood-boosting herbs for elderly people to your routine. Using these supplements to boost your mood may help improve your quality of life. You can add these herbs to your diet through supplements, teas, or even as a way to spice up your favorite dishes!
Remember, you can add these herbal remedies for senior mood improvement to your life through a great dining program. Explore the best assisted living and memory care community in Dallas, TX: Caruth Haven Court.
Our amenity-rich environment will ensure you receive the highest quality of care and support daily. You can rely on our dedicated staff and exclusive senior lifestyle programs for fun, easy living. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
