Dr. Luka Kovač:
“When it comes to the mind, Joe, we must remember that it is not separate from the body. What you eat, drink, and surround yourself with—these all play a role in balance. Let me give you a list I recommend for mental health.”
Foods for Mental Health:
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) – omega-3s for brain function
- Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia, pumpkin seeds) – mood stabilizers
- Whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa) – slow-release energy, stabilizing blood sugar
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) – folate and magnesium
- Berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) – antioxidants against stress
- Bananas – natural serotonin booster
- Avocados – healthy fats for the brain
- Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi) – gut health linked to mental health
- Dark chocolate (in moderation) – dopamine and serotonin enhancer
Water:
- Clean mineral-rich spring water, or filtered water with trace minerals added
- Herbal infusions like chamomile or lemon balm tea for calmness
- Limit caffeinated and sugary drinks, as they spike anxiety
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin D – sunshine vitamin, crucial for mood
- Vitamin B complex – especially B6, B9 (folate), B12 for nervous system balance
- Vitamin C – supports stress response
- Magnesium – relaxes the nervous system, reduces anxiety
- Zinc – supports brain function and mood regulation
- Selenium – antioxidant, stabilizes mood
Herbs & Roots:
- Ashwagandha – adaptogen for stress relief
- Rhodiola – energy and resilience against burnout
- Valerian root – for rest and sleep
- Ginseng – mental clarity and focus
- Turmeric (curcumin) – anti-inflammatory for brain health
- Ginger – circulation and mental alertness
- St. John’s Wort – for mild depression (with medical caution for interactions)
Supplements:
- Omega-3 fish oil or algae oil capsules
- Probiotics for gut-brain axis health
- L-theanine (from green tea) – calm alertness
- 5-HTP – supports serotonin (taken only under medical guidance)
Lifestyle & Natural Therapies:
- Daily exercise: even 20–30 minutes of walking or light training improves mood
- Sunshine: at least 15 minutes of direct light on skin daily for Vitamin D
- Time in nature: forests, oceans, mountains – reset the nervous system
- Deep breathing and meditation practices
- Social connection and laughter – the best natural medicine
Dr. Kovač smiles:
“These things together create resilience. Not one pill, but a lifestyle of balance. Medicine should not only be what we prescribe, but how we live.”