re you depressed? Anxious? Moody? Many of us who are turn to pharmaceutical relief, or we play mental and emotional games with ourselves to try and "ride it out." But the reality of the situation is that with the proper nutrition, or "mood vitamins," we can actually feel better than we have in years, all the time, without drugs. Without mental games.

A deficiency in Vitamin B may be to blame for many of our emotional challenges. The B-Complex vitamins are essential to the well-being of our mental and emotional health. Unlike most nutrients, our bodies don't really store a surplus of the B vitamins. Rather, we must regularly consume them to harness their healing power.

The B vitamins can only enhance your mood if they are left intact and healthy within your body. An excess of refined sugar, caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol will essentially destroy the vitamin, rendering it useless. This will only serve to perpetuate anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. If you experience these feelings, immediately discontinue the use of those harmful substances.

Then, begin a B vitamin supplementation regimen by taking the following:

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) - This is the vitamin your brain uses to convert blood sugar into fuel. When it is deficient, your brain will run out of energy at an alarming rate, causing depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. This vitamin is critical in maintaining emotional balance and a "zest for life."

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) - A minor deficiency in this critical vitamin will lead to agitation, anxiety, and mental & physical slowness. A major deficiency can cause Pellagra, or dementia & psychosis. This vitamin keeps you active and sane.

• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - Two substances your brain combines and uses to keep your mood in check and avoid depression are amino acids and acetylcholine. A deficiency in B5 prevents this from happening, resulting in major fatigue, chronic stress, and depression. This vitamin is so important in keeping you emotionally stable and able to cope with life.

• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) - Your brain uses this vitamin to process amino acids and create seratonin, as well as melatonin and dopamine. B6 deficiency can result in mental confusion, along with immune system challenges and skin lesions. When this vitamin is in ample supply, you should feel sharp and alert.

• Vitamin B12 - This is a critical element in the formation of red blood cells. A B12 deficiency is perhaps the scariest B vitamin deficiency, as it leads to a condition called pernicious anemia, an oxygen transport problem. Symptoms include confusion, irritability, dementia, hallucinations, weakness, dizziness, and tingling in the extremities, among others. When in ample supply, this vitamin will help keep you oxygenated and centered.

In addition to an all natural, whole-food B vitamin supplement, I also highly encourage you to pick up both a whole-food multi-vitamin and a powerful antioxidant formula. The acai berry and green tea are phenomenal antioxidants that will kill any free radicals that could potentially hinder the effectiveness of your B, and other mood vitamins.

On a final note, please avoid your corner grocery or drug store. They deal mostly in synthetics. We want whole-food vitamins, as they are the only kind your body will actually recognize, assimilate, and use. Get to know the nice people at your best local health food store.

Mood disorders like depression, anxiety or panic, irritability, and apathy can be debilitating. They can ruin lives. They even did me in, once upon a time. "Mood vitamins" will give you the best fighting chance, I assure you.

You're going to do great! Thank you for reading.