A recent American Psychological Association poll shows that 54% of Americans feel isolated, and 50% feel left out or lacking companionship often or some of the time. 

You know that physical activity, meditation, and developing a posse and finding a purpose (volunteer, paint, take a class, plant vegetables) can transform your outlook. But did you know that the food you eat can help you feel happier too?

Certain nutrients are essential for producing the brain's mood-influencing neurotransmitters — dopamine, serotonin — as well as oxytocin (a hormone that promotes bonding) and endorphins (proteins that ease stress by acting as neurotransmitters).

Each helps increase contentment and happiness, stabilize moods, improve sleep, and ease stress.

Get the benefits of these feel-good nutrients and foods: 

• Omega-3s in salmon and nuts help stimulate dopamine production.

• Lean proteins in tofu, fish, and skinless chicken also help boost dopamine.

• Folate (vitamin B9) in beans contributes to serotonin production.

• High-fiber foods such as 100% whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables improve gut health and pave the gut-brain highway, helping reduce depression and enhance sleep.

• Beans, nuts, bananas, and salmon contain a variety of nutrients that boost oxytocin production.

• Dark chocolate, strawberries, and spicy foods stimulate endorphin production.

And if you combine those foods with increased levels of physical activity, you'll be able to dispel your stress and blues.