It is important to realize that depression cannot be treated, controlled or cured by eating specific foods, but there are foods that can help as part of your treatment. In fact, research has shown that most people with depression do not eat a balanced diet which may contribute to inflammation, malnutrition and metabolic conditions that can increase the severity of the symptoms of depression.
Eating healthy is not difficult if you know what to eat. Choosing convenience types of foods including fast foods, high carbohydrate foods and snack types of food over healthy choices not only leads to weight gain but impacts overall mental health. Making good food choices will reverse this process and help you to get back into a healthy state.
Foods to include in your diet include:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be made in the body; they have to be consumed. Good sources of Omega-3 include salmon, tuna, flaxseed, walnuts, dark green leafy veggies, as well as soybean and canola oil. In studies of dietary habits in different groups of people it has been found that those that don’t eat a high level of Omega-3 rich foods are more likely to have depression in all age groups compared to groups that ate fish and Omega rich foods on a regular basis.
2. Healthy Carbohydrates
Switching from processed carbohydrates to whole grain alternatives can help in treating depression in several ways. First, whole grain products have high nutrient levels and they are also very rich in antioxidants. Second, whole grain foods tend to have lower amounts of sugar paired with high fiber levels which help to control blood sugar. Controlling blood sugar helps in maintaining healthy body functioning and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, both which are often linked to people with depression.
3. Lean Proteins
Lean protein consumption helps to boost levels of tyrosine in the body which is a precursor to norepinephrine and dopamine, both which are mood controlling chemicals found in the brain. Lean proteins are not just meats like lean beef, fish and poultry; they also include beans, low fat dairy, as well as foods containing soy.
Sherry Gaba LCSW, Psychotherapist, Life, Love & Recovery Coach is featured Celebrity Rehab on VH1. Sherry is the author of “The Law of Sobriety” which uses the law of attraction to recover from any addiction. Please download your free E book “Filling The Empty Heart” and your “Are You a Love Addict Quiz?” at www.sherrygaba.com Contact Sherry for webinars, teleseminars, coaching packages and speaking engagements. Take Sherry’s quiz for a free eBook Filling the Empty Heart: 5 Keys to Transforming Love Addiction.