5 Wonderful Diet Remedies For Depression

Depression has become a modern day epidemic. The breakdown of the social fabric and family ties has made people increasingly isolated leading to psychological problems like depression, anxiety, phobias etc. However, there may be a hormonal cause for depression as well because low levels of hormones like dopamine cause depression and such a condition could also be genetic in level.

People usually resort to the quick fix solutions like antidepressants and mood elevators in order to deal with this problem because severe depression can disrupt a normal life and may even lead the sufferer to take drastic steps like suicide. However, these quick fixes do not cure the problem, but just provide momentary relief from the symptoms. At the same time they have harmful side effects, because of which it is best to opt for diet remedies for depression which may not show immediate results, but will help in overcoming depression in the long run.

Wonderful Diet Remedies For Depression

Antioxidants

There are free radicals in the body which are produced during its normal functions. These free radicals cause ageing of the body cells and dysfunctions. Antioxidants like beta carotene, Vitamins E and C fight the effects of these free radicals. Sources of beta carotene are apricots, carrots, cantaloupe, broccoli, pumpkin, collards, peaches, sweet potato and spinach.

Sources of Vitamin C are broccoli, blueberries, kiwi, grapefruit, peppers, oranges, lemons, strawberries, potatoes and tomatoes. Sources of vitamin E are nuts and seeds, margarine, wheat germ and vegetable oils. These foods are great diet remedies for depression.

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Smart Carbs

Carbohydrates are linked to mood due to the mood boosting chemical serotonin. If the serotonin level in the body decreases, it causes carbohydrate craving. However, be careful in which form you consume carbs.

For instance you should avoid refined sugar and similar simple carbohydrates like cookies and cakes and opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grain. Also consume a lot of legumes, fruits and vegetables which contain healthy carbs and fiber.

Protein Rich Food

Foods that are rich in protein like tuna, turkey or chicken are also rich in an amino acid called tyrosine. This amino acid boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This not only alleviates depression, it also makes you feel alert and better able to concentrate.

Hence if you want diet remedies for depression, a boost in energy and alertness along with a better mood, then include protein rich foods in your diet. Sources of protein include peas and beans, low fat cheese, milk, fish, poultry, yogurt, and soy products.

Folate and B12 Rich Foods

A Spanish study observed that people who smoked were more prone to depression because the folate levels in their bodies decreased due to smoking.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in folate and includes items like legumes, some Mediterranean fruits, nuts and dark green leafy vegetables. Folate or B12 can be found in all lean and low fat animal products like fish and dairy products.

Selenium

Selenium is essential for mental and physical health, but too much of it can lead to toxicity. Foods that contain selenium include legumes and beans, lean meat, low fat dairy products, seeds and nuts, seafood and whole grains.