There isn’t a specific dieting plan that will eliminate depression. The link between nutrition and depression is still quite vague. While eating the right foods will not suddenly put you in a better mood, following a healthier lifestyle can help you in the long term. But for now, let’s look at nutrition’s role in depression.
Link Between Nutrition and Depression
One of the reasons depression becomes chronic is that stress will physically damage cells over time. Our brains are highly susceptible to this damage. While there is no way to eliminate the creation of these damaging “free radicals,” we can lessen their impact through nutrition and developing better habits.
We’re going to focus on the nutrition side of it. Start by eating foods that are high in antioxidants. These include:
- Broccoli
- Apricots
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Foods containing Beta-Carotene
- All foods containing Vitamin C
- Any foods containing Vitamin E
Carbs are Not Always Bad
Popular diets like ketosis have created the misconception that all carbs are bad, but that is not the case. Smart carbs will help your body repair damage caused by stress. The key is to choose the right carbs. Don’t rush to those sugary desserts when you’re in a bad mood. Try eating whole grains instead of fruit and vegetables.
These smart carbs can improve your mood in the same way that high sugary foods do. Plus, they are much healthier.
Boosting Alertness with Protein
Protein is another essential nutrient for fighting depression because it raises our alertness. Foods that are high in protein are going to make a significant difference. Fish and poultry are probably the healthiest meats, but if you are a vegetarian, you can get your protein from beans, peas, and dairy products.
Vitamin D Plays an Important Role in Nutrition and Depression
A study done in 2010 showed people with a low vitamin D level to be linked to a higher chance of depression. Fortunately, we can offset this by ensuring that we get enough Vitamin D in our diet. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.
I recommend you take a daily supplement to ensure you get the proper Vitamin D.
Weight is Also Important
Individuals who are overweight are also more likely to suffer from depression. However, the problem here is that people who are depressed are more likely to become overweight. It’s a vicious cycle.
If you are suffering from depression, take some steps to ensure you don’t get overweight. Choose healthier foods over junk foods. You may find that for you there is a link between nutrition and depression.
Diet
Consider a diet if you are overweight. Exercise more. Do anything within your power to ensure you are leading a healthier lifestyle. This doesn’t mean that a strict diet is required to fight depression. It just means that watching what you eat will help.
It’s also worth noting that caffeine can trigger anxiety, which is a leading cause of depression.
While there is a lot to learn about the link between nutrition and depression, it can’t hurt to improve your overall health by following these tips.