In the search for how to deal with depression, many people overlook good nutrition. There are "good mood foods" which contain nutrients specially designed to work with your brain chemistry. These nutrients stimulate the release of special neurotransmitters which tell the brain to release chemicals which can make you feel better.
When they are depressed, many people attempt to improve their negative emotions by snacking on quick, surgary, salty, or fatty foods.These "foods" may make you feel better in the short term, but can cause feelings of guilt and self-loathing in the long term. As such, these unhealthy snacks should be avoided as much as possible during the time you are trying to deal with your depression.
So if eating junk food isn't one of the ways for how to deal with depression, which foods should you eat? Well, here is a short list of foods which have been found to be healthy, as well as, helpful for easing symptoms of depression.
Comfort Foods - These are the foods which are usually associated with our childhood which bring back feelings of being lovingly cared for. One example is macaroni and cheese.
However, if you're looking for healthy alternatives, it is recommended you make this dish from scratch and avoid the boxed version, which contains high levels of salt and artificial coloring.
Whole Grains - The reason whole grains like oatmeal, barley, bulgur, bran, and whole wheat breads are included in the "good mood foods" list is because they help regulate your blood sugar for a more even temperament.
Additionally, the high amounts of fiber contained in these grains are more slowly digested, which help keep you full and satisfied.
Fresh Fruit - The antioxidant effects from the zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and Vitamin A help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Green Leafy Vegetables - Green leafy vegetables work to boost energy levels. People suffering from depression usually report their energy levels are severely diminished. Eating more green veggies supplies the body with energy-boosting minerals like manganese, iron, magnesium and potassium. Magnesium may also work to improve your mood and sharpen brain function.
Low-Fat Dairy Products - low-fat milk, buttermilk, cottage cheese, yogurt and cheese are helpful for reducing irritability and mood swings.
Meats - In this case, turkey is a meat which works to increase levels of serotonin in the brain by its tryptophan content. The amino acid contained in tryptophan is responsible for the increase in serotonin, resulting in an elevated mood. Other tryptophan-rich foods include bananas, pineapple, sunflower seed, spinach and tofu.
So if you are looking for ways for how to deal with depression, making improvements in your diet to include more of the foods listed above can go a long way toward easing your symptoms and making you feel better. As a bonus, your overall health will improve as well.
Source: Ezine