Eating Right To Battle Against Depression
It is likely that your mother told you that you are what you eat, and this could not be any more true than in the case of depression. There are some foods which exacerbate the condition, and others which make it lessen in its severity. If you want to change your diet so you don't worsen your condition, instead making it more manageable, read this article in full.
The first step is cleaning up your diet, removing anything which is processed. Chemicals, MSG, preservatives, fat, refined sugar and low quality carbohydrates do damage to your body, leaving you feeling lethargic and weak. They can also affect your brain chemistry in ways which cause you to have emotions which are negative. Switch from buying your foods in cans, jars, bags or boxes to making things from scratch. It may take a bit of extra effort, but you will find you feel better when you know what goes into your foods.
As you decide what meals to make, focus on foods high in protein which are also low in fat. For example, including fish in your meals is a great way to reduce your fat intake while getting plenty of healthy protein. In fact, some studies show that a lack of nutrients found in fish are what causes people to battle depression. By eating fish a few times a week, you are able to ingest these nutrients in a natural way, brightening your mood. Give it a try!
There are other nutrients which aren't found in fish which can help you feel better. For example, vitamin A comes from vegetables and can be a huge help to people with depression. The same goes for vitamin C, found in citrus fruit, and vitamin E, found mainly in nuts and seeds. This shows that a variety diet full of once-living things, such as fruit, vegetables and protein, can provide you with the building blocks for a happier outlook.
When it comes to B vitamins, you will find them in grains like brown rice and also in brewer's yeast. Oats are another exceptional way to include B complex vitamins into your diet. To get folic acid, consider eating cabbage a few times per week. Now that you have all sorts of healthy foods on your plate, you will be getting the nutrients you need and you should start feeling the results in only a few days.
Now that you know what you should be ingesting, be sure to avoid things you shouldn't. In fact, there are quite a few prescription and over the counter medicines which can make depression worse. These include amphetamines, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, beta-blockers, birth control pills, and other treatments for blood pressure, heart problems, Parkinson's disease, pain, psychological problems, and ulcers. Talk to your doctor about any medications you take and whether they can make your condition worse.
When you are diagnosed with depression, you don't have to feel even more down. In fact, this is the opportunity for you to use food to help you feel happier, healthier and more energetic. The tips above will help you get started, so start eating better and let the gloom lift from off your shoulders.
