Dietary causes of depression

Depression and diet

There are lots of people all over the world who suffer from depression. Various treatments are possible. However, it has become very popular today to treat an ailment by consuming the right foods and following a proper diet. People who are depressed need to know that there is still no diet designed for depression. However, there are certain foods a person suffering from depression should involve into his or her diet in order to improve the overall health and by doing that, a person will aid the overall treatment for depression.

How can diet affect depression?

First of all, people who suffer from depression should consume foods which are high in nutrients. The body cannot function properly without the nutrients and people need to intake the right amount of them every day. Every person needs vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and even fat. Lack of nutrients often leads to various ailments.

Consuming essential antioxidants is highly important as well. Free radicals cause damage to the body and that is why people need antioxidants. Antioxidants fight off these free radicals. Beta-carotene and vitamins C and E are excellent antioxidants. Not a lot of people are aware that the brain is in danger of free radicals as well. This is why people should include foods like apricots, broccoli, carrots, peaches, spinach, blueberries, kiwi, grapefruit, oranges, peppers, tomato, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils and wheat germ into their diet more.

People should also know that there is a connection between carbohydrates and mood. A certain mood-boosting chemical called serotonin is the connection. A person who does not intake enough carbohydrates will have insufficient serotonin. This is why people should not exclude carbs from the diet; they just need to consume the smart carbs found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain and legumes.

Protein is very important because foods rich in protein also have lots of tyrosine. This amino acid enhances the levels of dopamine and norepinerphine. A person with high levels of these will be more alert and able to concentrate better.

Experts advise people who suffer from depression to follow a Mediterranean diet.

Certain studies have shown that depressed people lacked vitamin D in their system. This is why people need to intake enough amounts of foods rich with this vitamin.

The intake of selenium rich foods is also important because there is a connection between selenium and the mood. However, people must not consume too much of it since it is toxic. An adult should not take more than 55 micrograms of selenium in one day.

The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids is important as well. Recent studies claim that a lack of these acids is connected with depression.