IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIGHT DEPRESSION WITH FOODS?

 

The answer is a resounding yes! Some foods possess natural active substances or nutrients that can systemically combat depression in your body. Examples of these immune-boosting foods include:

• Milk: Milk is a well-known source of Vitamin D. People who have low levels of Vitamin D in their bodies are prone to experiencing depression at one point or the other in their lives. Research has even shown that those who regularly took vitamin D supplements are likely to be less depressed a year later.
• Salmon: Fish such as salmon, tuna, and herring are common sources of polyunsaturated fat, which researchers believe can fight depression. A typical kind of polyunsaturated fat is omega-3 fatty acid, which is a mood-boosting substance that assists the brain in functioning properly. People experiencing mood disorder are said to have low levels of omega-3s.
• Leafy Greens: When you consume leafy greens, you are supplying your body with folate or Vitamin B9which helps the brain cells to perform their functions very well. In this way, you are being protected against depression.
• Coffee: The caffeine in coffee is an active substance that can keep you motivated. However, if you have been diagnosed as having postpartum depression or panic disorder, seek your physician’s advice to know if drinking coffee will make your symptoms worse or not. Generally, coffee works like a stimulant to the human body.
• Mussels and Clams: One of the best ways to replenish your body with Vitamin B-12 is to eat seafood such as clams and mussels. Low levels of this vitamin could lead to depression. When you lack enough B-12, there is going to be a shortage of a substance called s-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in your body, which is quite useful for your brain to control the mood-altering chemical in it.
• Carrots: Carrots give beta-carotene to your body, which studies have proved could lower the risk of being depressed.
• Brazil nut: This nut refreshes your body with selenium, a nutrient that helps to protect your body from destructive particles known as free radicals. Low levels of selenium in your body may cause depression, but researchers are yet to confirm this.
• Turkey: This Thanksgiving meat is rich in the protein building-block called tryptophan that is used in producing serotonin. Serotonin is a useful brain chemical that manages the levels of depression in people. In fact, many anti-depressants work by targeting how your brain uses serotonin.