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Healthy Foods to Combat Depression

Tess Thompson

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It is only a healthy body that houses a healthy mind. Unhealthy diets lead to lethargy and low levels of energy. Constant fatigue makes it harder to get up and get going, and ailments like depression can set in. With the passage of time, cause and effect cease to be distinguishable from each other. This unhealthy connection is specifically evident in depression-related eating.

Depression is associated with strong urges to eat. Monitoring and managing diet is therefore a significant part of treating depression. Those who have had any experience with depression would know that depression often leads to an increase in eating binges.

Eating foods that alleviate depression is important. Maintaining constant energy level is essential to fighting the symptoms of depression. The idea is that if you must eat when you are depressed, you should choose healthier foods that will help you increase your energy levels. Higher energy levels help you remain active so that you can combat the symptoms of depression. Unhealthy diets can make you sluggish and worsen the depression.

A nutritious diet is an essential part of the process of treating depression naturally. The best option for you can be sought by consulting a trained and professional nutritionist. There are also some simple tips that you can use to ensure that your diet is healthy and adequately helps you in fighting depression-related lethargy:

1. A balanced diet is the mainstay of any good diet. Ignore those that claim that carbohydrates are not healthy. A balanced diet needs to include all essential ingredients. Carbohydrates stimulate serotonin production, which in turn can affect mood changes. A breakfast that includes vegetables and carbohydrates will give you enough energy to go about your daily work schedule.
2. Meat, fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt and milk are high in proteins that increase amino acid intake. As with carbohydrates, these too make you feel more positive.
3. Choose food items that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon and mackerel can also keep your heart in good shape.
4. The amount of oil intake should be restricted. It is suspected that depression patients generally have low levels of vitamin E. Using canola oil that is rich in Vitamin E for sautéing is a healthier option.
5. Frequent changes in blood sugar levels can cause mood swings. It is better to take smaller portions more frequently. Prefer whole wheat over white bread, fruits over sweets and oatmeal or bran cereals over other cereals.

Disturbances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine play a crucial role in causing depression. Certain foods can combat depression effectively by promoting neurotransmitter levels. The effect that depression has on the overall diet can lead to significant amounts of weight gain. This can lead to further depression due to a poor body image. A good diet may not treat depression but should definitely be part of natural remedies for depression that aid in better management of depression.

References:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Eat-Healthy-Foods-To-Combat-Depression&id=103682
http://www.newstarget.com/008154.html
http://www.dietingtipsetc.com/eating_happy_foods_to_combat_depression.html
http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/Food_as_medicine/15-48-467,20345.asp