Fight Depression With Power Foods For Your Brain
The number of folks diagnosed with depression has been skyrocketing in recent years, and we have long known that deficiencies of certain essential nutrients can contribute to the development of symptoms which characterize depression.
If someone you know or love suffers from depression, you may want to consider increasing intake of the following foods.
Fish oils: They contain omega-3 fatty acids which research has shown depressed people often lack.
In a 2002 study, subjects took a gram of fish oil daily and noticed a 50-percent decrease in symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive.
Get omega-3s through walnuts, flaxseeds and oily fish like salmon or tuna.
Chromium: This trace mineral is key for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin can't work properly without it.
Taking in proper levels of chromium to many people suffering from depression can make a big difference in their lives.
Natural sources of chromium include cinnamon, beef, brewer's yeast, brown rice and cheese.
Whole-grain oats: Oats have long been known in herbal communities to be a relaxing nervine food.
Containing the B vitamins folic acid, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6 and B1, oats are soothing to the GI tract and help avoid the blood sugar crash-and-burn that often causes crabbiness and mood swings, and all complex carbs boost serotonin levels.
Many people find that adding some protein to their oatmeal-meal helps to even blood sugar and mood even longer.
Protein: A key component of the blood sugar balancing act.
If you choose chicken and turkey, you'll get an extra dose of B6, which helps boost serotonin production.
Space your protein intake through the day and try to couple carbohydrate intake with protein for a more even mood.
Water: Lack of water intake leads to dehydration, which may also manifest as moodiness or irritability.
Over the long term, lethargy and even depression may result.
Take in 1-2 liters a day for general health of the body and mind.
If someone you know or love suffers from depression, you may want to consider increasing intake of the following foods.
Fish oils: They contain omega-3 fatty acids which research has shown depressed people often lack.
In a 2002 study, subjects took a gram of fish oil daily and noticed a 50-percent decrease in symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive.
Get omega-3s through walnuts, flaxseeds and oily fish like salmon or tuna.
Chromium: This trace mineral is key for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin can't work properly without it.
Taking in proper levels of chromium to many people suffering from depression can make a big difference in their lives.
Natural sources of chromium include cinnamon, beef, brewer's yeast, brown rice and cheese.
Whole-grain oats: Oats have long been known in herbal communities to be a relaxing nervine food.
Containing the B vitamins folic acid, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6 and B1, oats are soothing to the GI tract and help avoid the blood sugar crash-and-burn that often causes crabbiness and mood swings, and all complex carbs boost serotonin levels.
Many people find that adding some protein to their oatmeal-meal helps to even blood sugar and mood even longer.
Protein: A key component of the blood sugar balancing act.
If you choose chicken and turkey, you'll get an extra dose of B6, which helps boost serotonin production.
Space your protein intake through the day and try to couple carbohydrate intake with protein for a more even mood.
Water: Lack of water intake leads to dehydration, which may also manifest as moodiness or irritability.
Over the long term, lethargy and even depression may result.
Take in 1-2 liters a day for general health of the body and mind.
