Depression And Diet - How Nutrition Affects Depression

Good nutrition is vital to effective functioning of the body and this can also have an effect on your levels of depression.

Without the proper nutrition in our diets, we increase the risks of illness and disease, as well as an increase in symptoms of depression.

What is depression?

Depression is a condition of the mind that causes self-esteem to drop and negative emotions such as despair and helplessness set in. If you suffer these emotions for any longer than two weeks, you are more than likely suffering from depression.

Not only are there emotional and mental factors involved with depression, there are physical ones as well. In addition, there are nutritional factors that can have a great impact on depression and how you feel about yourself and life.

What does nutrition have to do with it?

Nutrition will be a factor in how deep the depression is and how long it lasts. Eating food for comfort is one such factor.

You may not be feeling so hot emotionally, so in order to feel better you might grab a carton of your favorite ice cream or chocolate bar. Do this enough times and you begin to gain weight. By gaining weight, your self esteem and body image take a nose dive, resulting in the symptoms of depression to increase.

As your depression worsens, you turn to these comfort foods more often and the situation continues to plummet.

Prevention:

If you have already been diagnosed with depression, you must continue to take your medication as prescribed. You can also make some lifestyle changes that will help to decrease symptoms if depression by taking better care of yourself. Lets start with diet and nutrition.

Getting proper nutrition:

It is well known the benefits of eating a well balanced diet. To do that you need to know what foods are contained in a healthy diet. A nutrition rich diet that may help decrease depression symptoms includes:

- Fresh vegetables and fruits, raw or steamed

- Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, and fish

- Whole grain carbohydrates such as breads and pasta.

- Beans, peas, and other lentils

- Low fat dairy products

- Foods low in salt and cholesterol

- Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water

Nutritional supplements may also be a good idea. Talk to your doctor about which ones will be best for you.

Your brain works best when it is fueled by good nutrition. Make sure your diet is healthy and you will be helping your brain overcome the effects of depression.