While pharmaceuticals are often the treatment of choice for depression – and sometimes they are necessary – there are foods you can eat that can help fight the condition. Some nutritionists refer to depression as a “whole body disease,” implying that the body as well as the mind needs treatment. Here are some ideas for dietary helps for depression.
1. Complex carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are converted to glucose in the body, and glucose triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin raises the level of tryptophan, an amino acid, in the brain. Tryptophan is crucial for the production of serotonin, which produces enhanced feelings of well-being. All this to say, including lots of healthy carbohydrates in the form of whole grains can help boost your mood. Try including the following grains into your diet:
* Brown rice
* Millet
* Quinoa
* Oats
* Whole wheat (note that some experts suggests omitting wheat in cases of depression, as wheat gluten has been linked to depression in some people)
2. Seeds and nuts
