Monday, February 24, 2014

What Foods To Eat To Fight Depression And Anxiety Naturally

What Foods To Eat To Fight Depression And Anxiety Naturally . Depression is a mood which all of us experience sometime or the other for a short period. It is usually as a result of distressing circumstances. But when this mood disturbance occurs more frequently and for a longer duration, it’s time for a person to seek remedial measures.

While there are patients who seek medical attention when they feel unduly depressed following some unhappy experience, there are many others who are unaware of being depressed. They do not realize that there is something wrong, they just report feeling of exhaustion or vague aches and pains and attribute their sufferings to these physical ailments.

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But contrary to the belief, depression is not caused due to negative outlook towards life. It occurs as a result of imbalance in the brain chemical called serotonin. The brain chemical serotonin plays a vital role as a mood stabilizer. It has a calming effect on the brain. Biochemically derived from tryptophan, a type of protein, this hormone is found in brain where it acts as a neurotransmitter.

It is also found in gastrointestinal tract and in blood platelets. Many call it as ‘hormone of happiness’. Scientist believes the level of serotonin is affected by diet.

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Therefore it is crucial to eat food that is high in tryptophan, from which the chemical is derived. Eating food which has high nutrient values is the best defense for fighting depression.

Researchers are not sure the exact process of how these foods help to fight depression, they believe that the nutrients in these foods act upon the fat barrier of the brain. This makes easier for the neurotransmitter to communicate in the brain.

List Of Foods That Fight Depression And Anxiety

Here are some of the best foods that are useful to fight depression.

Carbohydrates: for a better functioning, the brain utilizes only sugar as its energy source. However, eating too much of sugar may raise its level in the blood which may not be good for a person who is already in depressive phase. It may also lead to depression. For these reason one must have a balanced intake of simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. When the intake is balanced and proportionate, the sugar remains in a sustained level in the brain and blood without causing sudden rise and ebbs. The best foods to eat are vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods. Potatoes, dry beans, peas and corn, oatmeal, nuts and seeds, whole wheat bread, barley, brown rice etc.

Omega 3 fatty acids: several clinical studies have found that eating foods which are rich source of omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial in fighting and preventing depression. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, walnut, flax seeds, tofu are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Aside from this, omega 3 fatty acids also help to reduce cholesterol and prevent heart attack and brain stroke.

Vitamin E: several researches have indicated low level of vitamin E in people suffering from depression. Canola oil is rich in vitamin E. It is the best alternative to other oils while preparing sauteed and fried dishes. Mustard green, Swiss chard, spinach, kale and collards, almonds, Kiwi, red bell peppers, broccoli are rich source of vitamin E.

Vitamin B: vitamin B is crucial for fighting depression. Especially vitamin B2, B6, B12, folic acid has a decisive role to play. Dark green vegetables especially spinach and peas have high folate value. It is a substance which is necessary for production of serotonin. Legumes also contain good amount of folate. Turkey and chicken have enough amount of vitamin B6. It also helps as a catalyst in production of serotonin, a feel good hormone, which fights depression.

Amino acids: food rich in amino acid tryptophan is necessary to fight depression. This is because; it is tryptophan which plays a crucial role in manufacturing of serotonin a brain chemical. Eggs, meat, beans, papaya, Dates, banana are rich source of tryptophan.

St John’s wort: though there is no research based resource, many naturopaths and even modern day practitioners consider this plant has potential of treating mild depression.

Even though these foods may help in elevating mood and curtail depression, they should be considered as complimentary to the main line of treatment such as psychotherapy and medications.

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