ST. LOUIS. (Ivanhoe Newswire) - More than 17,000,000 people suffer from it, but six million people will not get help for their depression. Some don’t want the stigma that comes along with it, or even believe they have it.
While others don’t want to take mind altering drugs or have the money to seek help. But help could be as close as the apples and berries in your kitchen. Here are eight more foods to lift your mood.
Depression is a state of mind that nobody wants to be in.
“I mentally and emotionally became numb,” KeeShaun Coffeey told Ivanhoe.
“That’s how it hit me, if this is all there is, then I don’t want to really keep going on,” Nicholas Foreny explained.
There are many ways to help — medication, therapy — even food. First, eat smart carbs. Studies show carbs boost serotonin activity that affects your mood. But choose complex carbs like whole grain oatmeal.
Number two, serve up some salmon.
“Vitamins, especially the omega 3 fatty acids are known to have clear effects with depression,” Charles Conway, PhD, Psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis told Ivanhoe.
Or try foods rich in protein like tuna, turkey or chicken. They’re all rich in tryptophan which can play a role in mood regulation.
Go ahead and grab some dark leafy greens. Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Severe depression has been linked with brain inflammation and these foods help reduce that. And don’t forget folic acid.
“There seems to be something with their brains that need more folic acid not to be depressed,” Conway said.
A great source is tomatoes.
Next, select selenium-rich foods. Low levels are associated with poor moods. A good source is beans and legumes, Brazil nuts and oysters.
Conway also said dietary changes alone typically will not bring about a recovery from depression but for most patients, talk therapy and/or medication will give them enough relief to live a normal, happy life.
