How To Fight Depression With Your Diet | ExpatWomanFood.com
 
 

How To Fight Depression With Your Diet

Don't let it play with your body.

Posted on

7 April 2017

How To Fight Depression With Your Diet

Our brain is complex — so are its diseases. This year, WHO is focusing on depression as its theme of the year. Why?

Because ironically, depression is increasingly common yet mostly misunderstood. Over 300 million people are silently suffering and boiling it down, even as we speak. It kills the sufferer from the inside yet is invisible to the outside world.

And if you’re struggling with it, you’re not alone. Chances are, 1 in every 5 people around you is going through the same gnawing complexities, consistent anxiety, insomnia and lack of appetite.

But depression is curable without anti-depressants and medicines. The key is NOT to fix everything at once. Don’t consider the remedy to be a week’s medicine. Coming out of depression is an arduous journey — worth every step because, at the end, you will come out as a stronger and happier version of yourself

Just like your mind, depression plays with your appetite. What you eat can massively affect your nerve functions. Here is a quick guide to help you fight depression through your diet.

1. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Yes, they seem to be a lifeline and your only true solace but they bring up so that the can knock you down. Caffeine may also worsen your anxiety and insomnia. If you need an addiction get addicted to a physical activity that requires your undivided attention and force. Many people have come out of dark phases by practising boxing, running, yoga and pilates.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

2. Boost your serotonin level.

Here is a fact: Most serotonin, the happy-making neurotransmitter in your body — is made in the gut, not the brain. Your poor GI health could prevent its production. In simpler terms, this means you’ve got less of mood stabilising chemicals in your brain. So what boosts your serotonin level? Fresh veggies, open air, vitamin B, D and Omega 3 fatty acids (nuts, fish, seeds etc.)

Boost your serotonin level.

3. Eat whole foods.

Depression can be overwhelming so take simpler steps. Make things easy for you by eating fresh raw foods instead of time-taking recipes. If possible, go out and do your grocery. Eat fresh fruits instead of desserts, grab salads instead of cooked veggies and drink up fresh smoothies instead of store-bought.

 Eat whole foods

4. Eat for your gut health.

Many researchers, over the last two decades, have focused on the importance of gut health and its contribution to a wide range of mental and physical illness. If you're silently suffering from depression then it's crucial to feed your gut bacteria and intestinal health. Eating yoghurt, sipping on bone broths and choosing organic, hormone-free meat will help you in that department.

 Eat for your gut health
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