Depression is a very valid concern as increasing numbers of us are afflicted with this dreaded psychological condition. Depression is a disease but not in the typical sense. For this reason there is no drug or specific natural remedy for it. This does not mean that the condition can not be resolved. Since you have specifically asked about foods that you can eat I must point out that foods alone will do little to alleviate the condition. While our diet does have some bearing over our state of mind it is not a direct influence. There are certain foods that can help, but their effect is marginal.
To successfully combat depression you need to take up a more comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes and dietary changes.
Dietary recommendations:
- Stress and depression deplete magnesium and most of us consume diets that are already lacking in this nutrient that is vital for serotonin production. Serotonin is a mood enhancing neurotransmitter. Nuts, like almonds, as well as whole grains, legumes and green vegetables are good dietary sources of magnesium.
- Just like magnesium, vitamin B6 is essential for the production of both serotonin and dopamine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. Deficiency in this vitamin is a very rare phenomenon, but a borderline deficiency may be caused from medications like tuberculosis drugs, hormone replacement therapy, and oral contraceptives.
- Sweet foods or for that matter foods that are rich in sugar can make you feel good temporarily because of the rise in blood sugar levels, but you would very likely suffer worse moods swings as the blood sugar levels plummet in a while.
- Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks are best avoided as they can significantly worsen your depression. Alcohol has a relaxing effect, while caffeine gives you an energy boost, but these effects are short lived. The long term effects on the other hand would include insomnia, anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings.
Treatments for depression are varied and sometimes different treatments are more effective for different patients and sometimes combination treatments may be required. Depression being a psychological condition all of us react differently. In the past prescription medications were the most commonly used method of treatment but this is an extremely unhealthy trend that can create drug dependencies. Of late alternative treatments that rely more on counseling and natural remedies are being encouraged by patients and counselors or psychologists. Self help groups and counseling are the best approaches, but personal changes are most important. Try to take some time off, relax, and do things that you are interested in or things that have given you pleasure in the past. You may rediscover old joys that you though you'd left behind. Take up meditative practices to clear your mind of worries and inhibitions. Yoga is one such strategy for physical and mental health and fitness.
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