Depression and anxiety share a long history in the Western world, where stress, toxins, financial worries and other factors contribute to negative emotional states. In past decades, psychiatry has offered several destructive ideas for treating depression and anxiety, including lobotomies and addictive selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, according to Lisha Simester, author or "The Natural Health Bible." Fortunately, foods may provide a much simpler solution for curbing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Nutritional therapy is not designed to replace conventional medical therapy. Consult your doctor before using foods to help combat anxiety and depression.
Fish
Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for mental and psychological well-being, according to Simester. These fatty acids act as catalysts to help the body absorb and utilize nutrients. They are also thought to help build brain cell receptors, which are affected by serotonin and other neurotransmitter chemicals. These brain cell receptors help control anxiety and combat feelings of depression. Oily fish such as herring, mackerel and salmon are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Potatoes
Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin for reducing the effects of depression and anxiety, according to Joe and Teresa Graedon, authors of "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." This vitamin helps the body form serotonin and other chemicals that produce a calming effect in the brain. Potatoes are an excellent dietary source of vitamin B6, according to Dr. Ben Kim, and may help people with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Other good B6 sources include bananas, spinach and avocados.
Peaches
Peaches may be an effective food for managing the symptoms of anxiety, according to the Calm Clinic website. This is because the fruits contain natural sedatives, which promote tranquility. They are also naturally sweet, so they are good alternatives to sugary foods, which may increase feelings of anxiety.
Almonds
Almonds may help fight anxiety and depression in several ways. According to the Calm Clinic website, these nuts are rich in vitamin B12 and zinc, both of which are thought to be mood enhancers. They are also a good replacement for sugary snacks. Almonds also help boost iron levels, which is important if you suffer from fatigue. If you have insufficient levels of iron in your bloodstream, this boost may give you the energy you need to exercise, helping to combat the effects of depression and anxiety.
References
- "The Natural Health Bible"; Lisha Simester; 2006
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide To Home And Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.; 2001
- Calm Clinic: The Best 7 Anti Anxiety Foods
- Dr. Ben Kim: Healthy Foods That Contain Vitamin B6
