Special Diet Food For Depression

Depression is a sullen mood accompanied by one or more symptoms such as fatigue, physical pain, sleep disorder, anxiety or suicidal thought. It is caused by a low level of the hormone serotonin and can last for months or even years. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults and is the leading cause of disability in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44. There are special diet foods that can have a positive effect on the symptoms of depression.

Amino Acid Tryptophan Foods

Tryptophan is one of eight essential amino acids required by the body. Because tryptophan has the ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain, eating foods that are rich in tryptophan are considered special diet foods for depression. Most foods rich in tryptophan are also rich in protein. According to the book, "The Diet Cure," they are milk, cheese, raw soy beans, egg whites, dried spirulina, turkey, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Omega-3 Fats

Omega-3 fats are essential beneficial fats that are needed for many functions in the body, most importantly brain function. According to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," omega-3 fatty acids are known for improving brain development and maintenance. In addition, according to an article published by the "American Psychiatric Association", a depletion of omega-3 fats has been identified in some depressed patients, particularly those who rarely eat fish. Special diet foods for depression include omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, halibut and sardines and omega-3 rich flax seeds, walnuts, hemp hearts and soy beans.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice, legumes, beans and vegetables are special diet foods for depression. Packed full of fiber and nutrients, complex carbohydrates help to move the amino acid tryptophan into the brain to make serotonin. In 2004, a study in the "Nutrition Journal" showed that a high carbohydrate intake increases the brain uptake of the amino acid tryptophan, which in turn stimulates the synthesis of serotonin .