A balanced diet plays a role in the treatment of depression since some foods contain substances that can help improve moods by increasing certain chemicals in the brain. Treatment for depression requires professional therapy and medication, but providing your body with the nutrition it needs also helps to combat situations that contribute to anxiety or depression.
Therapy and Medication
Depression patients go through therapy with a counselor to understand the causes of their condition. They learn to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that may lead to depression. Replacing negative thoughts with positive thinking helps them deal productively with unwanted situations. Doctors also prescribe medications that raise levels of certain brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters. Increasing levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and other chemicals helps to improve moods of patients by providing relaxing effects.
Protein Boost
Protein foods may help improve some of these chemical levels in the brain, according to Middle Tennessee State University. During the digestive process, protein breaks down into amino acids, including tyrosine, which may increase the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Protein foods include meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. Choosing lean meats, skinless poultry and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods lowers your fat intake to aid in a nutritious, balanced diet. Low-fat foods promote better health for patients during treatment. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, may improve deficiencies in the omega-3s often found in depression patients, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Fruits and Vegetables
Deficiencies in folic acid have been linked to depression and may lower serotonin levels. Green vegetables and fruit contain folic acid and may protect against depression. A study of 3,486 people in middle age compared a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish with a diet that consisted of processed meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy products. After five years, the people who ate a high proportion of fruit, vegetables and fish had a significantly lower risk of depression than the other group. The findings by the British and French research team were reported in the November 2009 edition of the "British Journal of Psychiatry."
Mood Enhancing Foods
Carbohydrates may provide a calming effect to improve moods. Carbohydrates increase levels of certain amino acids that convert to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin provides a feeling that satisfies hunger and may improve sleep and relaxation. Eat plenty of whole-grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, oat bran, baked potatoes and brown rice in a balanced diet for depression.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression) -- Treatments and Drugs
- Middle Tennessee State University: Food, Mood and Neurotransmitters
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- BJ Psych: Dietary Pattern and Depressive Symptoms in Middle Age
- MayoClinic.com: Coping with Anxiety -- Can Diet Make a Difference?
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