Your diet and your mental health can be related more than you think. There are several studies that stated that people who eat a lot of meat, sweets, fried food, refined sugars, and high-fat dairy are more likely to show symptoms of depression. Luckily, it can all be fixed or improved with some healthy eating habits. So, here’s how junk food affects your depression and a good clean diet can cure it.
What came first?
Depression or a bad diet? What causes what? Let’s break it down. Depression is often pushing sufferers to adopt unhealthy eating habits which can result in pretty common dietary patterns associated with depression like reduced appetite, binge-eating on sugary and fatty foods and skipping meals.
Diet can also be a good indicator of your risk and levels of depression. People who often eat a lot of junk food, fat and carbs are at more risk of developing symptoms of depression. On the other hand, diets like the Mediterranean which contains a lot of vegetables, lean meat, fish, olive oil, fish and antioxidants is connected to better mood and emotion control. Plus, this diet is low in calories, so it’s a perfect choice for those trying to shed extra pounds and get into shape.
What to munch on
While there are diets specifically made for boosting one’s mental health and neurological activity, you don’t necessarily need to see an expert. If you adopt the Mediterranean way of eating (which is rich in groceries available all over the world) you can reduce many of your symptoms and alleviate your mood.
While there are many foods great for human health, vitamins, minerals and nutrients from protein are especially important for the support of the brain. Make sure to keep your nutrients high by taking plenty of antioxidants from raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and apples. Ensure your vitamin B levels are optimal by eating at least two to three eggs a week and preparing lean meat like poultry, fish, and oysters. Whole grains, avocado, and milk are also rich in vitamin B.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and seeds will also ensure optimal brain function, especially when accompanied with selenium from whole grains, nuts, seafood, and organ meats. Another thing you can add to your diet is CBD oil. If you buy your product from respectable suppliers, CBD for anxiety can be easily mixed with food and beverages you make at home. For instance, add it to your smoothie, coffee or baked goods and let it positively influence your appetite, pain, sleep, stress responses, mood, motivation and more.
What to avoid
Certain substances harm your mental and your physical health, so they should be eliminated from your diet. Luckily, the list isn’t huge and you can always find some healthier alternative to replace these harmful foods. If you suffer from depression, do limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Another “drug” that people with depression often eat too much is sugar. Minimize your intake of candy, cake, and other sweets and stick to dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth. Highly-processed foods, as well as high-fat dairy, should also be consumed in minimal amounts.