Dietetics and nutrition for depression
Dietetics and nutrition for depression
Depression is one of the most critical healthcare conditions which not only affects the mental health of the concerned individual but also the overall health status of the individual. Most of the time the symptoms of depression go unrecognized. Even if the individual finds them out, he resists to visit and consult a doctor specializing in treating depressive disorders. So, it is highly recommended that individuals must prioritize their mental health and consult an experienced doctor to avoid the severe effects of depression. Once depression is diagnosed, it becomes essential for the patient to go ahead and get the right treatment. This helps in improving the mental state of the patient and start living a better and meaningful life. Depression has different therapies that are implemented based on the severity of the condition of the respective patients. Some of the treatments are natural remedies, and others are advanced medical ones. The medical treatments include psychotherapy, medications, and counseling sessions focused on the cause of the depression. Natural solutions include herbal remedies and an improved nutritional diet.
Effectiveness of nutritional diet for depression:
The diet of an individual plays a vital role in stable mental and physical health. Most of the individuals start with a healthy diet, but they are unable to continue with it. In the case of depression, it is crucial to create a diet chart which must be followed with discipline. Depression can be dealt with successfully with the help of mood food. This will eventually bring long term and permanent results in the health of the patient. Eating the right food will help individuals in the best way. Our brain needs fuel, which is usually in the form of nutrition present in a healthy diet. A nutritional diet provides the strength to fight inflammatory reactions in the body. In such responses, then immune response gets disturbed, and here, the nutritious diet helps an individual to a great extent. A proper diet helps the gut to absorb nutrients and supply them to the brain for adequate and routine functioning. With mood food, the gut works well and also contributes to the happiness of an individual. Nutritious diet feeds the energy factories of our body, which are known as ‘mitochondria’. Various health disorders, including depression, occur when these energy factories are affected in the body. A balanced and healthy diet contributes to the adaptation and growth of the brain.
Nutritious foods to treat depression:
The foods which are highly recommended for improving the health status of patients with depression include the following:
- Protein-based foods: These foods include eggs, dark leafy vegetables, and dairy products. Tryptophan present in these foods improves the condition of depressed patients.
- Omega-3 fatty acid based foods: Foods that consist of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, seeds, and nuts that ease up the symptoms of depression.
- Vitamin B and D based foods: Healthy foods comprising of Vitamin B include sea foods, eggs, whole grains, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin D can be received from the sun-rays.
- Anti-oxidants: These components are present in foods comprising of Vitamin A, C, and E. Fresh leafy vegetables, berries, and soy are some of the prominent sources of anti-oxidants. These foods successfully reduce the stress levels linked to depression.
Thus, a healthy diet helps patients to recover successfully from the depression symptoms. It also improves the overall health of the patients. Patients with depression must take care of their health and take guidance from the mental health specialist.
