A poor diet can contribute to depression. It can even be the primary cause of depression, anxiety or other mental disorders if your brain is deficient in certain chemicals.
According to depressioncures.com, depression is the most common symptom of a folic acid deficiency. The foods richest in folic acid are legumes, seeds, and leafy green vegetables.
If you’re not sure what legumes are, there is a good chance you are lacking in folic acid. Legumes is another word for beans. The bean family includes lentils, kidney beans, black beans, lima beans and split peas.
Other suggestions which may help are to get a sufficient intake of essential fats from sources like vegetable oil, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fish. A very low fat intake has been linked with higher rates of depression. Here’s a list of food ‘uppers’ you can try:
• Brazil nuts – very rich in selenium, which research shows may help prevent low mood.
• Peas – good source of vitamin B1 needed for healthy nerves.
• Liver – very rich in iron and vitamin B6. Low levels can exacerbate the depressive system of premenstrual syndrome.
• Sardines – rich in potassium, iron and B vitamins – all needed to maintain healthy brain chemistry. Omega-3s in oily fish may help overcome certain brain disorders.
• Dark chocolate – the feel good factor comes from the flavour, aroma and the way it melts in your mouth. Chocolate with a high cocoa solid content – greater then 60 per cent – also contains a feel good chemical called phenylethylamine.
• Chillies – help promote the release of pleasure-boosting endorphins in the brain.
• High fibre breakfast cereal – rich in carbohydrates to boost blood sugar and fortified with B vitamins for a healthy nervous system.
• Bananas – supply mood-boosting carbohydrates and vitamin B6.
