Foods that combat depression?

marcmayhem

SO much floating around out there on the net and trying to do a search gets so many ads and sites trying to sell stuff.

What foods do you find that help you combat depression while also not being calorie junk bombs?

My head is not where it needs to be - and I dont want to take drugs or resort to Dr. Ben and Dr. Jerry's approach of a pint of ice cream hahah

I know the exercise helps a great bit - but hopefully can find some foods to help as well.

_Calypso_

I don't know about foods, but St. Johns Wort is great.

KANGOOJUMPS

viagra mixed in soup?

Mustang_Susie

Omega-3 fatty acids

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100621111238.htm

BenjaminMFP88

There is evidence that suggests that Aspartame in diet soda can help depression

wheird

Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can help with some of the symptoms unless we are talking about clinical depression. Foods high in fats, like avocado, olive oil, nuts, etc. Sugars, like chocolate, fruits, oatmeal. And even proteins.

One of my favorite breakfasts is scrambled eggs cooked with a tablespoon of olive oil and a small bowl of oatmeal with a bit of brown sugar and berries.

allisonrinkel

There is evidence that suggests that Aspartame in diet soda can help depression

I hope this is a joke

allisonrinkel

I saw something once that Cashews were supposed to be helpful. I tried it. Not helpful!

wheird

There is evidence that suggests that Aspartame in diet soda can help depression

I hope this is a joke

Why would it be?

Carnivor0us

Higher saturated fat intake, along with lots of omega-3s from animal sources.

MelsAuntie

Chocolate, rare ribeye steak, lobster with drawn butter, crystallized ginger, those things always cheer me up.

PikaKnight

A good ratio of protein, carbs, and fats

trudijoy

whatever your fave food is.

Seriously. Speaking from experience, getting through depression is about finding out what makes you happy and doing that (at least in part).

Some things, like coffee and green apples, have been said to lift your mood, but for me, at least as far as diet goes, it was all about spoiling myself with my fave foods.

You can do that within cals

BenjaminMFP88

There is evidence that suggests that Aspartame in diet soda can help depression

I hope this is a joke

Why would it be?

Haha, mostly a joke yes. But seriously, Aspartame does contain AA Phenylalanine.

"The body changes phenylalanine into tyrosine, another amino acid that's needed to make proteins, brain chemicals, including L-dopa, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones. Because norepinephrine affects mood, different forms of phenylalanine have been proposed to treat depression. Symptoms of phenylalanine deficiency include confusion, lack of energy, depression, decreased alertness, memory problems, and lack of appetite."

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/phenylalanine

jessspurr

Whenever I am feeling down (for times during the day-not like a long term depression thing) I drink a V8. It has become kind of a joke around my office- like "oh there she goes with her V8 better stay away from her today!". I really find the blast of vitamins to be extremely uplifting! Probably a placebo, but I don't really care! Might be worth a shot for you!

bacitracin

Cardio.

uconnwinsnc

Cheese, salt, butter, chocolate. Yum yum.


Oh a serious note, if you are actually struggling with depression, no food is REALLY going to help.

cmeiron

I don't know of any foods, but a vitamin D deficiency (which is super-common in the northern hemisphere) can affect mood, especially during the fall and winter. Try 4-5000 UI/day (it's a cheap supplement too, which is nice). Don't be afraid to get some bloodwork done and talk to your doc about it. Also, there's no shame in antidepressants. They can be a very helpful aid for some people.

Mustgetbuff

My doctor actually made three recommendations to me regarding this topic once: saffron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

It's not uncommon for people to start laughing uncontrollably after consuming too much saffron and has been used for years as a natural anti-depressant. The downside is it is one of the most expensive spices in the world, however my doctor mentioned that you can buy saffron pills which may be cheaper (I couldn't find any in Canada).

Vitamin B12 also plays a part in regulating moods; usually this particular vitamin is found in animal products, such as milk, meat, eggs, fish, and poultry. Supplements are also available to combat B12 deficiencies, though high doses can interact with other medications and cause other concerns

Lastly, vitamin D is notorious for causing the winter blues as it can only be absorbed from the sun. Deficiencies are usually caused by lack of direct sunlight, so people living far from the equator are encouraged to take a supplement during the winter months.

latewinter

strawberries when i feel down

zyxst

Chocolate works for me. I still have depression, but it keeps me from cutting and/or attempting suicide.