food that helps with depression

CHOCOLATE! LOL! Seriously, it raises seratonin levels. But it's not good for weight loss. 60% cocoa is a good one to eat though b/c it helps heart issues too in small doses.

St. John's Wort is a good supplement as well.

I have researched this a little because I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I know that bananas are because that contain B vitamins and potassium. There are quite a few fruits that contain this vitamin. Chocolate is a biggie but remember it is dark chocolate and moderation. Go to webMD, that is where I got my information.

Also I have to add, that exercise and sunlight help with seratonin levels.

Up your vitamin B supplemnts.

This is a great book to borrow from the library -- http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Your-Happiness-Elizabeth-Somer/dp/0373892071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296822984&sr=8-1

The easiest way to eating your way out of the depression hole is to focus on brightly colored veg or super greens like broccoli, kale, or spinach. There are several books out there that support the idea of having a diet that is 80-90% vegetable, 10-20% fish/lean meat/whole grains/raw nuts.

The best advice I can give you though, is don't listen to anyone else. Focus on that inner voice. For example, I dropped down to a veggie-only allergen free diet for 2 weeks. I slowly re-introduced myself to things like grains, dairy, soy, and peanuts and found out how gluten intolerant AND lactose intolerant I really am... and mildly sensitive to peanuts/soy. When I started putting fishes back in my body I found myself more energized after having 4 oz fresh salmon than having the same amount canned. Learn thyself. You're the BEST ASSET to finding the best weight loss plan for yourself!

I'm a huge fan of taking these vitamins -- http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Light-Complete-Prenatal-300-Count/dp/B000Z9577C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1296823134&sr=8-2 because they have high levels of B vitamins which are sure to ramp up energy and put a smile on your face.

Don't ever discount the power of 60 minutes of shaking that booty each day. Even if it's 3 20 minute walks through the day... just remember it's an hour to focus on YOU! Don't let anyone steal your selfish hour, unless they want to join :-).

Ive heard that there are foods that help fight depression, i know mangos is one does anyone else know of any ?:drinker:

I've dealt with depression for over15 years - my wife (RIP) suffered from depression and my older son was diagnosed with depression at the age of 8. In addition, I've had two episodes of situational depression since my wife's death and, in both cases, short term use of an SSRI was very helpful to me.

Clinical depression is a brain chemistry issue, usually a function of low serotonin levels. St John's wort has been shown to have a mild affect on some individuals but, IIRC, there are quite a few "contraindications" (which means don't take this if…). As of last year there was no other food substance that provided any relief for depression (based on randomized clinical trials).

If you think you are depressed, don't mess around trying to "find a cure" or eat special foods or "just go out and play more sports". Please, make an appointment with your health care provider.

I'm surprised no one mentioned Omega 3 fatty acids. I've suffered from clinical depression before and am predisposed to it (suffered from postpartum depression also ) . During my recent pregnancy articles were published that declared that Omega 3 can help prevent and protect against depression.

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

I have faithfully taken my prenatal supplements with the Omega 3 supplement with it still to this day to ensure that I don't fall back into the abyss again.

You need vitamin D.

Hello, oily fish (salmon, mackerel), chicken, and leafy vegetable (like kale and spinach) are all great at producing serotonin. And the good news is its a healthy meal too! Make sure you don't cut out carbs as they play a really important part. 5HTP is brilliant too but its a bit on the pricey side.

i'm vegan and I always felt kind of depressed, like I wasn't getting the right nutrients.... and it's because I wasn't! I started taking B12 at the end of last year (someone mentioned B vitamins but it's really B12 that does it)...it's typically found in animal sources, but I think it's better to take it isolated and not just starting eating steak every day... either way it improved my happiness levels IMMEDIATELY..much less pessimistic, more energy, in general a better attitude. i can't say enough about B12.

I've also found that I get a lot of energy and positive brain function when I take chia seeds (you can add them to whatever food you're eating, for me it's soy yogurt). I take it when I want to be energized but in a more sustainable way than coffee. someone mentioned omega-3 fatty acids, and chia seeds have them. so do flax seeds. both help lower cholesterol and are a good source of fiber, as well.

CHOCOLATE! LOL! Seriously, it raises seratonin levels. But it's not good for weight loss. 60% cocoa is a good one to eat though b/c it helps heart issues too in small doses.

St. John's Wort is a good supplement as well.

St John's Wort works, however if you are using BC it can cancel it out.