Way back in time, nutrition was never related to any psychological problem such as depression. However, in modern science and current medical studies, nutrition is now linked to the improvement of people who are clinically diagnosed with depression. So how does nutrition affect someone who has depression? Nutrition is linked in improving and easing the symptoms of depression. In fact, it was found out that by adding certain vitamins to a patient’s diet, the symptoms of depression were eased and the patient felt a lot different.

Doctors advise that taking certain vitamins can help depression patients by enhancing their bodily functions. Nutrition indeed plays a big part in combating depression as proven by the types of diet recommended to patients in order to recover from depression. As it turns out, foods and supplements assisted very well in influencing the brain and the nervous system’s behavior. Doctors saw that the more healthy foods their patients intake, the better they do in recovery. On the other hand, patients who ate loads of junk foods, processed foods and did not take vitamins or health supplements did not do very well on their way to recovery. In fact, it was seen that junk foods, alcohol and other unhealthy foods worsen the patients’ mood and behavior.

Here are some examples of foods that patients need to increase in their diet:

1)      Eating fish products that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have shown great improvement in patients suffering from depression and extreme anxiety. The types of fish are tuna, salmon and sardines. Vitamin supplements like fish oil, flaxseed oil and omega-3 supplements are also recommended to add in the patient’s daily diet.

2)      All types of dark green vegetables are fantastic sources of folate, vitamins C, K and A. These vegetables prevent different types of disease and improve the brain’s functions too. Spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce and mustard greens are just some examples of dark green veggies. A patient can also take wheatgrass and/or green barley supplements to get complete nutritional benefits daily.

3)      A patient can also snack on fresh avocados, walnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds. They can also dress salads and breads with plain olive oil. These foods are rich in alpha linolenic acid which is a different type of omega-3 fatty acid.

To fully absorb vitamins and minerals, check with your healthcare professional regarding how supplements must be taken – whether on an empty stomach or with a meal. Proper nutrition is also one of the key elements in helping depression sufferers balance out their hormones – especially in women. Vitamin B3 or Niacin can help a person adjust his or her moods and improve concentration while Vitamin B6 helps regulate the behavior and mood of a person. It is also evident in studies that increasing Vitamin D levels in those who suffer depression show an increase of their overall improvement.

 

In Ontario, check your health store, Better Living for the vitamins, minerals and supplements to boost your overall health and help your body get proper nutrition every day.