Depression can be helped or supported through good nutrition. There are some sensible guidelines to follow, our bodies need more than 50 nutrients daily in order to function and we can only get these from food. The nutrients the brain needs are often sabotaged, especially during a bout of depression, so when we are depressed there is a tendancy to over use food, alcohol or substances which rob the brain of nutrients.

• Caffeine- more than 3 cups a day can increase anxiety, and affect sleep. the stimulent effects can also interfere with important nutrients.
• Alcohol - Watch out, the first glass acts as a stimulent, but alcohol is actually a sedative and a depressant, some of us drink far too much without even realising. Alcohol causes a deficiency in Vitamin C, and B group vitamins, it interfers with medication and destroys brain cells. Alcohol may give us a quick fix, but in the end it leaves us more depressed and dependant.
• Sugar and refined carbohydrates- Refined sugars create moods swings, by disrupting our blood sugar levels and creating a see- saw effect of mood and energy. Ensure to eat low GI carbohydrates and include protein or good fats to stabilise moods and hunger pangs.
• Water - Our number 1 nutrient, and all of us agree natures best anti-depressant. Your body loses 1-5 litres of water a day, if you are feeling low, think about your water intake, are you consistantly drinking 2 litres of water a day?
• Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils, studies show that women with a high intake of Omega 3 had a lower rate of depression. We recommend flaxseed oil or Omega 3 fish oil.
• Vitamin C - Essential for the immune system which is usually poor in depressed people. It also helps improve hormone balance and is a powerful anti-oxidant.
• B vitamins - are not readily stored so you need a constant supply from your diet. Many nutritional deficiencies mimick depression, so getting all your nutrients in daily can make a huge difference in the way you feel.

 

To find out how you can make positive changes to your nutritional habits and banish the blues, contact us today.