Thursday, January 21, 2010

Eat To Prevent Depression

We often overlook the simplest and most basic ways to improve both our mental and physical health. It may seem easier to ask our physician for a drug to cure what ails us, however, when that doesn’t work, where can you turn?If you suffer from depression, but your antidepressant medication isn’t working as well as you’d hoped, consider changing your diet. There is evidence that certain foods are effective tools in combating depression.


Instructions


Carbs, Chocolate and Fish Can Help


1. Eat carbohydrates because they contain tryptophan, which is converted into mood- boosting serotonin, according to researchers Richard and Judith Wurtman, both Ph.D.s, who are associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.


2. Bite into some chocolate, also considered a positive mood enhancer when eaten. No one is suggesting that you should eat a pound of chocolate, particularly if you are watching your weight, but a little bit might be just what you need to boost your mood.(Consume grain-sweetened chocolate as it's very low in carbohydrates and has no refined sugar, if you are diabetic or watching your weight.)


3. Eat fish. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids and these acids are effective warriors against depression. Read safety labels on which seafood is low in mercury. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, consult your doctor on specific guidelines about eating fish.








4. Get your folate (folic acid) from leafy green vegetables. When a person’s folic acid level is low, that can contribute to depression.








5. Keeping hydrated is always a good idea regardless of your state of mind.

Tags: folic acid, watching your, watching your weight, your weight