10 Foods That Help Manage Depressive Symptoms
Treatment & Medications To Consider
Having depression can require different forms of treatment, such as therapy, visiting depression treatment facilities, getting online depression counseling therapy, or taking medications. Some medications that a doctor may prescribe are TRINTELLIX (vortioxetine), VRAYLAR (cariprazine), FETZIMA (levomilnacipran), Wellbutrin (Bupropion), AUVELITY, VIIBRYD (vilazodone HCI), and REXULTI (brexpiprazole). Another part of treatment is also self care, which includes what you are consuming in terms of foods. Avoid things like refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and saturated fats. There are lots of ways to ensure your diet includes good carbs, like fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber, vitamins and supplements, such as Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and Selenium, but here is a more comprehensive list of foods that can help you manage your depression:
1. Apples
Everyone heard this as a kid: an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and there is a reason for that. Apples are very high in antioxidants, which can help to repair oxidation damage and inflammation. They also help to balance blood sugar swings because they are full of soluble fiber. You can grab an apple on the go in the mornings, or slice them up with some almond butter for an afternoon snack.
2. Avocados
Avocados are a super brain food that contain healthy fat which keeps your brain functioning smoothly. They are also very low in sugar and high in dietary fiber, and contain 4 grams of protein. You can add a whole avocado to any meal, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
3. Berries
You can have a variety of berries for breakfast every day; raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. All are very high in antioxidants, some of the highest available to us. Antioxidants are amazing warriors who can not only lower your depressive symptoms, but also prevent other illnesses and diseases, such as cancer.
4. Beans
Beans can actually mitigate cravings for processed grains and other types of breads, and can help to level out your blood sugar levels. They also act as anti-diabetes and weight loss foods, which is another huge win.
5. Dark leafy greens
The foods with the most powerful immune-boosting and anticancer effects are dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach and swiss chard. They are the healthiest and most nutrient dense foods available to us. So throw some salad onto your daily food menu.
6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms work as a probiotic, promoting healthy gut bacteria. They also even out your mood because of their ability to lower blood sugar levels. Needless to say, mushrooms are great for our mental and intestinal health.
7. Onions
Eating onions and other allium vegetables, like garlic or leeks, are beneficial to your gut health which connects to your mood and overall mental wellbeing. Onions are known for their high concentrations of anti-inflammatory flavonoid antioxidants, which helps to fuel the anticancer properties in them.
8. Tomatoes
Many medical studies show that patients with depression also have a folate deficiency, and tomatoes are packed with folic acid. Folic acid is something that actually fights off depression, so it’s a great idea to add tomatoes, whether they’re big garden tomatoes or baby tomatoes, into your salad.
9. Walnuts
Walnuts also show up in medical studies to help reduce symptoms of depression because of their mood-boosting Omega-3 fatty acids. They also support brain function, so make sure to grab a handful of walnuts to snack on every day.
10. Seeds
There are several types of seeds you can reach for instead of a bag of chips, that will increase your source of Omega-3s; chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds or sunflower seeds are all great options to consume to help alleviate depressive symptoms.