Which came first: diet or depression?

Good food means good mood? Do you really believe that? Well, I do! And since we are getting more and more scientific proofs of food-mood connection, I wonder, how we can implement that to an actual support of our mental well-being 🤔

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It leads us to depression and some bad news: science hasn't discovered a dietary cure for depression yet. Although, recent research articles state that eating nutrient-rich foods will definitely help in improving depression symptoms.

🍎 Carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting neurotransmitter - serotonin. Sometimes carb cravings may be related to low serotonin levels. It doesn't mean you have to start pigging out on chocolate though. Choose complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, rice and legumes.

🍎 Some foods like salmon, tuna, milk, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds and eggs contain tryptophan - an amino acid that is important for the production of serotonin.

🍎 Make sure you include protein source in each meal. It will surely help you to boost your energy. Good sources of protein include, among others, fish, seafood, yogurt, lentils, beans, quinoa, eggs, nut butter and tofu.

🍎 Another important aspect in treating depression is, of course, fish oil or OMEGA-3. The OMEGA-3 fatty acids found in fish maintain the brain through communication between brain cells. Studies suggest that either a deficiency of OMEGA-3 or an imbalance in the ratio of OMEGA-3 and OMEGA-6 fatty acids in the brain is linked to increased rates of depression. It makes the OMEGA-3 a quite good addition to antidepressant therapy.

🍎 After all, following Mediterranean “diet” is associated with much lower risk of depression.

Remember, everything is about balance and mindset, with food being an essential part of it. As long as it will be good food, your mental health will be improving.