Wednesday, August 18, 2010

What diet you should opt during depression?

Depression is a medical condition which stops a human being from leading a normal life. It affects the physical and mental health of a person. One of the important depression symptoms is weight loss and sleeplessness. So the diet during depression is a major concern which can improve the physical condition of the depressed person to some extent. It is rightly said that food and mood are related with each other. For a depressed man, proper diet plays a vital role in reducing the level of his depression.

Food to avoid: The depressed man should avoid sugar, sucrose, coffee, caffeine, milk or milk products, excess intake of junk food, processed food, cigarette, alcohol, meat, fish, and eggs

Food to eat: One of the major causes of depression is poor nutrition or mal-nutrition. So a healthy diet is very much necessary for the depressed person. He/she should take a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, beta-carotene and proteins. Studies have revealed that during depression free radicals of the brain are damaged. So a depressed person should take food which is high in antioxidants as antioxidants reduce the destructive power of free radicals.

Vegetables and fruits, rich in carbohydrates are good for every human being. This is the same for the depressed persons. Minimum amount of Cholesterol and fat should be taken which depends on the physical condition and the behavior of the person.

Food which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is very healthy for depressed persons. Chia, walnuts, fish oils are prescribed for this purpose.

Brown rice, wheat germ, potato, broccoli, peppers, whole grain oats, cabbage, blueberries, strawberries, margarine, tomatoes etc. should be taken regularly. All these are rich in vitamins which fight and reduce the effects of free radicals.

Soya beans and soy products, seeds, cereals, yogurt, peas, which are enriched in protein are very good diet. Protein food should be taken again and again which will help the depressed man to boost up his/ her energy level and thus refresh himself/ herself.

As depression is a medical condition, it can affect any individual- a child, a teenager, a youth or an adult. Doctors prescribe medical treatment and dietary changes that would improve the mental outlook of the depressed person. For example, antidepressants are prescribed for teen depression. But more than medicines, the depressed person needs love and care from the near and dear ones.

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