Depression is a serious illness. It affects not only your emotional well-being, but your mental capacity and physical health, as well. If you don’t control your feelings of misery, in one way or the other, they will control your life… and it won’t be a nice picture.
If you find yourself feeling lethargic most of the time, uninterested in many activities, agitated by things or people around you, and sleepless during the night, you may be suffering from depression. It is important that you approach friends, family members, or even health professionals to help you voice out what you’re feeling or thinking and guide you towards the proper way of overcoming depression.
You heard it right. With the right guidance, mindset, and lifestyle, you can combat depression and go back to the happy and healthy version of yourself. While several lifestyle factors can help you do this, food is often overlooked as something that can contribute to eliminating those painful and disheartening thoughts.
5 Mood-Boosting Foods That Help Fight Depression
According to nutritional biochemist and author Shawn Talbott, PhD, “Diet plays a huge role in depression.” Whatever you put in your mouth can actually affect your mood and eventually your life. So, what are these happy, inspiring foods that can help you combat depression and bring you back to a good mood?
Apples
There is a lot of truth in the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” In this case, eating apples regularly and for a long stretch of time can keep even the psychiatrists away.
Apples have a high content of antioxidants, which are known to prevent oxidative damage and repair inflammation of the cells. They also contain high levels of soluble fiber that balance the level of blood sugar. So, when you’re feeling a little down or bored, apple slices are the perfect food to snack on.
Dark Leafy Vegetables
There’s a reason why parents teach their children to eat vegetables while they are still young. They want their kids to grow up strong, healthy… and happy! This is true for adults and the elderly, as well. So, consider this stuff as not only healthy foods, but your happy pill, too!
At first, it may look like it’s not fun to munch on these healthy goodies, but think about it this way — vegetables like kale, spinach, beans, mushrooms, berries, and seeds contain the highest immune-boosting properties and anti-cancer effects. So wouldn’t you be glad to know that they can actually help you live longer?
Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are among the most powerful leafy greens you can eat. They’re part of the G-BOMBS group (greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds) that Joel Fuhrman, MD, highlights in his book The End of Dieting. These foods are known for their strong immune-boosting and anticancer properties, making them essential for a healthier, happier body.
Walnuts
Nuts are generally a healthy food, and when eaten in moderation, they are a good source of protein and monounsaturated fats that are known to be good for the heart. But among all the nuts, walnuts have the greatest power to decrease the symptoms of depression as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A lot of studies show that omega-3 enhances brain function and prevents depression.
Turkey
Speaking of proteins, you’d be happy to know that lean sources of protein are excellent in combating depression, and turkey has the greatest edge over this. Along with other protein-rich foods, turkey contains a chemical that stimulates serotonin production, a natural chemical in the body that simply makes you feel good. So, when you woke up feeling all gloomy, be sure to load up on your favorite proteins, especially turkey.
Low-Fat Dairy
Dairy foods are always a treat, and as an added bonus, they are actually great in fighting depression. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products contain high levels of calcium, protein (peptides), and vitamin D that support relaxation and induce a sense of well-being. Be sure, however, to choose the low-fat variety to eliminate unnecessary fats.
Depression is a serious condition that you shouldn’t take for granted. With the right lifestyle and diet changes, you can combat depression successfully and be on your way to a happier, healthier you!
Nourish Your Mind for a Healthier, Happier Life
Depression is a complex condition, and while there is no single solution, the choices you make every day — especially the food you eat — can play a powerful role in how you feel. By incorporating mood-boosting foods like apples, leafy greens, walnuts, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy into your diet, you give your body and mind the nutrients they need to function at their best.
Paired with proper support, a positive environment, and healthy lifestyle habits, these dietary choices can help uplift your mood and support your journey toward emotional well-being. Small changes in what you eat can create meaningful improvements in how you think, act, and live. You deserve to feel better, and nourishing your body is a strong step toward becoming a happier, healthier version of yourself.
