Eating Away At The Sadness-Combating Depression

Many people in America are battling depression and each year more people both young and old are taking antidepressants to combat the sadness. While over eating to combat these feelings of sadness only complicates the problem you may be able to eat your blues away by eating a proper diet has been shown to have significant affects on brain function and may just help you to beat your depression.

The alternative just may be in the foods that are consumed. Remember the food pyramids we were shown growing up? It can be as basic as healthy eating. One observation from the medical community is that serotonin is one of the key chemicals affecting the brain and our moods. Too low of a serotonin level will negatively affect your moods and sleep functions while an adequate level can keep depression in check.

How does one know what foods have serotonin? If you want to increase the level of serotonin in your body then foods containing tryptophan is a start. Tryptophan is an amino acid that your body needs to produce serotonin. Foods such as chicken, pineapple, cheese, yogurt and bananas are good choices to eat to reduce depression. By taking care of your diet you can loosen the ties of depression.

Foods with tryptophan are not the only ones that can help you to combat depression but foods such as those containing vitamin B also help to combat stress and these foods include brown rice, leafy vegetables, whole grains, and organ meats are all those that can help reduce stress. Also food high in carbohydrates like pastas can help to increase the body's output of insulin which tends to have a positive influence on serotonin levels.

Depression may only be felt for a day, a week or for longer periods of time. No matter the length of time it can be debilitating for some. Watching your diet may get you out of the slump sooner rather than later. Just as important as eating the right foods it is essential you avoid foods that aren't helpful such as foods containing high amounts of sugar, marbled meats and egg yolks. Having a proper diet is beneficial to you overall not just in helping to fight depression.