I found this article in one of my doctorate program folders and found it interesting and thought that I would share. Some of the information is dated and I’m sure there are more current articles but the information is interesting. When you are struggling with depression, you will need an arsenal to combat it so that you feel better. Eating foods that help lower depression levels may belong in that arsenal. Dr. Laura
Can what you eat help improve your mood or cause depression? Here are some facts that can help you understand the relationship between depression and diet.
Folate
Folate may help to improve mood by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body. This is important because homocysteine prevents blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain, and interferes with the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—all regulators of mood, sleep, and appetite. Folate is found in:
- Liver
- Mushrooms
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Lean beef
- Potatoes
- Whole-wheat bread
- Citrus fruits
- Peanuts
- Dried beans
- Wheat germ
- Peas
- Strawberries
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids might increase the volume of gray matter in the parts of the brain responsible for regulating emotions. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in:
- Salmon
- Herring
- Anchovies
- Tuna
- Flaxseed
- Canola oil
- Soy nuts
- Walnuts
- Butternuts (similar to walnuts)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D aids in the production of serotonin. Vitamin D is found in:
- Fish-liver oils
- Fortified milk
- Herring
- Salmon
- Canned sardines
- Fortified orange juice
- Fortified cereal
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency, although rare, may lead to depression, according to some sources. Magnesium is found in:
- Seeds
- Nuts, especially cashews and peanuts
- Legumes
- Cereal
- Dark-green vegetables
- Milk
- Wheat germ
References and recommended readings
Williams E, Stewart-Knox B, Bradbury I, et al. Effect of folic acid supplementation on mood and serotonin response in healthy males. Br J Nutr. 2005;94:602-608.
Bottiglieri T, Laundy M, Crellin R, Toone BK, Carney MW, Reynolds EH. Homocysteine, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2000;69:228-232.
Guttersen C. Mind/body connection, Available at: http://www.calolive.org/nutritionists/findings/findings_2004q4.html. Accessed October 4, 2008.
WebMD. Vitamin D may ease depression: low blood levels of vitamin D may be linked to cause of depression. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20040803/vitamin-d-easedepression. Accessed October 4, 2008.
Eby GA, Eby KL. Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment. Med Hypotheses. 2006;67:362-370.
Cox RH, Shealy N, Cady RK, Veehoff D, Awell MB, Houston R. Significant magnesium deficiency in depression. Available at: http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com/learning/magnesium-deficiency-depression.html. Accessed October 4, 2008.
Review Date 11/08
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