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Foods to Eat When Depressed

Posted by sanjay on Monday 30 Mar 2009

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There are many causes for depression: hormones, stress, and weather. One of the things we don’t always consider when we are feeling depressed is that it could be connected to the food we eat. Sometimes all it takes to lift your spirits is to eat some different foods. The key is to make changes in your diet as soon as you notice that you have been feeling a little out of sorts for longer than normal.

Vitamin B

Foods with large amounts of Vitamin B are excellent foods to eat when you are starting to feel depressed. That means you should eat foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, citrus fruits, and spinach. Eating these foods in their natural form is the best way to get the maximum amount of Vitamin B. So instead of eating a can of spinach, you should eat a spinach salad.

Iron

An iron deficiency is often the cause of a dark mood. Besides a gloomy mood, the best ways to self-diagnose an iron deficiency is to take a good look at your skin. When you are lacking in iron, your skin will be pale and you will usually feel very lethargic. Foods that will help reverse your iron deficiency include kale, lemon juice, beans, and apples.

Carbohydrates

Research has indicated that people who eat lots of carbohydrates don’t suffer from depression as often as people who avoid them. The reason that carbohydrates are effective in the war against depression is because, in addition to making you feel warm and cozy on cold, gray days, they make you sleep better.

Selenium

Selenium is an important mineral that your body needs but people seldom mention. One of the most important functions of selenium is that it helps keep your muscles from cramping when you are exercising. Selenium is also a great way to help prevent depression. Foods that are rich in selenium are mushrooms, poultry, and seafood.

Sweets

They might be a little hard on your waist line, but sweets are an excellent way to brighten an otherwise dark mood. Many experts have noticed that eating foods containing dark molasses can lift your spirits. Chocolate and ice cream also have a way of pulling us out of our depression.