One analysis concluded: "A dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, fish, olive oil, low-fat dairy and antioxidants and low intakes of animal foods was apparently associated with a decreased risk of depression.
Carrots. They're full of beta-carotene, which you can also get from pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. Studies have linked this nutrient to lower levels of depression. There's not enough evidence to say that it can prevent the disorder, but it can't hurt to get more in your diet.
Try to eat something with protein several times a day, especially when you need to clear your mind and boost your energy. Good sources of healthy proteins include beans and peas, lean beef, low-fat cheese, fish, milk, poultry, soy products, and yogurt. The right food choices may help lift your mood.
Foods with the highest 'antidepressant food scores' (AFS) were bivalves such as oysters and mussels, other seafood, organ meats, leafy greens, lettuces, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
turkey and other tryptophan-containing foods, such as eggs, dark chocolate, cheese, pineapple, bananas, oats, and tofu. nuts, especially almonds — an excellent source of vitamin E that may help prevent vitamin E deficiency, which is linked to mood disorders. chia seeds, which are a good source of omega-3s.
In general, eating a healthy diet packed with fruits and veggies is linked to greater happiness. Whole grains, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich proteins (fish, nuts, beans), can also do your health, mind, and mood some major favors.
Bananas. Bananas are a tasty and convenient snack, and bananas help depression. That's because the fruit contains serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter that balances mood and daily functioning. Most antidepressants work to boost serotonin levels in the brain.
Natural antidepressants include SAM-e, St. John's Wort, and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. If a person believes they are experiencing symptoms of depression, they should speak with a healthcare or mental health professional before trying any natural antidepressants.
A dietary pattern characterized by a high consumption of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, potatoes and high-fat gravy, and low intakes of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of depression."
Research suggests that while not all people with depression have low magnesium, those that do might be more likely to see symptom improvement with magnesium supplements. This may also suggest that getting enough magnesium in your diet can possibly help to prevent depression.
Positive effects of a number of herbs and their active compounds such as St John's-wort, saffron, turmeric, ginkgo, chamomile, valerian, Lavender, Echium amoenum and Rhodiola rosea L. in improvement of symptoms of mild, moderate or major depression have been shown in clinical trials.
Ketamine. Ketamine is a medication originally used for anesthesia and pain relief, but medical professionals also use it to help people with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike other antidepressants, ketamine can improve depression symptoms in just a few hours.
Early research suggests that some adaptogenic herbs, including R. rosea, ginseng, and ashwagandha, may help boost serotonin and improve mood.
Studies have found that people who regularly drink less water have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety. The combination of dehydration, zapping the brain's energy and cutting down serotonin production can increase depression symptoms. The same is true for anxiety.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels.
Controlling for many other health and lifestyle factors, the study found that individuals who ate dark chocolate had significantly lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who ate no chocolate at all. The positive effects of dark chocolate were not seen with milk chocolate.
Protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, and fish (salmon, mackerel) are recommended. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can boost dopamine levels, specifically apples, bananas, oranges, watermelon, strawberries, avocados, beets, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, velvet beans, lima beans, and peas.