Many experts believe depression can be genetic, but it can also be circumstantial – a result of challenging life struggles and stresses. Throw our modern hustle-hard lifestyles into the equation, and you have massive potential for a pressure-cooker type situation.
In the wake of a string of celebrity suicides, mental health is a top priority. I love that we’re finally breaking the restrictions of talking openly about these subjects to highlight the dangers of depression and anxiety so that we can all look out for one another, and squash the taboo, so people feel safe to reach out and ask for help.
What is the Lesser-Known Cause of Depression?
Diet. Believe it or not, what we eat can massively affect our physical and mental well-being.
Ditch the Processed Foods!
Processed foods offer insufficient nutritional benefits to your mind and body. Cooking meals from scratch with fresh ingredients can make a massive difference to your physical and mental health.
Bring in the Vitamins!
Vitamin C has been proven to play a crucial role in the production of serotonin. Spinach, grapefruits, and oranges are all bursting with this superhero vitamin.
Vitamin E is proven to help eleviate improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nuts, egg yolks, and seeds are all packed with this potent vitamin.
Vitamin D from the sun, fish, tofu, and milk are all proven to boost mood and decrease symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and salmon are all excellent sources of nutrition that help elevate your mood.
Boost your dopamine levels with protein, including beans, lean beef, milk, poultry, and yogurt.
Antioxidants are king when it comes to protecting your brain from free radicals. Eat plenty of apricots, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, kiwis, oranges, and peppers.
Switch to whole grains to upgrade your state of mind via brown rice, whole grain, cereal, and whole wheat pasta.
Which foods do you add to your diet to elevate your mood? Tweet me @lorenridinger.
