June 10, 2014

7 Ways Your Diet is Bringing You Down

Did you know that the way you eat can cause depression? If you're not careful, you may suffer from the blues because of your food. How is this possible?

1. Depression is Worsened by Fats

Both saturated and trans fats are harmful for your health, but they also increase your moodiness. The more fat you eat, the more depressed you'll feel! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"]

Source: ecowatch.com[/caption]

2. Poor Eating Habits Leads to Depression, and Vice Versa

Studies have shown that depression can lead to bad eating habits, and poor food choices can lead to depression as well. It's a chicken-egg scenario, but eating fast food, caffeine, processed food, sweets, and other junk can cause depression that leads to binge-eating and cravings.

3. No Protein = Depression

Did you know that protein is needed for your central nervous system to function. Without enough protein, your brain function will be impacted and you may feel angry and aggressive--not to mention depressed. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="623"]

Source: msn.com.au[/caption]

4. Complex Carbs are Mood-Boosters

Complex carbohydrates cause your body to produce serotonin, which makes you feel good, regulates your mood, and subdues anxiety. If you're blue, you're probably eating too many empty carbs sans fiber. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="493"]

Source: kimberlysnyder.net[/caption]

5. Healthy Fats Keep You Happy

When you eat healthy unsaturated fats--including Omega-3 fatty acids--your brain can produce enough "feel good" chemicals. Good fats can help to prevent depression as well as fight it.

6. Insufficient Folate Leads to Depression

Folate is an important B vitamin, one that keep your neurochemical balance level and encourages the growth of new brain cells. Without enough of this vitamin, you're going to feel the moody blues! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"]

Source: orthomolecularhealth.com[/caption]

7. Highly Processed Foods Increase Risk of Depression

Highly processed foods--everything that is deep fried, sweet, highly starchy, and boxed/bagged--have been linked to higher depression rates. Stay away not just for your belly's sake, but for the sake of your emotional state as well!