Foods & Depression

Certain foods can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to help improve depression and anxiety symptoms.

Eat the Right Foods

Foods that are rich in the following may improve your mental health:

  • Magnesium helps relax muscles.

  • Selenium is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Tryptophan converts into serotonin within the body.

  • Zinc helps generate hormones needed for mental health, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

  • B vitamins boost energy levels.

  • Vitamin D aids the body's absorption of calcium.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which diminishes depression.

Practice Healthy Lifestyle Habits

In addition to eating the right foods, other components in managing depression and anxiety should be implemented:

  • sufficient sleep

  • relaxation techniques

  • regular exercise

  • daily exposure to sunlight

Combining these measures intake of depression-fighting foods can help you feel more balanced and relaxed.

By learning which depression-fighting foods work best for you, and including them in your diet, depression symptoms can be greatly reduced or even completely reversed over time.

Be sure you talk to a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or medical decisions.