Depression

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IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

          Lack of proper nutrition plays a major role in the onset, severity and the duration of depression. A closer look at the diet of most depressed people shows they aren’t eating enough nutrients. So the first step to beat depression is to address nutritional deficiency. Researchers indicate that food and mood have some interconnection, and the pattern of your diet affects our body both physiologically and psychologically. Right quantity of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats/oils) and micronutrients (minerals, vitamins) along with sufficient intake of water support the growth, restoration and overall well-being of the body. On the contrary, the junk food or a poor dietary habit can wreak havoc with the body.

While there is no miracle food that will instantly make you feel better, a diet rich in whole foods – including a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, greens, nuts, seeds, legumes and wholegrain foods and cereals – will certainly benefit your overall wellbeing. And there are some particular nutrients and lifestyle activities that may be connected with depression. Equally, an important part of stabilising emotional health through foods is about how you eat, not just what you eat. In order to keep your blood sugar level stable, it’s important to eat regularly and not skip meals; especially breakfast.

It is well-acknowledged fact that free radicals or damaging molecules are produced in our body as part of multiple physiological functions. These free radicals have a great role in the genesis of many diseases, but it is the brain which is particularly predisposed to the higher risks. Ayurvedic texts refer to these damaging molecules as “ama” and say that though it is difficult to stop the production of free radicals, a good and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can definitely eliminate or minimize their bad effects.