Depression cured by food?

An article in the Sacramento Bee points to using food as a possible treatment for depression. 

"There's growing recognition in the medical community that the right food choices can improve your mood," the article states. "Though drugs are often considered the first line of treatment for depression, a dietary change might be all you need, says James Gordon, a psychiatrist who advocates non-drug approaches to depression."

So, what food makes you feel great? 

1. Salmon for the omega-3 fatty acids. 

2. Oatmeal, soymilk and two eggs yields the amino acid tryptophan, which helps release the hormone serotonin in the brain. 

3. Spinach, peas, navy beans, orange juice, wheat germ and avocado are all high in B vitamins which may help some depression patients. 

4. Vitamin D. While the article states taking a supplement may help, most people's daily requirement for the vitamin my be obtained through 15 min of sun exposure a day. It may make your brain's neurotransmitters work more efficiently. 

5. Broccoli and Blueberries are good examples of how vegetables and fruit, when mixed with lean proteins, stabilize blood sugar, which can effect moods. 

6. Whole grains. Also rich in B vitamins, they also slowly release their sugars, because they are complex carbohydrates, which take longer to break down into glucose, the fuel our body needs and loves. 

Foods to avoid: 

1. Red meat. High in omega-6 fatty acids, the article suggests to cut down on these, when omega-3 fatty acids are increased, but it doesn't say why...

2. Fried food, rich in trans fats, along with making you fat, they also decrease neurotransmitter function.  

Maybe the next time your feeling down, try to switch up your diet and see if you can change your mood. 

Interested in a simple and easy salmon recipe? Here is a clip from the show "Good Eats" with Alton Brown on the Food Network.