Have you heard of Food Therapy? While 36% of India is suffering from depression and most cases are undiagnosed or untreated, it is good to know that there are some anti-depression foods that can miraculously help fight depression.
According to WHO, India is the most depressed nation in the world. Roughly, 1 in every 4 persons here is suffering from depression. Technically, depression is an extreme feeling of dejection and hopelessness. A person suffering from depression is likely to feel directionless along with a strong feeling of emptiness inside him. It is basically a bad phase where you don’t like yourself and the rest of the world all at the same time. Worst part is that there is a strong sense of denial among people to acknowledge this strong feeling of depression that is growing inside them. The stigma attached to depression along with common aversion to medication are other reasons for growing cases of depression.
But there is always light at the end of the tunnel! If you are willing to get cured of this disease then there are multiple ways to go about it. Start with accepting that this is not a taboo or some incurable disorder. You will be amazed to know that even the most popular faces around you are or have been victims of depression. Most recently, well-known and highly accomplished actress Deepika Padukone confessed that she too fought with the demons inside her and battled depression for some time.
“One morning, I woke up feeling different. I felt a strange emptiness in my stomach. Over a period of time, it got worse. My breath was shallow, I suffered from lack of concentration and I broke down often and then decided to get in touch with a psychologist friend, Anna Chandy. She concluded that I was suffering from anxiety and depression. Then, I took medication, and today I am much better.”, says Deepika.
Perceive sadness as just happiness in its infancy. Things never remain the same and the best thing is that you can just munch and gulp your way to happiness to ditch depression.
There are certain chemicals like seratonin which are released in our brain that lead to our happy state of mind. Now, there are many ways to boost the formation of these happy chemicals. You could increase your physical activity levels, do things that brighten you up or best, eat certain items that are medically known to be anti-depression foods. According to a study, a vast no. of people (who were suffering from depression) showed signs of improvement, over a period of time, after consuming these anti-depression foods.
So, align yourself mentally to grow stronger and also include best anti-depression supplements/foods to beat this monster.
Imagine eating loads of yummy chocolate with a guilt-free conscience as a super anti-depression food. Dark chocolate is best. The chemicals that consumption of chocolate releases in your brain, actively helps fight depression.
Oh yes, this is another reason to the bucket list why you should drink green tea. The amino acids present in green tea provide relaxation from stress and anxiety. So, probably it is high time to stack this precious gem- Green Tea in your kitchen.
They say all good things come in small packages. Consider a handy anti-depressant food like walnut in your pocket, to eat anytime/anywhere. They are high on Omega 3 fatty acids (found abundantly in foods like salmon) which help boost your mental health. Infact, all the nuts like cashew nuts, almonds, peanuts act as natural anti-depressants.
The Chhole Bhature or Rajma Rice( Very famous Indian dish made from chick peas/kidney beans with Indian bread) that you have always loved has benefits beyond just gratifying the taste buds. These legumes are very high in vitamin B6 and folic acid. Folic acid helps fight depression, leaving you feeling happier and content.
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This juicy and exotic fruit is undoubtedly a tangy favorite among masses. On a sunny winter afternoon, sitting on a comfy chair and relishing oranges one after the other is such a pleasant visual delight. Gulp down more Vitamin- C rich foods like oranges now, as all citrus fruits are known to fight depression.
Whole grain foods like brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes are a healthy option as anti-depression foods. The carbohydrate-rich whole grain foods rapidly enhance your mood, thus providing much-needed relief from depression.
All dairy products are high sources of vitamin D, calcium and protein. The nutrients and peptides found in dairy products help fight depression. Weight watchers can opt for low fat dairy food options.
One of the most popular dadi-maa ka nuskha (Grandmother’s recipe) is our very own ktichen staple- Turmeric. Not to mention the well-known therapeutic properties it has for beauty and skin care. This wonder ingredient is very helpful in relieving and fighting depression as well.
And of course, noble deeds and hot baths are the best cure for fighting depression. So, break the shroud of ignorance! Think positive and start eating healthy anti-depression foods right away.