Apple a day
When they say "an apple a day keeps a doctor away" they may also mean "keeps psychiatrist away"! Of course, jokes aside, I wish it were this simple and we could cure our mood disorders by simply changing what we consume. It is important to note, however, that while changing your dietary intake may not "cure" you, it may contribute to the success of your therapy.
Some studies have found that people who are eating a diet rich in processed foods and high in sugar, may feel more "blue" than those who eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish. Get that tilapia on my plate!
One of the reasons for this may be that Mediterranean-type diet is simply healthier, which means that people who consume above mentioned foods may be at a lower risk for other diseases, such as diabetes. American Diabetes Association reports that people with diabetes may have a higher risk for depression than those not suffering from diabetes; reasons aren't clear but extra work related to diabetes maintenance, guilt in relation to poor nutrition and its effects on your health or frustration and fear related to the disease process may have something to do with it. Vicious cycle.
In addition, levels of vitamin D and folate have been linked to symptoms of depression. Low folate levels may contribute to low effectiveness of some antidepressants as well!
Where can you find these vitamins? Look no further than your own fridge, I know you must have eggs, milk and butter, which are rich in vitamin D, or beans and spinach that supplies us with vitamin B9, or folate.
As always, folks, this advice is very general and if you have questions regarding your mood disorder, nutrition or health in general, you need to ask your provider!
Some studies have found that people who are eating a diet rich in processed foods and high in sugar, may feel more "blue" than those who eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish. Get that tilapia on my plate!
One of the reasons for this may be that Mediterranean-type diet is simply healthier, which means that people who consume above mentioned foods may be at a lower risk for other diseases, such as diabetes. American Diabetes Association reports that people with diabetes may have a higher risk for depression than those not suffering from diabetes; reasons aren't clear but extra work related to diabetes maintenance, guilt in relation to poor nutrition and its effects on your health or frustration and fear related to the disease process may have something to do with it. Vicious cycle.
In addition, levels of vitamin D and folate have been linked to symptoms of depression. Low folate levels may contribute to low effectiveness of some antidepressants as well!
Where can you find these vitamins? Look no further than your own fridge, I know you must have eggs, milk and butter, which are rich in vitamin D, or beans and spinach that supplies us with vitamin B9, or folate.
As always, folks, this advice is very general and if you have questions regarding your mood disorder, nutrition or health in general, you need to ask your provider!