Nutrition for Depression: 10 Foods to Boost Your Psyche and Brain Metabolism

2024-02-26 04:00:00

24vita

Psyche

As of: February 26, 2024, 5:00 a.m

By: Judith Braun

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Some foods can have a positive effect on brain metabolism. They are particularly suitable for patients with depression to support the psyche.

With the right diet, you can not only reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer or stroke and counteract the natural aging process: certain foods also have a positive effect on your psychological well-being and reduce the risk of depression. A healthy and balanced diet is not a cure for psychological suffering. Nevertheless, good eating habits can support the success of drug therapies with antidepressants and psychotherapy for those affected. The following foods should therefore be regularly on the menu of patients with depression.

Nutrition for depression: Ten foods can strengthen the psyche

In contrast to men, women have a two to three times higher risk of developing depression over the course of their lives. © Julia Cumes/IMAGO

A healthy diet with anti-inflammatory foods, lots of nutrients and good fats is crucial to positively influence brain metabolism and promote a balance of messenger substances such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Apples contain building blocks for the production of norepinephrine and thus contribute to mental health.

Pineapple can help with stressful situations by promoting the production of norepinephrine and thus supporting the psyche.

Oatslow in gluten and rich in nutrients, provides building blocks for the production of norepinephrine, which can be helpful in relieving depression.

Bananas not only promote the production of norepinephrine, but also dopamine – the “messenger of happiness”. Consuming them can counteract a deficiency of this hormone and thus a cause of depression.

Paprika With its vitamin C content, it can not only strengthen the immune system, but also stimulate the production of dopamine and thus support depression.

Carrotssimilar to bananas and peppers, can promote the production of dopamine and also strengthen the immune system.

Avocados are not only delicious, but can also support the production of dopamine and thus prevent depression.

Almonds can increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is one of the messenger substances that regulates mood and the feeling of stress.

Dark chocolate With a cocoa content of over 80 percent, it has a positive effect on serotonin levels, also has positive effects on the cardiovascular system and is also suitable for people who want to lose weight.

Figs are also among the foods that can increase serotonin levels and thus improve mood.

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Are you depressed? With telephone pastoral care you can get help around the clock – every day of the year: call 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The call is free of charge. Your phone number will not be transmitted and you do not have to say your name. The conversation lasts as long as necessary.

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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.

The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.

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