How To Manage Depression With Plant Based Diet : By N. Steele RN, BSN,MPH

 Improving Depression With Plant-Based Diet 

Depression is a very disabling condition. It affects millions of people all over the world. Although many depression sufferers manage their condition with both medication and therapy, there are those with mild and moderate depression who have effectively managed their symptoms with exercise and a proper diet.

Those with mild depression often manage their mood very naturally without the use of antidepressants. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, then it’s advisable to see your doctor and implement some lifestyle changes, that may improve your mood.

Improving Your Mood

Before you make any drastic changes to your lifestyle it is important to seek the advice from your physician, to ensure you are diagnosed appropriately. There are also various vitamins that can help with depression. These include vitamin B supplements and multi-vitamins, which are regularly prescribed. Vitamins, particularly B9, help lessen mild depressive symptoms. Those who are vitamin B deficient usually show signs of depression.

 Nutrition is important to help regulate your hormones. Start eating depression-fighting foods, avoid caffeine, sweets, and anything that can alter your mood. To feel better, ensure to implement  the following: 

whole grains

fruits and vegetables

Legumes 

Drink plenty of water

Most importantly vitamin D from the sun.

Another important component in helping depression is exercise  This will help you feel energized. Even simple exercises such as walking can help with the circulation in the body. This keeps the blood flowing to vital organs, such as the brain. This organ has an abundance of cells to keep it functional.

Your environment can also influence your mood. A toxic environment that involves fumes from nearby industries and constant smoke from tobacco can affect your mental health. These can enter your lungs and with persistent exposure can be detrimental. Using air filters can help minimize the level of smoke exposure your body receives. By doing this the chemicals in your brain that are responsible for your mood and behavior will be normalized.

In summary, depression can affect every aspect of your health. Contacting your doctor is the first step in diagnosing your symptoms. Lifestyle changes play an integral part in mood adjustment, especially holistic diet and physical fitness. Being free of environmental hazards can improve your mood and plays an important role in good mental health.

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