Reviewed by Dr.Vijaykumar Kamat & written by
Dr. Khyati Dave.
DIET FOR DEPRESSION
Clinical Studies suggest that a number of lifestyle and dietary factors contribute to depression. Although, there aren’t any magical foods that will instantly drive away your blues, adopting a healthy diet may help in the overall prognosis of depression. Also, avoiding foods which increase vata (wind) may help.
Read more……
DEPRESSION DIET RECOMMENDATIONS
What is Depression?
Depression is one of the leading problems of modern times. Prolonged stress from our day-to-day life can very easily lead to depression. There aren’t specific foods for depression. The best protocol to follow is, to eat healthy. Consuming an overall balanced and nutritious diet can help to a certain extent. It is seen that foods with vata aggravate depression. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits that reduce vata should be included, and wheat and artificial sugar which increase vata should be avoided.
Recommended Foods:
Eat food cooked in copper vessels, as this will help alleviate vitiated Vata/wind. Moderately cooked vegetables such as beans, beetroot, carrot, raddish, green leafs, spinach, asparagus, fennel, onions, celery and chicory. Include yoghurt, bananas, peanut butter, and garlic in your diet to reduce Depression.
Foods for Moderate Consumption:
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, sprouts, peppers, broad beans, and potatoes should only be taken occasionally. Someone who likes eating non-vegetarian food should stick to white meat only, i.e. chicken and turkey.
Foods to Avoid:
Foods heavy to digest such as wheat(that includes whole wheat), non-vegetarian food like meat (especially red meat), deep fried food and artificial sugar severely decrease the digestive fire and produce blockages in the micro channels, increase toxins (aam) and increase vata drastically.
Home Remedies:
A pinch of Hing (Asafoetida) reduces vata, and should always be included when cooking pulses, cabbage and beans to reduce gas.
