More than 28 million people in the United States are affected by the evil called depression. This disabling mental disorder is accompanied by feelings of despair, misery, gloom, frustration, lack of appetite and loss of interest in day to day activities. Depression has various causal factors ranging from imbalances in the brain chemicals and hormonal disturbances to genetic, environmental and social factors. Medicinal treatments can treat depression but also have a plethora of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dry moth, blurred vision, stomach upset etc.

Various studies have revealed that diet factors can also help cure depression. The various nutrients in food help repair and stabilize a number of bodily processes. Therefore, if you are suffering from depression, making some dietary changes can help improve your condition.

Diet factors for treating depression:

Eat nutrient rich food: If you are prone to depression, kick out all the fast foods and processed foods from your diet. Intake of a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids helps nourish and energize the body.

Antioxidants: A diet rich in antioxidants helps combat free radicals that have a damaging affect on the body. Vitamin C, and E and beta-carotene help destroy the affect of free radicals. Vitamin C is found in broccoli, green leafy vegetables, oranges, tomatoes and potatoes. Vitamin E is found in nuts, vegetable oils and margarine. Beta carotene is found in pumpkin, carrots, peaches and apricots.

Go high on carbs: Eating carbohydrates is known to increase the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps boost the calming effect. Foods such as breads, wheat and pasta help increase serotonin.

Protein: Foods rich in proteins such as tuna, milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, chicken, and fish abound in tyrosine, an amino acid that is known to help in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These are known to help increase concentration and alertness.

Vitamin D: This is known to increase the serotonin levels and helps fight depression.

Omega-3 Fatty acids help combat depression. These are found in flaxseed, nuts, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, walnuts and soybean oil.

In addition to the above mentioned diet factors, it is essential to remember that you must avoid going hungry for long periods of time and eat your meals at a fixed time everyday.