Did you know that depression affects more than just the mind, it also affects the body? Your digestive system can suffer, and you may feel some shortness of breath, or physical aches and pains.
There is also a link between depression and gut bacteria. Research is now stating that it’s important to maintain healthy gut bacteria as a way to help prevent depression.
To help keep your gut happy, you can include a probiotic supplement to your routine or enjoy probiotic rich foods such as kombucha, kimchi, and miso.
Taking care of your gut is a way of taking care of your mind.
Depression is something that people all around the world suffer from and can become debilitating. If you or someone you know suffers from depression here are three tips to naturally help reduce symptoms:
Tip #1: Drink Green Tea
Despite the fact that green tea contains caffeine, it also contains L-theanine which has been shown to work synergistically with caffeine to boost mood. It has also been shown to reduce stress as well as boost dopamine levels in the brain.
Tip #2: Try B-Vitamins
B-vitamins are important for many aspects of health, and mental health is one of them. B-vitamins and particularly B-12 impacts the mood, and if you lack B-12 you may be suffering both mentally and physically. Those with digestive conditions as well as those who consume a vegan or vegetarian diet may not get enough B-12 from their diet so supplementation may be necessary.
Tip #3: Get Enough Essential Fatty Acids
Your body cannot make essential fatty acids so you must obtain them from your diet. Studies have shown that getting enough of these healthy fats can help combat depression. Try adding wild-caught salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds to your diet to boost your intake.
For this week’s challenge, I encourage you to eat a “Happy Diet.” A happy diet incorporates foods that are known to help boost your mood while also improving your overall health:
- Fatty fish such as wild-caught salmon
- Enjoy probiotic rich foods: Kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut
- Healthy fat such as coconut oil and avocados
- Flaxseeds
- Organic eggs
- 70% or darker unsweetened dark chocolate