Stress, anxiety and depression problems are very real and are currently rising. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people are affected by depression worldwide and suffer from bad depression.
Depression is considered to be different from stress or usual mood fluctuations. Depression may cause real trouble, especially, when it increases from a moderate to a severe intensity level. This increase can also cause depression to become a long-term or chronic issue. It not only affects mentally, but it also affects the physical state of the person negatively. When depression is not dealt with appropriately and timely, it may cause serious illness and potentially lead to suicide.
Dealing With Depression
Now that you know the problem is real and emerging, it is important to find a solution to it. There are effective treatments available for moderate and severe depression which can help cure the problem. It may include psychological treatments, medication and exercise. While psychological treatment is advised for mild depression, the use of antidepressants could be effective when a person is dealing with moderate-severe depression. These antidepressants should be given by health-care professionals to avoid any further damage.
In addition to that, you should take care of your food habits. Try to eat foods that can help you heal your depression. You should also try changing up your food habits, as certain types of foods may lead to depression and anxiety. Let’s discuss which food types you should avoid taking immediately.
Foods that might make your depression worse:
1. Refined Carbs
Refined, processed or simple carbohydrates include sugar and refined grains. These foods are generally stripped of all-fibre, bran, and nutrients. Thus, causing serious health issues. White rice, white flour, white bread, pastries, pasta, pizza dough, and many breakfasts-cereals may include refined carbohydrates that aren’t good for your health. There are two main types of refined carbs:
- Sugars: Refined and processed sugars, such as sucrose (table sugar), agave syrup and high fructose corn syrup.
- Refined grains: This type of grain has no nutritious and fibrous parts. One of the biggest sources of refined grains is white flour from refined wheat. Refined carbs are empty calories and lead to instant spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.
2. Sugar
The next harmful food is any sugars. Sugars may lead to various health issues in the long run. When you have a diet high in sugar, you may feel increased inflammation throughout your body and brain. Furthermore, this inflammation may lead to a higher risk of depression. In one study, researchers found that the brain inflammation level was 30% higher in depressed patients. Thus, it is suggested to avoid consumption of sugar at high levels.
3. Processed Foods
The high level of processed foods intake may include unhealthy levels of sugar, fat and sodium. Don’t worry, I get it, a lot of processed foods are delicious! But, while eating a donut or some french fries on a down day may temporarily take your pains away, it can also lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. In case you have encountered one of these issues, you will also end up with higher depression. Thus, it is best suggested to avoid consumption of processed food for a better lifestyle.
4. Trans Fats
Trans fats or trans-fatty acids are a form of unsaturated fat. You may find it in both natural and artificial forms. Natural or ruminant trans-fats are found in the meat and dairy from ruminant animals, Artificial trans fats, industrial trans fats, or partially hydrogenated fats are primarily found in vegetable oils. Trans fats cause real danger to overall health and can also cause serious depression issues when not avoided.
Conclusion
To finish off, I would like to mention a quote of Ezza Taft Benson,
In general, the more food we eat in its natural state – without additives – and the less it is refined, the healthier it will be for us. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies of certain elements in the body can promote mental depression.
If you are struggling with depression, the first thing you should consider doing is changing your eating habits. This may include avoiding hazardous food types and increasing the intake of healthy food. In this article, we have discussed some food types that you should avoid in order to keep remove depression completely, or even help keep it at bay.
If you know more food types that are either good or bad for mental health and depression, feel free to share in the comments below!
