Can a Healthier Diet Help Alleviate Symptoms of Depression?

Our understanding of what causes depression is changing rapidly now. Recently, a breakthrough study debunked the conventional wisdom that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, specifically serotonin.

While scientists are still looking for a definitive answer, you have some options with natural supports, like your diet. While depression can’t be cured through diet, what you eat can play a significant role in managing symptoms.

Research suggests that what you eat can affect mental health. A recent study published in BMC Medicine showed that people with moderate to severe depression experienced improved mood when they ate a healthier diet. This healthy diet encouraged eating whole foods and discouraged refined foods, fried foods, and sweet treats. In this particular study, more than 30% of the participants experienced remission on their diet for depression.

What foods can alleviate depression symptoms?

While diet and depression don’t always go together, the following list covers the foods that just might relieve symptoms of depression.

Berries: An anti-depression diet includes blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries because they are full of antioxidants. Studies show that those who consumed ample amounts of antioxidants had lower depression scores.