Fight Depression with Dinner

Believe it or not, what foods you eat or don't eat, can actually help to fight depression. Whether you suffer from Depression itself, or have a friend or family member that does, sometimes help can be as simple as cooking a good dinner.

"Comfort foods" are often actually just that. Comfort foods such as pasta and potato's, often contain complex carbohydrates that may enhance the absorption of tryptophan and boost serotonin activity in the brain.

So what do we cook for dinner ?

Turkey is usually a good place to start. Turkey contains Niacin, a B vitamin that can help relieve depression, anxiety and panic feelings. Turkey also contains Folic acid, something many people who suffer from depression don't get enough of. If you are the person suffering from depression are vegetarian, bak choy, cabbage, soy beans and pea also contain Folic acid. For those who prefer fish to fowl, salmon , tuna or trout, may help. These cold water fish contain omega 3 fatty acids, which can also help reduce the symptoms of depression.

For vegetables, you want to pick those high in magnesium or selenium, both minerals thought to help in the fight against depression. These can be found in avocados, spinach, almonds, and Chocolate ! Chocolate, if there are no dietary restrictions against it, should definitely be included in dessert.

Ask before you cook. You will want to avoid any food allergies. Food allergy symptoms often mimic the symptoms of depression, and can just make things worse.

Don't forget to check your condiments. While it isn't proven, prepared foods are often thought to contain incidents that are linked to depression. You might want to avoid trans-fats, corn syrups, caffeine and sugar, just in case. There's no sense in cooking a dinner only to have all your hard work undone by 'fake maple syrup, or ketchup ! If you can't exclude these things, entirely, at least try to limit them.

For dessert, Chocolate is the food of choice, Chocolate contains many chemicals the enhance mood and ward off the feelings often associated with depression., including Niacin. Thai Sweet Rice with Mangoes also works well for those allergic to chocolate.

After a dinner of turkey, potatoes, spinach topped with almond slivers, and chocolate for dessert, don't be surprised if someone falls asleep. Sleep appears to be a natural reaction. Plan something quiet, if you plan anything at all, for after dinner and give plenty of time for the good feelings to sink in and the brain to re-adjust itself. And be prepared to do it again. A spoonful of sugar might make the medicine go down, but a well planned dinner can make it unnoticeable, and often requested.

Authors Note: This article is meant as an overview only. If you suffer from depression or have symptoms, that make you think you might please consult a qualified Physician or Mental Health Professional.