Nutritional psychiatry is the term used to describe a new movement being taken on by mental health practitioners prescribing diet changes to their patients. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other prescription medications, in addition to therapy and self-care have been a common prescription for many years. Doctors are always recommending a good balance of diet and exercise, as exercise has been relentlessly proven to decrease symptoms of mental health disorders like depression. With nutritional psychiatry, doctors are emphasizing the diet part of the program.
Increasing research has found that there is an important connection between the stomach and the brain. For those in recovery, this is no more obvious than the experience of HALT- the way one’s mood can take a quick, steep turn south when someone gets too hungry. The science behind the connection goes deeper than being hungry or not. Gut bacteria is being proven to have an influence on mood, inflammation, and more. Different foods create different gut bacteria. Holding true to the theory, different foods can create different moods. Nutritional psychiatry argues that following a gut-bacteria and mood-specific diet could be helpful in treating depression. Creating a mood-enhancing specific diet could radically alter the holistic approach of mind, body, and spirit, when it comes to treating depression.
According to The Big Think, “95% of your body’s serotonin is made in your gastrointestinal tract.” Serotonin is a critical neurotransmitter helpful in regulating and stabilizing mood. Often, depression is described as a chemical imbalance of serotonin and dopamine.
Best Foods For Depression
Citing a clinical research trial from Australia which observed diet and depression, these are the best foods to eat:
- Legumes
- Leafy greens
- Vegetables
- Lean red meat
- Fruit
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Seafood
It is important to look for foods rich in these nutrients: omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, iron, and B12.
Avalon By The Sea is committed to providing quality holistic wellness and leading clinical care for patients with a primary diagnosis of depression. Our beautiful estate boasts serene gardens and breathtaking views of the california coast. Each day, patients are served organic, gourmet meals, designed to meet the needs of mind, body, and spirit. For a confidential assessment, call us today at 1 888-958-7511.
