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Foods You Should Eat with Persistent Depressive Disorder

Foods You Should Eat with Persistent Depressive Disorder
Foods You Should Eat with Persistent Depressive Disorder

Dealing with persistent depressive disorder can be challenging, but did you know that the foods you eat can have a significant impact on your mental health? In addition to seeking help from a mental health professional, incorporating certain foods into your diet can help support your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best foods to eat when dealing with persistent depressive disorder, as recommended by naturopathic doctors.

The first group of foods that can be beneficial for those dealing with persistent depressive disorder are omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fats that play a crucial role in brain health and function. Foods rich in omega-3s include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of depression and improve mood.

Another important group of foods to incorporate into your diet are those rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which have been linked to depression. Foods high in antioxidants include berries, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and colorful fruits and vegetables. Adding these foods to your meals can help support your mental health and overall well-being.

Probiotic-rich foods are also beneficial for those dealing with persistent depressive disorder. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health, which is closely linked to brain health. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso are all excellent sources of probiotics. Including these foods in your diet can help improve digestion and promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which may positively impact your mood.

In addition to specific food groups, it’s important to focus on a balanced diet that includes all essential nutrients. Eating a variety of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the body with the necessary nutrients it needs to function optimally. Avoiding foods for persistent depressive disorder that are processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats is also key when managing persistent depressive disorder.

Lastly, staying hydrated is crucial for both physical and mental health. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating – all symptoms that can worsen depression. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit intake of sugary beverages or caffeinated drinks which may negatively affect mood stability.

Dealing with persistent depressive disorder requires a multifaceted approach that includes therapy, medication if needed, regular exercise, and proper nutrition. By incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotic-rich foods, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated into your daily routine, you can support your mental health and overall well-being. Consulting with a naturopathic doctor in Kitchener or Waterloo at CARESPACE can provide personalized guidance on how to optimize your diet to manage symptoms of depression. Remember, nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods is an important step in nourishing your mind and finding relief from persistent depressive disorder. Take care of yourself and prioritize self-care as you navigate this journey towards better mental health. You deserve it!

About the Author

Dr Carole Chueng is a naturopathic doctor who obtained her naturopathic degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She has additional training in hormone health from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida. Although she has held a general family practice, she is passionate about consulting with patients on hormone health and using acupuncture to address physical injuries, as well as stress-related fatigue. She has done extensive training in acupuncture for physical injuries with Dr Whitfield Reaves and in facial acupuncture with various teachers.

As a naturopathic doctor, Dr Carole’s goal is to find the underlying root causes of dis-ease via thorough case taking, standardized and functional testing, and physical examinations. She applies an integrative/functional medicine approach whereby her recommendations are based on laboratory findings, current research and years of clinical experience. You can expect a discussion of your health goals, and a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include other practitioners to provide full support.

She loves to educate patients about diet and lifestyle, and enjoys creating culturally sensitive dietary plans with patients. She also cares about updating her knowledge-base through research and her clinical skills obtained in additional courses for best practice. She holds a prescribing and intravenous license in Ontario.