Question of the Day- What Foods Do You Eat To Combat Depression?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (35574)
January 24, 2021 10:12am CST
We all get a case of the blues from time to time. Seasonal changes in weather will affect my mood. Specifically when Fall turns to Winter I get down. I'm an outdoor person who likes to sit on the beach, take walks along the Ocean, and play golf. In other words I don't like cold weather, 
The shorter days adds to that down feeling.
Anyway, I came across some information which advocates eating certain foods, many very healthy, to improve one's mood.
Maybe you already eat these foods as part of a healthy diet. If you don't here are a few to try...
-Dark Chocolate: this sweet is a great source of antioxidant useful in maintaining healthy cells and providing protection against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition this treat has flavonoids, a substance which helps us relax.
-Nuts & Seeds: foods like peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and almonds provide loads of protein and fiber. They also contain zinc and magnesium, which aid your immune system against illness.
-Sweet potatoes: rich in vitamin B6 this spud helps the production of serotonin, a feel good chemical in our brains.
-Green Tea: another item full of antioxidants this beverage improves brain function and metabolism and also increases the amount of dopamine going to your brain. It's like taking a "happy pill."
I do include most of these food items in my diet although I don't like the taste of green tea. 
Do you use any of the foods mentioned above? What things affect your mood? Do you have any favorite "happy" foods you eat as a pick me up on a down day?
Source- Hackensack Meridian Health Magazine
Photo- usatoday.com
The shorter days adds to that down feeling.
Anyway, I came across some information which advocates eating certain foods, many very healthy, to improve one's mood.
Maybe you already eat these foods as part of a healthy diet. If you don't here are a few to try...
-Dark Chocolate: this sweet is a great source of antioxidant useful in maintaining healthy cells and providing protection against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition this treat has flavonoids, a substance which helps us relax.
-Nuts & Seeds: foods like peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and almonds provide loads of protein and fiber. They also contain zinc and magnesium, which aid your immune system against illness.
-Sweet potatoes: rich in vitamin B6 this spud helps the production of serotonin, a feel good chemical in our brains.
-Green Tea: another item full of antioxidants this beverage improves brain function and metabolism and also increases the amount of dopamine going to your brain. It's like taking a "happy pill."
I do include most of these food items in my diet although I don't like the taste of green tea.
Do you use any of the foods mentioned above? What things affect your mood? Do you have any favorite "happy" foods you eat as a pick me up on a down day?
Source- Hackensack Meridian Health Magazine
Photo- usatoday.com27 people like this
23 responses
@JudyEv (339583)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 Not really. It's very expensive here and I worry about finding bones. But we have salmon from time to time and I often have it if we go out.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
•
26 Jan 21
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.
I enjoy certain types of fish like salmon and trout. Are you a fish eater?
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Good for you! Nuts are a great source of many nutrients like Fiber, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus.
Also, Eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55576)
• Los Angeles, California
24 Jan 21
I eat all of those . . . but not a lot of the sweet potatoes though. I love green tea, but admittedly I replaced that with daily black coffee all last year . . . time to go back to green tea maybe. But to combat certain moods, I will seriously eat anything and too much of it 
. . . I might feel satisfied for the moment but then feel extremely guilty which puts me in a worse mood.
. . . I might feel satisfied for the moment but then feel extremely guilty which puts me in a worse mood.2 people like this
@much2say (55576)
• Los Angeles, California
30 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 Yah, like milk chocolate . . . soooo good, but sooooo bad 
. I do try to make it a point to have healthy foods for all meals if possible . . . the hard part is keeping those sneaky snacky not-so-healthy ingredients out of our system - and they will sneak in.
We love salmon! Wild caught whenever possible. And we love tuna too. Oh gosh I have not had trout in years!!!
. I do try to make it a point to have healthy foods for all meals if possible . . . the hard part is keeping those sneaky snacky not-so-healthy ingredients out of our system - and they will sneak in.
We love salmon! Wild caught whenever possible. And we love tuna too. Oh gosh I have not had trout in years!!!1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Isn't that so true about feeling guilty about junk food eating later. But as you said, while I'm eating them it's making me feel sooooo good. 
I think putting healthy type foods into your weekly diet makes your immune system stronger to fight against any mood swings.
Fish is a healthy source of food which does just that.
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.
I think putting healthy type foods into your weekly diet makes your immune system stronger to fight against any mood swings.
Fish is a healthy source of food which does just that.
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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31 Jan 21
@much2say My weakness for snack foods is on weekends. During the week I behave pretty good. I have trout as a special treat. Fish prices can be expensive. 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
It's definitely a mood enhancer when your mood needs a pick me up. Even if it's a temporary fix.
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.
What types of fish or seafood do you eat?
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.
What types of fish or seafood do you eat?1 person likes this
@marlina (154131)
• Canada
27 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 , I do eat salmon, haddock, sole, shrimps and scallops
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121548)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Jan 21
Dark chocolate. Well, any chocolate really. I am without a doubt a chocoholic. If my co-workers know I am having a rough day at work, they'll buy me chocolate, or bring me chocolate donuts in the morning. It always perks me up.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121548)
• Gainesville, Florida
31 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 I actually love spinach and kale! My girlfriend has a way of making the best kale snacks.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
All those Antioxidants provide a mood lift for sure. More oxygen to the brain, helps reduce HBP, and may help with diabetes.
We won't talk about all those calories from eating chocolate every day
Eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels. Even if their not as much fun to eat
Eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels. Even if their not as much fun to eat
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
25 Jan 21
@dgobucks226
Hi DB, how have you been? It sounds like you prefer warmer weather. I also like warm weather. I do not like winter and the cold too. I used to eat the foods you mentioned but gave them up for my weight journey. I used to drink tea once upon a time, but, do not not. I still eat desserts but in moderation now.
2 people like this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
27 Jan 21
@dgobucks226
I do not check the temps here so cannot tell you. I go out on my porch when I need to go out to see how the weather is and if need to dress warm or light. I doubt if the food I eat helps. I like to eat cottage cheese, cream cheese, cereal in the morning, hot chocolate in the morning, I also like cake, brownies and popcorn and tuna and salad, etc.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
How cold does it get where you live in Israel Hanni? We are getting temps in the mid 20's now. So I've got all my warmest clothes out. I don't keep my thermostat up (to reduce my heating bill) so I'm always wearing sweats, sweaters and other warm stuff around the house. What kinds of foods do you enjoy eating the most? Perhaps they help anyway.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180492)
• United States
24 Jan 21
I tend to like chocolate in any form.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
I tend to agree with you, lol. After all that chocolate I feel really guilty about the calories. Guess we have to balance that out with eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale. They provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels.
Time to fix a salad with some healthy fixing mixed in
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180492)
• United States
26 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 There ya go! I like raisins or cranberries and sunflower seeds.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Yes, sweets always goes great after a satisfying dish like a steak. If you like fish Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead. That should balance out that high cholesterol from that steak
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Some excellent food choices there and very healthy.
I enjoy certain types of fish like salmon and trout. 
1 person likes this
@thelme55 (76971)
• Germany
26 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 I hope you are fine now and no more depression.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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27 Jan 21
@thelme55 Yes, I may get down at times but nothing severe. Most days I'm upbeat and happy! Thanks
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
I can understand that. Not everyone reacts to stress in the same way. I'm a snack eater when stressed which makes me feel better temporarily, but it's only a quick fix. Fortunately I do like some of these foods on this post too.
I have gone through a period of depression over health issues I had in the past which caused me not to eat as much and lose weight.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178125)
• United States
25 Jan 21
I don't snack; so I rarely eat chocolate. I do like nuts and sweet potatoes. I normally don't use food to fight depression. Very interesting post.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178125)
• United States
27 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 I didn't realize that greens had serotonin in them.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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28 Jan 21
@LindaOHio No wonder Popeye the Sailor was a happy go lucky fellow.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Thank you it was useful info Linda Probably eating those foods helps keep your immune system strong an important part of good health. A strong immune system is beneficial for someone feeling depressed.
Other helpful foods: Eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels.
Probably eating those foods helps keep your immune system strong an important part of good health. A strong immune system is beneficial for someone feeling depressed.
Other helpful foods: Eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels.1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (27852)
• Philippines
25 Jan 21
Salmon sashimi and pizza are my comfort food.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Pizza, chips and chocolate are mine. But I do eat some good foods as well like you I like salmon and other types of fish.
Salmon is a food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout & anchovies are also good. So very good for you G!!! 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Ha, ha... Cheesecake always makes me happy until I step on the scale afterwards Chocolate has many potential benefits; can reduce the risk of diabetes, flavanols that may help to protect the heart and antioxidants for brain health and memory. Now if they could just do something about those calories 
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.
Chocolate has many potential benefits; can reduce the risk of diabetes, flavanols that may help to protect the heart and antioxidants for brain health and memory. Now if they could just do something about those calories
Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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27 Jan 21
@CarolDM Ha, ha your right. The weight is just a by-product of that happiness.
The weight is just a by-product of that happiness.1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 You didn't mention weight, just happiness. Yes I enjoy dark chocolate knowing there are health benefits. It is all about moderation. I eat salmon when I can as well. I miss fresh seafood.
Yes I enjoy dark chocolate knowing there are health benefits. It is all about moderation. I eat salmon when I can as well. I miss fresh seafood.1 person likes this
@LowRiderX (22903)
• Serbia
24 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 It depends on when, I don't have anything specific, but yes, let's say chocolate, just not black, it's bitter to me, it's mostly milky ... and it helps!
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
I think any food you really enjoy helps at that particular moment and works as a pick me up. Of course, if one can find healthier alternatives it will make a big difference.
Eating Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide many benefits among them iron, magnesium and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and increase energy levels.
Salmon, tuna and trout are others which are great for the nervous system.
If you like any of these items your doing you physical and mental health a lot of good...
Now, I agree they are not as much fun to eat, lol.
@RebeccasFarm (89863)
• Arvada, Colorado
31 Mar 21
That chocolate sure is looking good
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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2 Apr 21
Ha, ha.... Chocolate can always help the mood in my case 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Anytime. I enjoy finding information about health and sharing! Do you enjoy fish? There are some great benefits from eating salmon, tuna and trout.
Do you enjoy fish? There are some great benefits from eating salmon, tuna and trout.
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
12 Feb 21
My pick me up is generally to put on some uplifting music rather than eating certain foods. I do like green tea though I don't have it when I'm feeling down.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317040)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
27 Jan 21
@dgobucks226 I love seafood. Salmon is good. I just don't have the urge for it as I do other fish. I've never had anchovies. Somehow, I don't think I'll like them. I've also heard they're very salty.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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26 Jan 21
Yes, me too. I just can't resist chocolate. Salmon is another food which has some benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids help the brain and nervous system. If you don't like salmon you can eat Albacore Tuna, sardines, trout or anchovies instead.
I like many seafood items How about you?
How about you?1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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29 Jan 21
@just4him I'm with you on the anchovies. Never liked them! I'll stick with salmon and trout, lol.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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5 Feb 21
Yes, those sweets do release those feel good chemicals from the brain. I enjoy chocolate chip cookies. They always make me feel better and fatter too.
1 person likes this
@MmaiLuv (958)
• Indonesia
6 Feb 21
@dgobucks226 true indeed,i often buy it, I really like chocolate even though it is expensive at my place
1 person likes this
@Bubba90 (1755)
• Indonesia
5 Mar 21
yes I heard about chocolate can improve someone's mood, sometimes I eat chocolate when I am in a bad mood, but I prefer to go to the mall to buy some things or go to the beach alone when I am in a bad mood, it is more effective to restore my mood. how about you?
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35574)
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7 Mar 21
Sweets are definitely a pick me up and mood helper. Although too many can get you fat I also enjoy going to the beach. Very relaxing
I also enjoy going to the beach. Very relaxing 1 person likes this
@Bubba90 (1755)
• Indonesia
8 Mar 21
@dgobucks226 the beach can make us calm coz the beautiful views
1 person likes this
