Fight Stress and Depression

Do you head to the kitchen when you're tired ... or stressed ... or sad ... or just plain bored? I know I do :) You may think that's a bad habit, but it turns out that it's a smart plan — if you pick the right foods.
“You are what you eat”, a saying usually applied to the physical effects of the foods we eat, is also applicable to how food affects our emotional well being.Exactly how these foods fight depression is not known. Researchers suspect that they may change some fats in the brain membrane.They believe that this could make it easier for the brain chemicals to pass through.
Eat more...

•  Salmon and mackerel: Are a great choice, because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids also help prevent stroke and heart disease and may help in the prevention of some cancers. Salmon also contains selenium, which is an essential antioxidant mineral. You should eat wild salmon, given that it contains more omegas than farmed, or Atlantic, salmon. 
• Oatmeal: Carbs help you produce serotonin, a calming hormone that helps fight anxiety's negative effects-which is probably why many of us crave them when we're stressed. Go with the craving and choose healthy sources. Oatmeal is high in fiber, which means that your body will absorb it slowly. In one fell swoop, you'll prolong the serotonin boost, keeping yourself feeling full for longer (and on less) and making sure your blood sugar's in check.
• Spinach: Low levels of the B vitamin folate, found in spinach, peas, navy beans, orange juice, wheat germ or avocado, may play a role in depression in some patients, said Brent Bauer, director of the Mayo Clinic's Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program.
• Vitamin D and B supplement: Vitamin D has been shown to help with seasonal affective disorder. It may also have an anti-inflammatory effect and increase the flexibility of cell membranes, making the brain's neurotransmitters work better. B vitamins - Studies indicate low levels of the B vitamin folic acid along with high levels of homocysteine, a protein, make you more likely to be depressed. Folic acid, vitamin B2, B6, and B12 decrease levels of homocysteine. B vitamins can be obtained by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes.
• Blueberries and Raspberries: Berries are jam-packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber. These substance work tougher to keep you feeling great every day.
• Whole grains: A good source of B vitamins, break down and release sugar slowly, so you don't get high levels of insulin and the ups and down of blood sugar. Also try oats, brown rice, or whole wheat bread or pasta.

Every person has the blues from time to time. But when they take place on a more frequent basis, you should be worried. You can adjust your diet to help stabilize your mood. It is crucial to eat meals at regular intervals with the purpose of keeping your serotonin levels in check. It is a chemical in the brain that has a calming effect. High-quality nutrition is the best defense for fighting depression.
Be healthy. Fight Stress!