Eating the right foods can help you cope with anxiety and depression.

Part of life is going through low points off and on, this is a normal part of life.  However, if you constantly experience emotional ups and downs then it’s time for you to take a closer look at your lifestyle and diet.

There are many triggers that could be behind depression and anxiety attacks. Extreme mood swings and depression could call for medical attention and therapy. However, often times the food we eat has a bearing on our behavior and what we feel.

There is good news, there are ways to stabilize moods by choosing foods that fight anxiety and depression. The brain produces a chemical called serotonin, which has a calming effect on your nervous system and body. Good nutrition is important to fight anxiety and depression.

Foods That Fight Anxiety And Depression

Carbohydrates
A diet too low in complex carbohydrates can cause serotinin depletion. Therefore, increase your intake of foods rich in carbohydrates. Foods rich in carbohydrates are yam, potatoes, wheat, rice and other cereals and starchy roots. However, keep in mind that there are some people who get more depressed after consuming white rice. So monitor your food consumption and your moods.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is needed for both physical and mental health. Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in depression and
hyperirritability. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 are carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, meat, peas, spinach,
sunflower seeds, walnuts, and wheat germ.

Folic Acid/Folate
Folic acid is considered a brain food and may also help with depression and anxiety. These foods contain a significant quantity of folate, asparagus, barley, beef, brown rice, cheese, chicken, dates, green leafy vegetables, oranges, root vegetables, salmon, whole grains and split peas.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, a low level of which can lead to heightened anxiety and depression. Foods rich in Vitamin E include oils such as canola oil, chickpeas, wheat germ, oats, green leafy vegetables, sprouted beans, egg yolks, seeds and nuts.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids help prevent  heart diseases, stroke and cancers, apart from stabilizing
mood swings. Salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are seeds, nuts and flax oils.

Water
When your body is dehydrated it is affected in many ways including liver function and brain impairment.  Do not try
to substitute your water intake with coffee, tea or soft drinks since they themselves need to be flushed out of your
system by water.  Also, the side effects of coffee and soda can contribute to anxiety.

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