Before we discuss anything, the answer is just yes. Your regular trips to the grocery store may be tiresome, but try shifting your thinking, just a little bit. Those trips are actually an opportunity to beat any anxiety or depression and improve your mental health. What is your shopping list like? We can guess it includes fruits, fried items, and vegetables, but these are not enough. Add the following good-for-you items to your shopping list, and you will see your mental health grow from strength to strength.
Sweet Potatoes
There is undoubtedly a relationship between your mental health and gluten. It is theorized that digestive system damage resulting from high-gluten foods makes it possible for stomach content to leak into the bloodstream, which transports it to the brain, leading to depression. Hence, eating gluten-free foods like sweet potatoes goes a long way in alleviating the symptoms of depression.
Red Wine
Another excuse to get fine Merlot into your system is here. According to a study done in Australia, severely depressed patients experienced symptom improvement after drinking two glasses of red wine on top of a diet laden with lean meat, veggies, fruits, and whole grains. However, since excessive alcohol intake could worsen the symptoms of depression, taking the wine in moderate amounts is critical.
Carbs
Yes, it may be the first time you’re hearing this; carbs are not your enemy. Your brain and body, in general, need carbs for normal functioning. A diet that is low in carbs is associated with depression symptoms. You don’t have to shy away from eating carbs, but be selective. Go for high-fiber carbs like apples, beans, and sweet potatoes; they are the best bet. So, after buying those beautiful kitchen cabinets online, don’t let them stay empty. Instead, have a good stock of high-fiber carbs stored in them, especially if you’re living with depression.
Turkey
There is a good reason why people who live with anxiety or depression should eat turkey. Turkey contains “food coma,” an infamous tryptophan, which is typically a forerunner to the brain’s serotonin level. When you eat tryptophan, your body will convert it to serotonin, increasing the concentration of this chemical in the mind. Low serotonin levels are known to worsen the symptoms of depression. There are studies to prove that tryptophan-rich foods like turkey help normalize the brain serotonin levels, especially when eaten on an empty stomach.
Bacon
Do you have to give up on bacon? Not at all. Bacon is richly loaded with amino acids, which are linked to anxiety reduction. Your body converts amino acids to brain neurotransmitters, which have the potential to change depression signals. As long as you enjoy bacon in moderation, it is good for your brain health.