{"id":475,"date":"2015-05-05T08:25:53","date_gmt":"2015-05-05T08:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/?p=475"},"modified":"2020-08-23T19:37:08","modified_gmt":"2020-08-23T19:37:08","slug":"eight-foods-that-fight-depression-and-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/2015\/05\/eight-foods-that-fight-depression-and-anxiety.html","title":{"rendered":"Eight Foods That Fight Depression and Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Food affects mood. Natural foods are better than junk foods at regulating mood. Some foods are natural anti-depressants because of what they contain. Your everyday food choices can affect your mood. Here&#8217;s\u00a0eight foods that fight depression and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong>Whole grains.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Reduces mood swings, depression, and anxiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid crucial for creating serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin lifts mood. Melatonin helps with the sleep cycle, something that\u2019s important for your mental health.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">High levels of B Vitamins regulate mood, combat PMS, and slow the rate of age-related cognitive disorders.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Whole grains maintain steady blood sugar, keeping you away feeling grumpy and anxious.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Quinoa, wild and brown rice, millet, barley, buckwheat, rye<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/whole-grains-collection-16782673.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-477\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/whole-grains-collection-16782673-289x300.jpg\" alt=\"whole-grains-collection-16782673\" width=\"289\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><span class=\"s1\">Dark chocolate.<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Called the Joy Stimulant. Great for improving mood. Dark chocolate contains serotonin<\/span>, the feel good hormone. A lot of people self-medicate with chocolate. Women use it to feel better during menstrual cycles.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Chocolate reduces cortisol, the stress hormone.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Stimulates production of endorphins which bring on pleasure and a peaceful, calm feeling.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Contains anti-oxidants which help lower blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">In moderate amounts, chocolate also boosts your concentration.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/food-and-sex-18.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-478\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/food-and-sex-18-300x254.jpg\" alt=\"food-and-sex-18\" width=\"300\" height=\"254\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Blueberries.<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Reduces stress levels and anxiety with antioxidants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Packed with Vitamin C. Vitamin C lowers cortisol.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Contains high amounts of water. Water is essential for your brain to properly function. Dehydration leads to poor mood and increased anxiety.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Blueberries reverse age-related memory loss, thanks to abundant antioxidants called flavonoids.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/ss_pr_100223superfood_blueberries.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-479\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/ss_pr_100223superfood_blueberries-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"ss_pr_100223superfood_blueberries\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Walnuts.<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. Great for your nervous system, which in turn can lead to better mood.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Fights depression by increasing serotonin.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Walnuts boost your immune system, making you less prone to fatigue.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Contain melatonin which help with better sleep patterns.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/walnuts-for-heart.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-481\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/walnuts-for-heart-300x160.jpg\" alt=\"walnuts-for-heart\" width=\"300\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Spinach.<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Reduces your cortisol levels to normal.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">High potassium content helps lower high blood pressure. Recommended by doctors for maintaining good blood pressure.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/spinach.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-482\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/spinach.jpeg\" alt=\"spinach\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Fish. <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Boosts cognitive function while reducing anxiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which help with depression.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Wild salmon (not farm salmon) contain the highest levels of Omega-3 among all ocean fish.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Eating salmon can reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and PMS.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Contains tryptophan, an amino acid that lowers stress hormones and reduces blood pressure.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/Nearly-Naked-Baked-or-Grill.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-487\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/Nearly-Naked-Baked-or-Grill-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Nearly-Naked-Baked-or-Grill\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Pumpkin Seeds. <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Tryptophan helps\u00a0make serotonin which regulates mood.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">High source of magnesium which helps lower anxiety by relaxing nerves and muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Contains zinc which boosts the immune system and is important for a restful sleep.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/5-Reasons-to-Roast-Pumpkin-Seeds.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-485\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/5-Reasons-to-Roast-Pumpkin-Seeds-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"5-Reasons-to-Roast-Pumpkin-Seeds\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Quinoa. <\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Packed with protein, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, iron, phosphorus.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Serotonin booster, preventing depression, fatigue and anemia.<\/li>\n<li>Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a versatile food.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/files\/2015\/05\/quinoa.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-medium wp-image-476 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/376\/2015\/05\/quinoa-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"quinoa\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Follow me on twitter @tereziafarkas<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Food affects mood. Natural foods are better than junk foods at regulating mood. Some foods are natural anti-depressants because of what they contain. Your everyday food choices can affect your mood. Here&#8217;s\u00a0eight foods that fight depression and anxiety. Whole grains. Reduces mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid crucial&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":578,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,8,102,105,234],"tags":[31,2,4,12,285,359,67,28,6,121],"class_list":["post-475","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-anxiety-disorder","category-depression-help-2","category-motivation","category-personal-growth","category-wellness-with-terezia-farkas","tag-anxiety","tag-depression","tag-depression-help","tag-emotional-health","tag-foods-for-the-brain","tag-healthy-food","tag-healthy-living","tag-mood-disorders","tag-terezia-farkas","tag-wellness"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>eight foods that fight depression and anxiety<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Food affects mood. 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It's important that what you eat doesn't make you anxious or depressed. Eight food that fight depression and anxiety.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/Wellness\/Health\/Emotional-Health\/Depression\/8-Foods-That-Fight-Depression-and-Anxiety.aspx","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"eight foods that fight depression and anxiety","og_description":"Food affects mood. It's important that what you eat doesn't make you anxious or depressed. 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Terezia is a reiki master, psychic medium, and certified channeller. Visit Terezia Farkas on Twitter @tereziafarkas Website: http:\/\/www.tereziafarkas.com Honours: Alberta Lt. Governor Circle on Mental Health and Addictions award. Bell Let's Talk Social Media Ambassador 2017. CAMH (Canadian Addictions and Mental Health) 150 Difference Makers nominee. 2014 Global Crisis of Depression Summit at Kings Place in London on November 25, 2014, which included speakers Kofi A Anan, the 7th former Secretary General of the UN.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.tereziafarkas.com","http:\/\/on.fb.me\/1zSE4WB","https:\/\/x.com\/tereziafarkas"],"url":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/author\/tfarkas"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/475","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/578"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=475"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/475\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4176,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/475\/revisions\/4176"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=475"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=475"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=475"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}