Food and Your Mood: Exploring Depression and Dietary Changes

Can you eat your way to a better mental state? For a number of individuals suffering from various forms of depression, a simple diet change can help to relieve that persistent “down” feeling. Maintaining a healthy diet is key for both physical and mental health and should be considered prior to prescription options for depression. Before taking antidepressants, try these simple diet tips to combat your depression.

• Elimination of GMO’s
  Genetically-modified foods are any chemical/biological products that have been saturated with complex toxic herbicides. In plants, specifically, these products are modified in order for them to better withstand a larger amount of Roundup herbicide, a chemical used in plants that has several negative effects on the body, including ammonia production in the gut and the blocking of the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen.
• Elimination of Gluten
  Gluten, which is often processed with genetically-modified oils, can be a serious toxin to the body. Also, for those with gluten intolerance, neurological effects include depression, seizures, headaches, anxiety, ADHD and many others.
• Elimination of Sugar
  Many people are unaware that the recommended daily dose of sugar for the average adult is only about 6-9 tablespoons. Excess sugar in the body acts like a toxin and can cause insulin surges causing you to feel anxious, jittery, and tired. Excess sugar can also cause insulin resistance and addictive symptoms similar to that of street drugs.

Consulting Your Doctor and Your Nutritionist

Regardless of your specific struggles with depression, it is important to consult with both your doctor and your nutritionist prior to making any major diet changes. Experienced doctors will have a list of nutritionists they recommend who may even be able to collaborate with your doctor to create a personalized diet plan. Even the smallest changes to your diet can cause major differences in your mental and physical health, so consulting a team of professionals is best for the safest, and best results.

Why Choose Dr. Fieve?

Dr. Ronald Fieve is an internationally renowned Clinical Psychopharmacologist specializing in the areas of Bipolar I and Bipolar ll disorders and Clinical Depression. Also specializing in the avoidance of weight gain while using mood stabilizing medications, Dr. Fieve is the premier choice for mental health management in New York. We work with Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Medicare, Optum, United Behavioral Health and Value Options. Contact our office today for a consultation to discuss your treatment options.