Depression was described by ancient physicians, but it received its name relatively recently, in the 19th century, with a detailed and relatively complete description of it. The negative impact of depression on social intercourse and performance, as well as on the general state of the body and well-being has been studied for a long time. Scientists have found that nutrition plays a significant role in worsening its symptoms or alleviating it. Stress plays a negative role in depression, which can also be countered by changes in diet with the use of products that have anti-stress and anti-depressive effects, maintaining a balance of proteins, fatty components and carbohydrates. Find out the features of the course of depression and the effect on it of certain products.
What do we know about depression
Today it has become fashionable to use this term in its incorrect interpretation. Ordinary people describe this concept as a bad mood, problems at work and at home, which are piled up at once and lead to depression and depression. This is not quite a true concept, not reflecting the essence of changes in the psyche and the body during the true depression.
Depression has been known for a long time, although previously long periods of apathy (lasting for weeks, months, and sometimes years), in combination with depressed mood and various somatic disorders, this was called melancholy. But even the ancient healers, although they did not understand the true essence of all the processes and called pathology by another name, noted that this is a separate disease, which has pathological mental and physical symptoms.
The role of stress in the development of pathology
Not always stress can provoke depression, but patients tend to generalize and identify these concepts in many cases. Stress in life is almost always present, they can have both positive and negative effects, while depression – this is initially a pathological condition. Short-term physical or mental stress boosts the body, encourages it to act – “run away or defend,” if briefly reflect the essence of the process. But if stress becomes chronic, it acts too often or constantly, depleting both the physical body and mental functions, this may at some point become the starting point for the onset of depression. However, in many cases, in addition to stress, many other factors also influence the formation and development of depression, including hereditary predisposition. If in the initial period the role of stress is large enough, then as the manifestations of depression develop, its influence is not so significant due to the peculiarities of mental processes and reactions to external and internal stimuli.
The role of nutrition in the treatment of depressive disorders
Many have heard that depression is treated with the help of special drugs – antidepressants, but this is not the only method of therapy. Moreover, the use of pills alone will not be effective if you do not change your lifestyle, attitude towards yourself, your diet and daily routine, social activity.therefore depression Today it is treated comprehensively, under the guidance of a doctor, and a significant role in its relief is given to proper and complete nutrition.
According to researchers, in Asia and Scandinavia, the level of depression in the population is lower than in other regions. Many doctors tend to believe that this is due to the peculiarities of their traditional diet. Although there is no diet as such in the treatment of this pathology, there are certain nutritional recommendations that can influence mental functions, both positively and negatively. A special role is given to proteins, as well as carbohydrate components, combining them among themselves and with other types of food.
The role of carbohydrates and nutritional vitamins
Many people notice for themselves that during periods of increased emotional stress, passion for sweets increases. Carbohydrates, especially simple ones, are attributed to mood stimulants due to the fact that they contribute to the production of serotonin, which significantly affects emotional tone and mood, improving them. However, not all carbohydrates are equally beneficial due to the fact that, with excessive consumption, they can also lead to an excess of calories. Therefore, candy or cake should be replaced with sweet fruits or vegetables, cereal products, which at the same time will increase the level of glucose, and beneficially affect the work of the intestine, replenish the body with vitamins. Excess light carbohydrates can lead to excess weight, which only contributes to depression, so everything should be in moderation.
No less carbohydrates are useful in the fight against depression B vitamins, which have the properties of weak antidepressants. Especially important are B6 and B2, folic acid. Their sources will be such products as green fruits, cereals, nuts, legumes and meat.
Proteins and amino acids
Proteins of meat and poultry, fish or dairy products will help to combat manifestations of depression. They are a source of the amino acid tyrosine, necessary to synthesize dopamine in the body. The consumption of high-grade animal protein leads to a decrease in anxiety, improved concentration, increased overall emotional tone. In addition, proteins become a source of amino acids, and some of them are irreplaceable. Tryptophan, which is involved in stimulating the synthesis of serotonin, which influences mood, will be important – it helps in the fight against depression.In addition to meat, eggs, soy products and legumes, oatmeal and chocolate will be sources of tryptophan.
There are some products that have the properties of natural antidepressants. These include turmeric, the addition of which to food in moderation helps improve mood and tone up the body. Worth diversify nutrition nuts, fish, bananas and sea kale, prepare dishes with spinach, drink green tea and cocoa. These foods and drinks help in the active fight against the manifestations of depression.