Depression is a disease that affects a huge number of people around the world. It changes our feelings and moods, thoughts, behavior, and also affects our physical condition. In addition, depression interferes in all areas of a person's life, thereby worsening it. Nevertheless, depression is treatable: doctors prescribe special drugs, which are usually taken in courses. However, it should not be forgotten that there is a high risk of developing addiction. Therefore, you should not immediately start drug treatment, for a start you can try to cope on your own. Home treatment is completely safe and sometimes works wonders. Next, we take a look at 10 natural foods to help treat depression at home.
10. Cardamom
This aromatic spice will not only help to diversify the taste of your dishes, but also give your cells a piece of youth due to its detoxifying ability. Thus, this natural antioxidant fights depression and improves mood. Since ancient times, cardamom seed extracts have been used to relieve emotional stress, anxiety, dementia and insomnia. Among other things, cardamom is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, nausea, and certain heart conditions.
In order for the therapeutic effect to occur, you need to adhere to a certain way of using it. Heat a glass of water or milk, add half a teaspoon of ground cardamom and stir well. It is recommended to use this infusion once a day.
9. St. John's wort
The herb St. John's wort can be used to treat mild to moderate depression. Although it does not have official approval from clinical specialists, chemists have determined that it contains antidepressant substances such as hyperforin and hypericin. They act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
To prepare an infusion of St. John's wort, you need to add 1-2 tablespoons of this herb to a cup of hot water and let it brew for 10 minutes. Then strain the infusion and drink 2 times a day. And the mood will immediately improve!
8. Saffron
This is an extremely expensive spice. In addition to imparting aroma and taste to dishes, it has medicinal properties. Saffron is rich in B vitamins and carotenoids, which increase levels of serotonin and other bioactive chemicals in the brain. Saffron's bioactive components include picrocrocin, safranal and crocin, which have a positive effect on human health. Saffron is used to treat and prevent stomach ailments, decrease insulin sensitivity, heart disease, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Saffron can be added as a spice to food or drinks, and it is also added to warm milk. It is recommended to consume this milk daily. You will soon see that the depression began to subside.
7. Nutmeg
Nutmeg tones the brain: its stimulating effect is associated with the elimination of stress and fatigue. Against this background, there is an improvement in mood. In addition, nutmeg extract stimulates mental alertness.
Add a pinch of nutmeg powder to 1 tablespoon of amla or Indian gooseberry juice. This mixture is consumed 2 times a day.
6. Fish oil
Many studies show that people with depression are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is a storehouse of omega-3s. This acid helps the brain function normally, which is very important in a state of depression.
Special vitamin supplements with fish oil are on sale. It is also recommended to diversify your diet with fish products such as sardines and anchovies. They are more rich in omega-3 fatty acids than other fish. Soy foods and flax seeds are also rich sources.
5. Cashews
Cashews are very rich in nutrients. This nut is high in healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Cashews are rich in vitamin C, which means they are excellent for treating diseases of the nervous system. The nut contains other substances that help fight depression: tryptophan, vitamin B5 and magnesium.
Just 1 teaspoon of this nut powder mixed in a cup of warm milk will improve your condition.
4. Honey
Honey contains natural sugars, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and acids. The natural sugar in honey helps to relax the nerves. The amino acid tryptophan improves sleep and promotes proper rest.
For the best effect, it is recommended to crush 5-10 almond kernels with a spoon and stir in a tablespoon of honey. It is recommended to consume 1 teaspoon in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.
3. Apples
One apple a day will save you from unnecessary doctor visits. Apples also help fight depression as they contain photochemicals, B vitamins, phosphorus and potassium. In addition, apple quartzin, chlorogenic acid and phloridzin have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants fight anxiety and depression. Also, this fruit contains many other useful substances.
You can eat the whole fruit or in the form of apple juice. For cooking, you need to place the apple in a blender, squeeze the juice from the resulting porridge and add 1 tablespoon of honey.
2. Chicken
Chicken is lean and contains a protein that evens out the balance of serotonin. In addition, chicken meat is rich in the serotonin precursor tryptophan. Deficiency of vitamin B6 is often the cause of depression, which can be replenished by eating chicken meat.
Chicken can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as baking it in the oven or frying it in a pan with vegetables. Chicken soups are also great for fighting depression.
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in many potent compounds that can help improve mood and fight many symptoms of depression. It is widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of nervous disorders. Also, asparagus has antitumor, immunomodulatory and anti-stress properties. In addition, it is rich in steroids such as saponins, shatavarins, immunocytes and others. The high content of folate in it improves the functional activity of the brain, and the large amount of vitamin E improves the mood. Asparagus, like chicken, contains tryptophan.
Eat fresh, fried, or steamed asparagus up to 5 times a week and you'll forget about your depression!
These foods can help cope with depression. Some have an instant effect, while others have a cumulative effect. However, with the systematic use of these foods, you can fight depression without resorting to medication.
Have you noticed that after eating any of the products indicated in the article, your mood improves?
We advise you to see:
If you want to cope with depression without the help of medication, or just cheer yourself up with regular foods, watch our video and choose the food that suits you!
