How the food you eat affects your gut – Shilpa Ravella

A recent study suggests that eating a healthy, balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet and avoiding inflammation-producing foods may be protective against depression. Another study outlines an Antidepressant Food Scale, which lists 12 antidepressant nutrients related to the prevention and treatment of depression. Some of the foods containing these nutrients are oysters, mussels, salmon, watercress, spinach, romaine lettuce, cauliflower, and strawberries.

A better diet can help, but it’s only one part of treatment. It’s important to note that just like you cannot exercise out of a bad diet, you also cannot eat your way out of feeling depressed or anxious.

• Eat whole foods and avoid packaged or processed foods, which are high in unwanted food additives and preservatives that disrupt the healthy bacteria in the gut.
• Instead of vegetable or fruit juice, consider increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits without added sugars/additives are a good choice too.
• Eat enough fiber and include whole grains and legumes in your diet.
• Include probiotic-rich foods such as plain yogurt without added sugars.
• To reduce sugar intake at breakfast, add cinnamon to plain yogurt with berries, or to oatmeal or chia pudding.
• Adding fermented foods such as kefir (unsweetened), sauerkraut, or kimchi can be helpful to maintain a healthy gut.
• Eat a balance of seafoods and lean poultry, and less red meat each week.
• Add a range of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, and consider choosing certain organic produce.
  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548