Nutrition, Depression & Mental Health Crisis: When Will Experts Wake UP?! By rjoachim | April 7, 2024 Fruits and vegetables: These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for overall health, including brain health. Aim for a rainbow of colors on your plate to get a good variety of nutrients.Opens in a new windowwww.health.harvard.eduRainbow colored fruits and vegetablespen_sparkFatty fish: Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help improve mood.Opens in a new windowwikipedia.orgSalmon fishWhole grains: Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. This can help improve mood and cognitive function.Opens in a new windowsallysbakingaddiction.comWhole grain breadLegumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and folate. Folate is important for brain function and may help reduce symptoms of depression.Opens in a new windowinspiredtaste.netChickpeasNuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. They can help improve mood and cognitive function.Opens in a new windowwww.health.harvard.eduNuts and seedsYogurt: Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which are live bacteria that have been shown to improve gut health. Gut health is increasingly being linked to mental health, so eating yogurt may help improve mood.Opens in a new windowwikipedia.orgYogurtIt is important to note that diet is just one piece of the puzzle for improving mental health. If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. Here are some resources that can help:Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)MentalHealth.gov: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-healthNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home Posted in Diet & Nutrition and tagged Depression, fruits, gut health, Legumes, mental health, vegetables, yogurt