How can diet affect depression?

The foods you eat can affect depression symptoms. To support depression treatment, nourish your body with nutrient-rich food. Skipping meals can throw off your energy and levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that produces calmness. Your diet may be low in omega-3 fats, such as DHA and EPA, too. Research suggests that omega-3s may benefit your mood, behavior, and brain function. To boost your omega-3 intake, put fish, walnuts, avocados, olive oil, and canola oil on your menu. Complex (high-fiber) carbohydrates and foods rich in B vitamins are also important for brain function and may help ease depression symptoms. Finally, limit simple carbs (e.g., candy and soft drinks), which cause blood sugar spikes, giving you a quick burst of energy followed by irritability and sleepiness.

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The way we eat affects the way we feel; with depression, food choices have an impact. Watch psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, explain how our dietary choices can impact our sense of depression and why it's important to eat enough healthy food.