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Lighten up: Foods that fight depression

Looking in your refrigerator is probably the last place you would expect to look to find relief from your depression. The reality is, that is the first place to look.

Worrying about the side effects of prescription drugs should not be added to the stress you are already feeling. Side effects of anxiety drugs can range from headaches and drug dependency to fatality in some rare occasions. If you are already feeling the symptoms of depression, it would be better to feel good about yourself because of your new choices than feeling dependent on drugs for your sense of well being.

Everyone eats something through the course of a day. The old phrase, "You are what you eat" is true. The fact is we eat mostly meals mostly made up of fast food. That means French fries, hamburgers, fried chicken, burritos, tacos, and pizza. At first glance, what is missing with this diet of fast foods? Fruits and vegetables.

The amount of fruit and vegetables in today's diet has become all but non-existent. What does that have to do with depression? Everything. Food is the building blocks of our very existence. It is important that what you eat be a balanced diet. If it is not, then it throws your whole system out of balance.

There are six basic essentials for reaching an ultimate balance:

1. Water

2. Probiotics (friendly bacteria)

3. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

4. Minerals & vitamins from whole foods not supplements

5. Enzymes (from living plants)

6. Protein

Understanding how much of what can seem overwhelming and too much to keep track of. It doesn't have to be. It can be simple if you have a basic understanding of what each is doing for you.

Water is the simple one. Approximately eight glasses of water a day is a good target to reach for. Our bodies are made up of mostly water, and it aids in the transportation of everything that enters our bodies.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that aid in the digestion of everything we eat. They are live bacteria cultures found in foods such as yogurt, curd cheeses, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, and some soy beverages. So grab a snack of one of these at some point during your day. Maybe eat a cup of yogurt instead of the candy bar, or a glass of milk instead of a soda for breakfast.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can be found in deep sea fish. So, what do these fatty acids have to do with depression? They assist in healthy brain function and aid in blood circulation to the brain and other parts of the body. A serving of fish per day is a good idea, but


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