DOES JUNK FOOD CAUSE DEPRESSION?

Junk food consists of high-calorie low nutrient food items. They have usually processed food items and are high in refined sugar.Eating sweets raise the blood sugar level, increases fat storage and promotes a crash and burn feeling. Maintaining a steady blood sugar level is important to achieve even-keeled energy level. It is also important to know that high-calorie food with low nutrients may also influence depression symptoms. Foods high in sugar and refined carbs can promote a crash, as the energy from them is depleted. This can make a person experience mood swings or energy swings. Those who eat a diet high in junk food including processed meat, refined cereals sweet desert fried foods are more likely to report depression. Those who eat a diet rich in fruits veg, fish are less likely to report bring depression.

Junk foods are rich in carbs and fat. Junk foods are also deficient in amino acids such as tryptophan that play a major role in preventing depression. Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid must enter your body through your diet and is commonly found in food such as nuts, cheese, red meat, fish, beans, lentils, and eggs.

Tryptophan deficiency can lead to lower serotonin levels and this can result in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Some foods items which increase serotonin levels are banana, pineapple, nuts, cheese, eggs and salmon fish. We recommend eating 2 bananas daily for proper serotonin levels.

Some foods items which lower your Depression and improve Neurological Function :

• Selenium-rich food like a mushroom, oats, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, soybean, and chicken helps to decrease depression.
• Vit B12 and folate –Prevents mood disorder and dementias: Sources are green leafy vegetables, spinach, almond, liver, and beetroot.
• Add omega 3 fatty acid in your diet as they are crucial for cognitive and behavioral function. Low level of omega fat leads to many health problems including mood swings and depression. The best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are flaxseed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts