If you are feeling depressed, it may only be a temporary condition. However, for some people it can be more than that and it can have something to do with what you are eating. Here is information on depression and diet that may be helpful.

Obesity

When you eat a proper diet, your body and mind can function at optimal efficiency. When people eat to solve problems, they usually indulge in foods that are high in fat and sugar. They may be missing out on things like B vitamins, beta carotene, magnesium, manganese, vitamins A and C, iron, and other essential nutrients.

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in many parts of the world today. People may use food as a means of comfort, and this can cause a great many problems. If you eat because you are upset, you could find yourself eating more and this can serve to compound the problem.

When a person gains weight, it is never overnight. In fact, it can sometimes be so gradual that you might not see it coming on until your clothing becomes too tight. Often, people will go into denial and assume that the clothing has shrunk and buy more clothes that fit better. All of this can contribute to a low self image, which can be a huge contributing factor in becoming depressed.

Once people do not feel good about themselves it may trigger a cycle of eating and feeling better. This is usually followed by guilt and more depression. In time, a person may simply eat more every time they wish to feel better and the problem becomes one of obesity and depression.

Junk Food

Even if one is not overweight, what you eat can affect the way that you feel. If you are eating too many carbohydrates and fats, you can feel run down and sluggish. As a result, you may not feel like doing much and you might exercise less. Exercise is known to be a good treatment for feeling depressed as it releases feel good hormones in the body called endorphins.

If you eat a lot of junk food, you may be missing out on essential nutrients that affect brain function. Recently, a UK study shows a definite link between depression and diet. More than 3000 office workers were studied for a period of five years. One group ate junk-type foods and the others ate more healthy foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The group eating the junk food had many more problems associated with being depressed.

Summary

Depression and diet may have many important links. A five-year United Kingdom study showed that a well-balanced diet can help to eliminate a lot of problems associated with being depressed. If you eat a lot of junk food, it can make you feel sluggish and not wanting to exercise, This can have a huge effect on your physical, as well as mental health. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables along with exercise may be the best way to avoid some kinds of depression.