If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Depression affects many people, and it can be life changing. Medical treatment and counseling can often help relieve symptoms, but lifestyle remedies, such as a healthful diet, can also boost a person’s well-being. There is no specific diet to treat depression, but eating more of some foods and less or none of others can help some people manage their symptoms. In this article, we look at some foods and nutrients that may be beneficial and some that people should avoid. Many nutrients are available to purchase, but people should ask their doctor’s advice before using any supplements, as they can sometimes interfere with other medications.

Link between diet and depression Share on Pinterest A healthful diet may improve symptoms of despression. One factor that may contribute to depression is a person’s dietary habits, which will determine the nutrients that they consume. A 2017 study found that the symptoms of people with moderate-to-severe depression improved when they received nutritional counseling sessions and ate a more healthful diet for 12 weeks. The improved diet focused on fresh and whole foods that are high in nutrients. It also limited processed refined foods, sweets, and fried food, including junk food. Depressive symptoms, including mood and anxiety, improved enough to achieve remission criteria in more than 32% of the participants. The researchers concluded that people could help manage or improve their symptoms of depression by addressing their diet.

Selenium Some scientists have suggested that increasing selenium intake might help improve mood and reduce anxiety, which may help make depression more manageable. Selenium is present in a variety of foods, including: whole grains

Brazil nuts

some seafood

organ meats, such as liver Supplements are available for purchase in health food shops and online.

Vitamin D Vitamin D may help improve the symptoms of depression, according to a 2019 meta-analysis. People obtain most of their vitamin D through sun exposure, but dietary sources are also important. Foods that can provide vitamin D include: oily fish

fortified dairy products

beef liver

egg Supplements are also available for purchase online.

Omega-3 fatty acids The results of some studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids might help with depressive disorders. However, the authors of a 2015 review concluded that more studies are necessary to confirm this. Eating omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of mood disorders and brain diseases by enhancing brain function and preserving the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel

flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds

walnuts Omega-3 supplements are also available for purchase online.

Antioxidants Vitamins A (beta carotene), C, and E contain substances called antioxidants. Antioxidants help remove free radicals, which are the waste products of natural bodily processes that can build up in the body. If the body cannot eliminate enough free radicals, oxidative stress can develop. A number of health problems can result, which may include anxiety and depression. The results of a 2012 study suggested that consuming the vitamins that provide antioxidants may reduce symptoms of anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder. Fresh, plant based foods, such as berries, are good sources of antioxidants. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, soy, and other plant products may help reduce the stress-related symptoms of depression. Click here to learn more about which foods contain antioxidants.

B vitamins Share on Pinterest Foods containing whole grains are a good source of vitamin B-12. Vitamins B-12 and B-9 (folate, or folic acid) help protect and maintain the nervous system, including the brain. They may help reduce the risk and symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression. Sources of vitamin B-12 include: eggs

meat

poultry

fish

oysters

milk

some fortified cereals Foods that contain folate include: dark leafy vegetables

fruit and fruit juices

nuts

beans

whole grains

dairy products

meat and poultry

seafood

eggs People can purchase vitamin B-12 and folate supplements in health food stores or online.

Zinc Zinc helps the body perceive taste, but it also boosts the immune system and may influence depression. Some studies have suggested that zinc levels may be lower in people with depression and that zinc supplementation may help antidepressants work more effectively. Zinc is present in: whole grains

oysters

beef, chicken, and pork

beans

nuts and pumpkin seeds Supplements are also available for purchase online. Learn more about the health benefits of zinc here.

Protein Protein enables the body to grow and repair, but it may also help people with depression. The body uses a protein called tryptophan to create serotonin, the “feel good” hormone. Tryptophan is present in: tuna

turkey

chickpeas Serotonin appears to play a role in depression, but the mechanism is complex, and exactly how it works remains unclear. However, eating foods that may boost serotonin levels might be beneficial. Learn more about tryptophan and which foods contain it.

Probiotics Foods such as yogurt and kefir may boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Healthy gut microbiota may reduce the symptoms and risk of depression, according to a 2016 meta-analysis. The researchers suggested that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may help. Learn more about probiotics here.

Weight management Obesity appears to raise the risk of depression. This increased risk may be due to the hormonal and immunological changes that occur in people with obesity. A person who is overweight or has obesity may wish to consult their doctor or a dietitian about ways to manage their weight. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which health authorities recommend, can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall health. There is also evidence that it can help with weight loss and may reduce the risk of depression. Learn more here about the DASH diet.

Foods to avoid Some foods may aggravate the symptoms of depression. Alcohol There is a clear link between alcohol and mental health problems. A person may drink as a way to cope with depression, but alcohol can aggravate or trigger new bouts of depression and anxiety. Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to further complications, such as accidents, family issues, loss of employment, and ill health. Even those who limit their alcohol consumption to no more than one drink a day have a higher risk of some types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Poor health, in turn, can lead to further depression. Refined foods Convenience foods, such as fast food and junk food, can be high in calories and low in nutrients. Studies have suggested that people who consume lots of fast food are more likely to have depression than those who eat mostly fresh produce. Processed foods, especially those high in sugar and refined carbs, may contribute to a higher risk of depression. When a person eats refined carbs, the body’s energy levels increase rapidly but then crash. A bar of chocolate may give an instant boost, but a rapid low can follow. It is best to opt for fresh, nutrient dense, whole foods that provide a steady source of energy over time. Processed oils Refined and saturated fats can trigger inflammation, and they may also impair brain function and worsen the symptoms of depression. Fats to avoid include: trans fats, which are present in many processed foods

fats in red and processed meats

safflower and corn oil, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids Learn more here about healthful and unhealthful fats.

Caffeine Share on Pinterest People with depression may benefit from not drinking caffeinated beverages after midday. At least one study has found that a moderate intake of caffeine, in the form of coffee, may benefit people with depression. Caffeine’s benefits could be due to its stimulant effect and antioxidants properties. Caffeine is present in: coffee

tea

chocolate

sodas

energy drinks There is some evidence that small amounts of caffeine may reduce anxiety and boost mood. However, some research has found that it may increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression in children of high school age. In addition, caffeine can affect a person’s ability to sleep. While caffeine may benefit some people, it is best to: consume it only in moderation

avoid products with a high caffeine content, such as energy drinks

avoid caffeine after midday Find out more about how caffeine can affect depression.