Best Mood Boosting Food

Combat depression, include these healing foods in your every day diet.

A woman in her mid-30s approached me with symptoms of depression, feelings of worthlessness, crying spells, lack of sleep and appetite. A gentleman, also in his mid-30s, approached me with similar complaints. Along with medication and therapy, both were advised to follow a nutritious diet, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks and other intoxicants. While the man followed my diet and exercise plan, the woman resorted to comfort food and alcohol when she felt low. Her mood became labile. She would feel excited on some days and sad on other days, therefore taking longer to feel comfortable. The role of food in psychological well-being therefore is quite important.

In Indian culture, hospitality is associated with the wide platter of delicacies. Here, nothing happens without a feast. In this MasterChef age, the experience of cooking, creating an ambience, presentation and serving, food tasting and fine dining have added an aura around food. Although cooking is seen as a therapeutic process, the overall gastronomic experience leads to overeating in most cases.

The consumption of junk food has increased over the years. Taste has overpowered the nutritional importance of food. As the prevalence of obesity is increasing, the number of lifestyle diseases and psychological disturbances among the obese is also increasing. Getting over obesity with bariatric surgery, liposuction and laxatives also adds to stress and onset of depression. At the same time, the socially desirable body image urges women to use extensive measures to control their weight, leading to anorexia or bulimia. These body image illnesses have a major mood component. On the other end of the spectrum, psychological wellbeing faces challenges from malnourishment. It has become important to assess the relationship between food and mood.