Could Your Child’s Diet Be Affecting Their Depression?

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What foods may influence mood, and what can you and your child eat to incorporate these nutrients into your diet? There is not a ton of research on this but we found some information about the following:

  • Omega 3 Fats:
    • Oily fish (Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, trout, and fresh, not out of the can, tuna)
    • Flaxseeds and walnuts
  • Vitamin B
    • B6: poultry, seafood, bananas, and leafy green vegetables
    • B12: animal foods (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and milk) and shellfish, such as clams, mussels, and crab
    • And you can supplement vitamin B6 or B12!
  • Folate
    • Dark leafy greens, beans and legumes, citrus fruits and juices
  • Amino acids
    • The chemical Serotonin is made in your body from an amino acid produced from Tryptophan
    • Find Tryptophan in protein rich foods such as meat, eggs, fish, beans, seeds, and nuts
  • Chromium
    • Broccoli, oats, green beans, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, black pepper
  • Selenium: One of the minerals that help antioxidant balance
    • Cod, Brazil nuts, walnuts, poultry

You should…

  • Balance your blood sugar!
    • Avoid, as much as you can, refined sugar and processed or refined foods, eating instead whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and regular meals.
  • Get some sun!
    • Get your dose of Vitamin D from the sunlight.

“Bad Mood Foods” to avoid:

  • Refined sugar and refined foods
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Read more at: Food for the Brain: Depression

What do you think? Have you noticed that your diet can affect your mood?  Share with us below!

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