More About Weight Loss and Depression

In my previous article about weight loss and depression I discussed this problem briefly, but now it’s time to take a more specific and medical look at the problem. I feel it is important to understand what we are dealing with to find solutions for this situation and I also want to provide little more information how it’s related to weight loss.

Many people who have an overweight problem feel that it is also one reason they feel depressed. They feel pain and psychological stress because of this and they are told by their doctor that if they lose weight the pain will go away.  It is true that weight loss may reduce some arthritic or musculoskeletal pain and reduce limitations to movement.  However, some pain is due to other entities like too little sleep, and weight loss is not the first answer.  Also depression is mostly a psychological condition, and this is important to understand clearly. However, being over weighted contributes to depression on a psychological level because many people have a bad self image because of it. It also affects our body chemistry, which in turn can have a bigger affect to our mental health than we know.

If we now look at this problem medically, it has been proven that a chemical called Serotonin, which is found in the brain, helps us stay happy. If we lack Serotonin, temporary treatment could be getting more of it for a short period of time. Eating carbohydrates helps to increase serotonin levels and could be the reason we sometimes feel we need more of them. From this is easy to draw a conclusion that if you suffer from depression, do not follow a carbohydrates restricted or low-carbohydrates eating plan. There are diets available for people who want to eat only the healthiest carbohydrates. Good carbohydrates include foods like oats, whole wheat bread, pasta, basmati or wholegrain rice, and beans or legumes.

Studies show also that small amounts of Selenium have also been effective in the treatment of depression. Selenium can be obtained by eating whole wheat bread, bran, Brazil nuts, tuna, onions, tomatoes and broccoli. Include some of these healthy foods on a regular basis in your diet.

We all know vegetables and salad are healthy, and I strongly recommend including these in your diet, also include a couple of meals with fish each week – unless you’re a vegetarian. The antioxidants and fatty acids found in these foods help protect the brain cells from ageing which can in turn help fighting depression and keeps you in good overall condition and health.

When one is depressed, it is important to find uplifting things to do and enjoy life’s small pleasures. For this reason, don’t skip meals, especially don’t skip breakfast!  Eat a good healthy breakfast and try to exercise daily. Exercise will get your mind and body going and thinking of other things and you will feel much better. When you exercise, you will burn calories, so make sure you eat enough to get the needed building blocks for your body.

To have a stable metabolism is wise and healthy and it will affect your blood-sugar levels, which in turn improves mood, and will help you in your battle against depression. This is why a regular daily routine can help, when you combine exercise and diet.  It is always better to eat several small meals than just a couple big meals per day. Your system will manage the metabolism easier because it doesn’t have to digest big amounts of food and it prevents unnecessary fatigue. These are all smart approaches towards a healthier and balanced life and will help you conquer depression.