Do you know these Nutritional Deficiencies might lead to Depression?

Depression surely makes its way to affect you internally and externally. You feel lost at most of the time and have no idea where your enthusiasm and positivity has gone. If you have lost the zeal for life and feeling tired all the time without any apparent reason – you should consider meeting a mental health expert. Nutrition holds an utmost importance in shaping your physical health. And you were thinking that nutritional deficiency is just a thing. However, a very few people know that nutrition is also important for having a sound mental health.

Depression doesn’t show any visible symptoms at the early stage however, it has the ability to deteriorate your health if you ignore the symptoms in the long run. You better meet your healthcare professional and discuss the possible causes for the same. Making healthy changes in the diet and taking nutritional supplements whenever possible is the best way to fight back with depression caused due to nutritional deficiencies. This article is dedicated to educate you about the nutritional deficiencies that can out you in the trouble of being depressed.

Amino Acids

Known as building blocks for proteins, amino acids play an important role in maintaining smoother brain functioning. When you do not get enough amino acids, your body starts sending signals in the form of health issues including depression. Add extra dash of red meat, beans, nuts and seeds in your diet.

B complex Vitamins

A study done in 2009 has concluded that more than a quarter of older women suffering from severe depression have shown deficiency of B complex vitamins. Commonly found in fish, eggs, seafood, poultry and milk, these vitamins are essential for well-being of mental health.

Vitamin D

When you are deficient in vitamin D, you increase your chances of suffering from depression and also from other illnesses such as dementia and autism. You should try getting the early morning sun rays and if that doesn’t work for you, get connected to your doctor for vitamin D supplements.

Folate

Studies have shown that low level of folate nutrient is directly linked to reduced effectiveness of anti-depressant medicines. In fact, many psychiatrists prescribe folate along with anti-depressants to increase the effectiveness of the medicine. You can also include citrus fruits, legumes, dark leafy veggies and beans in your diet to get daily dose of folate naturally.

Iodine

You all know how iodine is important in the better functioning of thyroid gland. Smaller in appearance, the thyroid gland is responsible for number of biological activities within the body such as maintaining immunity, metabolism, keeping the right body temperature etc. When the iodine levels in the body falls down, it affects the thyroid functioning causing you suffer from health issues including depression.

Iron

It has been estimated that almost 20% women have iron deficiency and disorders related to that. Iron deficiency can lead to develop symptoms which are similar to depression. These symptoms include lack of concentration, fatigue, irritability etc.

Magnesium

Excess consumption of salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol deplete the magnesium level in the body. Chronic stress also contributes in reducing the stored magnesium content within the body. This mineral is very important to beat the effects of stress and when it is present in less quantity, one tends to suffer from symptoms similar to depression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are important to have a good heart’s health. But do you know that they are also essential for your mental health. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids can hamper your mental well-being and therefore one should have a diet rich in fish like salmon, halibut, tuna, and nuts such as walnuts and flax seeds. Along with take, fish oil supplements to support daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids.

Selenium

This nutrient also plays an important role in maintaining thyroid gland in good health. As mentioned above, thyroid gland regulates number of bodily functions and aid in keeping mental health functioning well.

Zinc

It is one of the vital nutrients required by the body in various biological functions. It aids in digestion, DNA production and helps in repairing proteins. Zinc also boosts immune system and controls inflammation.