8 Foods to Fight Anxiety and Depression

With the tragedy of Robin Williams’ death raising questions about mental illness, I started looking for answers. The statistics are staggering: Today, one in 10 Americans is on antidepressants—a 400% increase in the last 30 years. And there’s a lot of evidence showing that these drugs may not be able to help everybody. In fact, some experts believe that lifestyle shifts—especially dietary—might be a more effective first step to address depression, as well as anxiety, which is depression’s flip side. I asked Heather Lounsbury, author of Fix Your Mood with Food, to share her expertise on this important subject with Mommy Greenest readers. I am so honored to share her wisdom with you—and to host a giveaway of her amazing new book! 

Heather writes:

1 in 10 Americans is now on antidepressants, but lifestyle shifts—especially dietary—might be a more effective first step to address depression and anxiety. Most of us live under stress, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Whether it’s driven by health, financial or family issues, concerns about the environment—or all of the above—times can get tough. In today’s world, avoiding stress is pretty much impossible. However, eating the right foods can help reduce its impact.

According to Chinese nutrition, each organ has an emotion that affects it; if you don’t release or process what you’re feeling, imbalances begin to occur. It’s very important to nourish your liver and kidneys with the best nutrition possible, since they have the most influence over anxiety and depression.

While Western nutrition focuses on nutrients and what they do in the body, Chinese nutrition views food energetically. Thousands of years ago no one knew what iron, calcium or B12 were, but the Chinese figured out the healing properties of every grain, vegetable, fruit, nut and seed. Calling on those principles, these eight foods support the kidneys and liver in order to reduce anxiety and depression.

DARK LEAFY GREENS are high in chlorophyll, which removes toxins from the liver. Add greens like chard, kale, spinach, arugula and watercress to salads, juices and stir-frys.

The high levels of copper in SEA VEGETABLES regulate blood pressure; they also contain vitamin B2, which aids in the absorption of other B vitamins that are key to reducing stress. Sprinkle nori, kelp, wakame, or dulse on your steamed grains or add to a miso broth.

ROOT VEGETABLES are said to calm and relax the mind. Roast or juice beets, radishes, yams, carrots, parsnips and yams.

BLACK BEANS are high in magnesium, which relaxes the nervous system and balances stress hormones. Cooked black beans can be a side or center point of many meals; sprouted black beans are a wonderful addition to salads.

High in iron, BLACKBERRIES are said to increase mental function. Add summer’s bounty to your smoothies or mix in with coconut or almond yogurt.

SOYBEANS—and TOFU made from soybeans—reduce blood pressure and are high in tryptophan, which is a natural sedative. Steam soybeans for a snack or side dish; substitute organic tofu products for meat.

Because it contains large amounts of chlorophyll, PARSLEY supports liver function. Add parsley to tabouli and juices—don’t just ignore it as a garnish!

RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR helps to regulate blood pressure. Try it in salad dressing or mix with warm water for a morning elixir.

In addition, make sure you are getting enough of these key nutrients, either from food or supplements:

B VITAMINS, FOLIC ACID and B12 support the adrenal glands, which regulate stress.

MAGNESIUM supports brain function and helps regulate mood disorders such as PMS and bipolar disorder.

OMEGA-3 fatty acids build healthy brain cell membranes and help facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication.

Want more ways to fight anxiety and depression, naturally? Drink lots of water and get daily exercise. Avoid sugar and caffeine. Simplify your life as much as possible, to reduce stress levels. Finally, talk to someone—a partner, friend, relative or therapist.

Learn more about Heather Lounsbury at LiveNaturalLiveWell.com. 

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