Weight Loss and Depression

By: Juliet

Depression is one of the toughest conditions of life to stay with. Many people who suffer from depression experience gain in weight, which is an added tension. Weight change can be a symptom of depression, as well as a side effect of most medication. Many people with depression deal with body weight fluctuations. Without knowing the specifics of your diet, exercise habits, and medical history, it is difficult to determine exactly what effect cortisol levels will have on your weight. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the body that regulates metabolism and blood pressure. It also plays a major role in the stress response, and has become known as "the stress hormone." During stress, our body enters a state of "fight or flight.

Serotonin is the brain chemical which helps us stay happy. Eating carbohydrates helps to expand serotonin levels and may explain why we sometimes desire these foods. So if you suffer from depression, do not follow a carb-restricted or low-carb eating plan. Good carbohydrates include foods like oats, whole wheat bread, pasta, basmati or wholegrain rice, and beans/legumes. Small amounts of selenium has also been efficient in the treatment of depression. Selenium can be get by eating foods such as total wheat bread, bran, Brazil nuts, tuna, onions, tomatoes and broccoli. Include some of these foods on a regular basis. One should include plenty of salads and vegetables in the diet. One can also include fish with a couple of meals in a week with the main course of diet.

The fatty acids and antioxidants present in these foods will help one to defend brain cells from getting into depression and aging as well. There are number of programs that may help one to lose weight that one has gained due to depression. These programs not only make one to lose weight but also provide plenty of support for getting out of depression phase. A regular routine helps to maintain stable metabolism and blood-sugar levels, which in turn improves mood, and should therefore help to alleviate some symptoms of depression. Exercise may be more effective than drugs in treating mild to moderate depression. If you don't currently take exercise, then if possible, start with 20-30 minutes each day. A brisk walk, cycle or swim is an excellent way to begin.




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About the Author:
Juliet Cohen writes articles for fitness tips and weight loss tips. She also writes articles on home remedies.