There are various types of medications and therapy available for treating teen depression. Some of the researchers wanted to find if any change in diets is required for treating these teens. Their studies have revealed that if certain simple changes are made to the diet regimen of these affected young people, it can bestow good benefits. In fact, doctors come across many teens who are affected by depression and who complain of issues with their stomach like aches in the stomach.
But, these doctors are not able to specifically say which diets may benefit these teens and which may not. It appears that studies that specifically focus on the beneficial eating plans for treating teen depression are yet to be taken up.
Nonetheless, the fact is a diet regimen that consists of healthy foods may certainly help while treating teen depression.
Food Tips That May Help Fight The Problem Of Depression In Teens
Provide Them With Nutritious Foods
If you make sure that the foods you provide to your teens have adequate doses of all the essential nutrients, you can be confident that they will be healthy and will grow well. If teens do not get the required nutrients, they may be affected by health issues and even illness.
Antioxidants Are Very Important
Free radicals that enter the system of teens through pollution of various types may cause harm to their health. The only way to counter the harmful effects of these free radicals is to make these teens eat foods like apricots, broccoli, spinach, carrots, pumpkin and sweet potato that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants may improve the functioning capabilities of the brains of these teens also.
Enhance The Mood Of Your Teens By Providing Appropriate Carbohydrates
It is an established fact that the mood of a person has links with secretion of Serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical of the brain. If secretion of Serotonin decreases, the person’s body may crave for carbohydrates. So, it is wrong to shun all types of carbohydrates. You should avoid giving carbohydrates from sugary foods to these teens and instead, give them “complex” carbohydrates that are got from wholesome grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Protein-Rich Foods May Boost Alertness
Protein-rich foods like turkey, chicken or tuna may supply Tyrosine, an Amino acid to us. Tyrosine is capable of boosting the levels of Dopamine and Norepinephrine that are brain chemicals and that keep people alert. So, if you provide such foods to your teens, they will be alert and will be able to concentrate better. Likewise, beans, peas, low-fat cheese, milk, lean beef, fish, and soy products are also rich in proteins.
Adequate Doses Of Vitamin D Is Essential
A study reveals that Vitamin D deficiency makes a person susceptible to depression. So, you must make sure that your teens have regular walks in the sunlight of mornings and evenings so that their body can absorb adequate amount of this vitamin.
Diets Provided To Teens Should Contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Teens can get countless health benefits if they consume sufficient Omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, studies have revealed that there is a lot of link between teen depression and deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can be got from fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel. Another Omega-3 fatty acid called Alpha-Linolenic acid can be got from flaxseed, soybean oil, as well as green leafy vegetables.
If you follow these tips and give these foods regularly, cure of teen depression can certainly be accelerated.