Every winter millions of people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a condition that can increase anxiety and depression. It can be caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. Nutrition and fitness expert Jody Trierweiler has five foods with nutrients that can help fight off SAD.
The first thing that Trierweiler says can affect your mental health are low folic acid levels, which are associated with anxiety and depression. Lentils are the number one source of folic acid in food, and you’ll especially want to add them to your diet if you’re already taking antacids, because those can lower your levels.
Low iron levels can also impact depression and anxiety, which Trierweiler says can be helped by eating clams. Iron is absorbed with the help of Vitamin C, and clams contain both Vitamin C and Iron, giving you double the benefits from one food.
She also says to make sure you’re getting your recommended fiber intake, which helps your body digest food and nutrients. She says her favorite source is raspberries, which pack 8 grams of fiber per cup.
Keeping up on Omega 3 nutrients can also help combat inflammation that can take place in your brain when you experience depression and anxiety. Fish like salmon are a great source, but for those who prefer to go vegetarian, flax seeds can help fill in the gaps.
Trierweiler’s last suggestion is to eat probiotics to create a healthy gut atmosphere. Fermented foods like sauerkraut can get you these nutrients, just remember to keep everything refrigerated.
For more nutrition and fitness tips from Jody, watch the video above.