Biohacking Depression – Part II

In the first part of this series about biohacking depression, we covered the importance of looking at neurological components of depression, as well as our overall lifestyle. When it comes to adjusting your lifestyle, paying attention to your diet is of the utmost importance.

Many of the dietary habits of the average American are not ideal for depression, and they can lead to an increased risk of depression, especially compared to those eating natural, whole-foods. A diet that has unhealthy fats, sugar, all kinds of processed foods and refined grains, can end up disrupting the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, inevitably increasing risk of depression. A poor diet affects neurotransmitters and can affect overall brain function on the whole as well.

Go For The Mediterranean Diet

You’ll want to start with getting rid of the possible foods that are inflammatory (which you may be extra sensitive to) as well as the unhealthy foods. Now, there are many foods that can be considered inflammatory, so processed foods will be a good first option of what to excise. First on the list are foods that happen to be especially high in sugar and vegetable oils. After that, gluten, GMOs and conventional dairy should follow. Anything that may cause you to have an allergic reaction or any food that you may have a sensitivity to should be removed from your diet as well to help lower any toxicity you have in your body.

Once you’ve done that, you should try to stock up a some foods that are considered anti-depressive. Bear in mind that a healthy diet won’t fix everything with your depression, but it’s a step in the right direction. Some of the best foods that are anti-depressive include: grass-fed meat, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, olive oil, prepared whole grains, and wild fish.

How It Can Help

A recent study on diet and its role in mental health emphasized the benefits of the aforementioned foods as they give a solid balance of macronutrients and micronutrients that are necessary for brain health. They also help in lowering neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and assist in the production of vital neurotransmitters and BDNF. Finally, it is worth mentioning that this type of diet can help optimize the microbiota-gut-brain axis, especially when it comes to eating legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

This Mediterranean-like diet can therefore optimize the neurotransmitter activity that is at play when it comes to tackling depression. We will feature three more aspects of ways to handle depression when it strikes in future parts.