Depression (or bipolar depression) can affect anyone based on a variety of factors, and its impact can be testing as well as life-changing. While there are medical treatments to deal with the disorder, there are ways to manage the symptoms. Adding in lifestyle remedies can go a long way in boosting one’s mental health, especially by being conscious of foods for depression. There is no singular diet that will help a person, but adding a combination of foods is the best way to figure out which ones will lighten the stress.

Here’s a list of few types of foods that can go a long way in helping ease your mind:

1. Pick selenium-rich foods
According to scientists, eating foods rich in selenium has a positive impact on the mood and helps reduce anxiety, which is one of the key issues with depression management. Some of the types of foods that contain this element are whole grains, seafood, Brazil nuts, and organ meats like liver. There are also a variety of natural supplements available over the counter.

2. Pick Vitamin D-rich foods
Vitamin D is one element that can ease up your depression. Most often this is availed in the natural form through exposure to the sun. But there are also other dietary sources that can amp up vitamin D intake for your body, and these types of foods for depression include – oily fish, beef, liver, eggs, and fortified dairy products.

3. Pick foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acid
It has been found that depression can be alleviated through the consumption of foods rich in Omega-3. While there is no definite research outlining its impact, these foods are known to enhance brain function as they help preserve the myelin sheath of the brain, which guards the nerve cells. Some of the best sources of foods for depression associated with Omega-3 are flaxseed and chia seeds; cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel; walnuts.

4. Pick antioxidant rich foods
The main substances that contain antioxidizing properties are Vitamin A, C, and E. These antioxidants are essential for the body as they help eliminate any free radicals which are the body’s waste product build-up. If these are not periodically relieved from the body, the effect of stress can develop. As a result of which an individual can experience other health problems in addition to depression and anxiety. There has been an extensive study conducted in 2012 which depicted how antioxidants play a major role in reducing anxiety symptoms which are normally associated with the anxiety disorder. Some of the best foods for depression which contain these properties include berries and various forms of plant-based foods. Having a healthy diet will require a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. Probiotics
Foods rich in zinc, protein, and probiotics can also go a long way in aiding with depression management. It is important that you make your life easier when you are diagnosed with depression, especially in terms of food, as they can have both an alleviating and a worsening effect on the body.