Depression is something that drags many patients down; making it almost impossible to carry on with everyday life (i.e., work, school, social obligations, etc.). To help alleviate depression symptoms (and in addition to doctor-prescribed medications and therapies), it is important to add specific foods to your diet to help decrease your risk of depression and help with current symptoms. Foods to add to your diet for this purpose are oysters, fermented foods, lean proteins, and beans.

After adopting a diet containing the following foods, you may start to notice improvement:

1. Oysters
Oysters are excellent when it comes to mood-stabilizing foods as they contain high amounts of zinc which promote brain function when it comes to behavior and your mental clarity. Oysters also contain vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids which also contribute to healthy brain function. To add oysters into your diet start by steaming them or even in a stew during the colder seasons.

2. Fermented foods
Fermented foods are great for a clinical depression diet as gut bacteria contribute to depression in adults. Fermented foods such as kimchi, kombucha, and miso will help rid your body of unwanted gut bacteria which in return will help your risk of depression. All of these food items are great additions to soup so you can make your very own delicious creation that will help with your depression symptoms and add healthy nutrients to your diet.

3. Lean proteins
Lean proteins are a great addition to your diet if you are searching for mood-stabilizing foods to help with your depression symptoms. Lean proteins that you can add to your diet are fish, poultry, eggs, and low-fat dairy. These foods also contain serotonin which will help boost your mood almost instantly after consuming it throughout the day. All of which will give you the correct amount of nutrients and protein to help you reduce depression symptoms that are keeping you awake at night.

4. Beans
If you are looking to go on a clinical depression diet, it is important to add beans into your meals at least once a day. Beans contain a high amount of fiber which is a large contributor to lessening depression symptoms. Where you choose to eat your beans in a salad or baked in the oven, you are taking the first step to stabilize and improve your mood naturally.