5 diet tips to manage depression

Depressed people may have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart rate that frequently causes poor blood flow, a new study published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Researchers at Aarhus University said the drugs were not responsible for the high frequency of atrial fibrillation in depressed people. "It is common knowledge that there is a connection between mind and heart.Depression predicts the development of coronary heart disease and worsens its prognosis.Our study examined whether depression is also related to atrial fibrillation, "said author of the study, Morten Fenger-Grøn. .

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder (arrhythmia). It is estimated that by 2030, the European Union will have 14 to 17 million patients with atrial fibrillation, with 120,000 to 215,000 new diagnoses each year. Palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and vertigo are common signs of atrial fibrillation. Antidepressants have been associated with serious but rare heart rhythm disorders, which raises the question of whether they could also increase the risk of atrial fibrillation.

This study examined the association between depression and antidepressant treatment and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Completing a prescription for anti-depressants for the first time was used as an indicator of depression. The study included 785,254 people who started antidepressant treatment between 2000 and 2013. The risk of atrial fibrillation was assessed after the start of treatment and the previous month, assuming patients were depressed but untreated. The results revealed that, compared to the general population, antidepressant patients had a 3.11-fold higher risk of atrial fibrillation during the first month of treatment. The association then decreased gradually, rising to 1.37 times at 2-6 months and 1.11 times at 6-12 months.

Dietary advice to manage depression

Although medications are very important, it's important to understand that diet is an extremely important part of mental health. A healthy and rewarding diet rich in vitamins and essential minerals is closely linked to the triggering of positive thoughts, according to studies.

Here are some tips for a healthy diet that a depressed person should consider:

1. Healthy Fats: Healthy fats such as those contained in nuts, eggs, avocados, olive oil, cheese, whole grains and fish are essential to brain health and can play an important role in the fight against depression.

2. Leafy vegetables: Vegetables rich in folic acid and water-soluble vitamin B are also great for eating. Low levels of folate have been associated with depressive symptoms and poor response to antidepressants. Watercress, spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, broccoli and kale are examples.

3. Drink more water and liquids. "Have a balanced diet and include more fluids such as green tea, buttermilk, nimbu paani and even milk.The milk has a soothing effect on the brain.You can create a fast smoothie with banana and milk that you will overcome the mood swings in the morning., "says Dr. Mukta Vasishta, chief dietician at Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi. Dr. Simran Saini, a nutritionist at Fortis Healthcare Delhi, adds, "I ask my patients to drink a lot of water, you should also drink a glass of lemon water every day."

4. Antioxidant Rich Fruits: "Berries and fruits like cherries, grapes and dark green vegetables are rich in antioxidants and can really help," says Dr. Simran Saini.

5. Foods rich in protein. "Protein-rich foods are known to boost alertness, and some of them contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps your body turn serotonin into a brain-stimulating chemical.

6. Bananas: Bananas help stimulate tryptophan, also called happiness hormone. You can eat it raw or mix it in shakes.

Include these foods in your diet and check their effectiveness. Talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your daily diet.

Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. It is not in any way a substitute for qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.