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Photo: Samael Kreutz / Flickr

While it’s important to speak to your physician if you have symptoms of depression, it isn’t always necessary to resort to pills if food can be used for healing instead. The Plant Programme offers plant-based solutions for arthritic symptoms, allergies, anaemia, the loss of appetite, chest infections, cold sores, constipation, cuts and bruises, cystitis, depression, headaches, fungal infections ‑ and other problems like depression. Plant believes that anyone can benefit, including those who suffer from the side effects of cancer treatment.

What to eat for depression

If you suffer from depression or anxiety, you will possibly also experience sleeplessness, fatigue, poor concentration and irritability. ‘Many people with cancer suffer from depression and anxiety so do not be embarrassed to ask for help,’ advises Plant.

Food can do a lot to improve your mood. Start by eliminating caffeine from your diet and reducing your consumption of alcohol. Try to eat as many different fruits and vegetables as you can. To steady your blood sugar levels, which can contribute to mood swings, eat starchy foods like whole grain bread and pasta and plenty of brown rice.

Miso Soup, brewer’s yeast, pumpkin and sesame seeds

Take brewer’s yeast to boost your vitamin B levels. Eat pumpkin and sesame seeds to improve your zinc levels and eat lots of delicate and delicious miso soup.

To make miso soup: bring one litre of freshly made vegetable stock to a slow simmer then add 100 grams of cubed tofu. Simmer for another three minutes, remove the pot from the stove and stir in four tablespoons of red-brown coloured miso paste. Serve with a couple of chopped mushrooms, spring onions and wakame seaweed.

Herbal remedies

While herbal remedies like borage, Lavender, vervain and St John’s Wort are recommended by Plant, she says that ‘these are not recommended during chemotherapy and it is always wise to consult a professional herbalist.’ They also shouldn’t be taken with antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.

Banana and nuts can stimulate serotonin production while dark chocolate, preferably made with soy milk, can boost endorphins. To make a chocolate ‘milk’ drink, heat one cup of soya milk and place 50 grams of diced dark, dairy-free chocolate into it, then stir until it has melted. If you feel you need sugar to taste, then add a little unrefined sugar to your drink.

Non-food boosters

To further stimulate those ‘feel good’ chemicals, exercise can work wonders. Even though you may not feel like getting out there, force yourself to if you have to. Try and exercise in natural light – because getting a long dose of natural light every day can further enhance your mood.

Spend time with caring family and friends but ‘try not to wear individuals down too much,’ adds Plant. She advises that one should sort out underlying problems and find ways of coping with those that can’t be resolved. Ask for help if you feel that you need it.

Tags: Depression, food, health