Smartphones May Help Curb Depression: Try These Foods Too!

A new study, published in the journal World Psychiatry, indicates that smartphone apps can help in treating depression. The results of the study show that smartphones open up non-stigmatising and self-managing avenues of care for people with depression. Smartphones can help them monitor, understand and manage their own mental health. 

According to lead author Joseph Firth, postdoctoral research fellow at Australia's National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), "The majority of people in developed countries own smartphones, including younger people who are increasingly affected by depression.” Firth added, "Smartphone devices may ultimately be capable of providing instantly accessible and highly effective treatments for depression, reducing the societal and economic burden of this condition worldwide.”

Researchers have found that these apps are not from cognitive behavioural therapy or mood monitoring programmes in terms of application of principles of mindfulness. The team suggests that these apps can be used as an "integrative medicine" approach and can be particularly useful for improving mood and tackling symptoms in patients.

For the study, the team reviewed 18 randomised controlled trials which examined a total of 22 different smartphones-delivered mental health interventions. The studies involved more than 3,400 male and female participants between the ages of 18-59. 

Depression is a serious mental disorder and may require prolonged treatment just like any physical ailment. But there are some natural ways to curb depression. You are what you eat and your diet can play a crucial role in maintaining mental health. Try to include these foods in your daily diet to curb symptoms of depression.

1. Complex carbohydrates: Include foods that are rich in complex carbs in your diet like whole grains and brown rice. A lot of studies have shown that low carb diets have been linked to nervousness, anxiety, decreased concentration and insomnia.

2. Vitamin D: A deficiency of this nutrient if often linked with mood swings and depression. Add natural sources of Vitamin D like mushrooms, eggs and soy milk to your diet.

3. Antioxidants: Antioxidants can help in reducing the oxidative stress on your mental health. Berries and foods like cherries, grapes and dark leafy greens are your best bet.

4. Good quality proteins: Protein rich foods are known to boost alertness. Some of them contain an amino acid called tryptophan which helps your body make the mood boosting brain chemical, serotonin. Peas, beans, soya, lentils and paneer are good options and so are chicken and fish.

These healthy foods can really help in lifting your mood and making you feel better.