There is a significant correlation between systemic inflammation and schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, according to research on these mental health conditions. The following foods should be avoided because they cause inflammation:

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1. Processed Sugars and Synthetic Sweeteners

Cake, ice cream, chocolate bars, soda (including diet and sugar-free varieties), and diet and sugar-free drinks all aggravate the bacteria in your digestive tract. Your body will suffer physical and emotional impairment as a result of the bacteria eroding the lining of your stomach, releasing bacteria and toxins into your circulation, and causing systemic inflammation.

2. Simple Starches

Although they don’t taste as sweet, they are processed by your digestive system in the same manner as sugar. The worst culprits for raising your blood sugar levels are white bread, potatoes, rice, and pasta, which have the same effect as eating doughnuts for breakfast.

3. Saturated and Trans Fats

Other fats can be strongly inflammatory, nevertheless, the unsaturated fats included in fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are beneficial and can fight illness. Margarine, the majority of processed foods, prepackaged baked products, almost all fast food and fried meals, and trans and saturated fats are all sources of these fats. Sadly, saturated fats are found in many types of meat, including red, fatty, and processed meats.

4. Alcohol and Other Mood Influencing Substances

Alcoholic drinks are depressants in addition to causing restless sleep and escalating inflammation. By slowing down communication between your brain and the rest of your body, they have an impact on your central nervous system. This is why drinking makes you less coordinated.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine looks like the perfect cure for depression, tiredness, and lethargy, but some caffeinated beverages might be harmful. Particularly high amounts of caffeine, guarana, processed sugars, and synthetic sugars in energy drinks are all problematic for depression. Even abnormal cardiac rhythms may result from them.

Mood-Boosting Foods

Not only are these dietary choices not inflammatory in themselves. A fatty acid called omega-3, which is abundant in fish has been linked to fewer cases of depression and healthier hearts, and less inflammation. Your physician could advise you to buy your groceries at Pike Place Market or to take a fish oil supplement if you are receiving depression therapy in Seattle.

Don’t Neglect Your Vitamins

Additionally, many vitamins and minerals can either aid or impede depression. Low vitamin D levels, for instance, maybe a factor in your sadness or seasonal affective disorder. Increasing your time spent outside or taking a supplement might help you feel more balanced. Low vitamin B12 or folate levels can also affect your mood. These are present in fish, a variety of fruits, legumes or beans, dark leafy greens or vegetables, and legumes, which is another reason why the foods mentioned above are mood-enhancing.

The great news is that you don’t have to eliminate all inflammatory items from your diet. Simply eating everything in moderation is the key. If you truly want that cupcake, balance it out by eating a supper that is nutrient-rich and anti-inflammatory beforehand.

5 Foods to Avoid During Treatment for Depression