The best to address mood disorders

The term mood disorders describes basic forms of mental illness, including different types of depression, such as postpartum depression and dysthymia; bipolar disorder, characterized by mood swings that range from depression to mania; and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in which people are sad and moody throughout the winter months.

Nutrition Connection
 While the links between diet and mood disorders are not firmly established, there has been a lot of research on the effects of certain foods and nutrients on the brain chemicals that control your mood. The following are general tips:
-Consume more tryptophan. The amino acid tryptophan is used by the brain to produce serotonin, which is believed to influence mood. Food sources include turkey, milk, and eggs.
-Add more carbs. Meals that are especially rich in carbs have been associated with a calming, relaxing effect. Carbohydrate-rich foods allow tryptophan to enter the brain. Feel-good food choices include pasta, breads, grains, cereals, fruits, and juices.
-Lean on leafy greens. Many depressed people are deficient in folate. This essential mineral is abundant in green leafy vegetables like kale. Other sources include orange juice, lentils, corn, asparagus, peas, nuts, and seeds.
-Feast on fish. Aim to eat fish three times a week or more. Researchers found that people who ate fish less than once a week had a 31% higher incidence of mild to moderate depression than people who ate fish more often.
-Limit caffeine. The best-known mood-altering dietary item is caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. While a cup of coffee may be a welcome eye-opener, too much caffeine causes palpitations, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
-Limit or avoid alcohol. Second to caffeine as the most often used mood-altering substance, alcohol is a depressant that slows down certain physiological processes. Because alcohol also interferes with sleep, it can cause irritability, anxiety, and depression.
-Don’t skip meals. Besides the types of food you eat, when and how much you eat can also affect your mood. Eating small amounts of food frequently through the day can keep your energy levels and mood more constant.
-50.9% of those with mood disorders in the U.S. are receiving treatment.
-Limit sugary foods. Foods made with refined sugar may have some effect on children’s activity. Refined sugars enter the bloodstream quickly and produce high glucose levels that trigger adrenaline, followed by a sugar “crash.”

Beyond the Diet
A combination of medication and therapy works best to address mood disorders. The following are general recommendations:

A NOTE ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES
There is no evidence that food allergies, including the much-disputed “yeast sensitivity,” cause emotional or behavioral changes. In some rare cases, children do have intolerances to certain food additives and these can manifest as behavioral problems. Discuss your questions with your pediatrician.

-See a doctor. If you suspect that you have a mood disorder, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe medications or refer you to a psychotherapist.
-Soak up some light therapy. For those who experience SAD, light therapy or phototherapy can be effective.
-Ask about medications. If any mood disorders are severe, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants, such as sertraline, paroxetine, or fluoxetine, among others. Those suffering from bipolar disorder may be prescribed mood stabilizers, such as lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and antianxietry drugs.
-Look into psychotherapy. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group therapy may help an individual and his or her family better manage the disorder. Also, electroconvulsive therapy may be an option.