Almost everybody suffers from bouts of depression at some point or the other, during their lives. While some people may turn to a quick fix antidepressant during such a phase, there are several other ways in which you can boost your mood naturally. The vitamins and nutrients, which are present in certain types of food, can have a positive effect on your overall mood.


These foods generally cost less than antidepressants do, but the main reason that you should opt for them instead, is that they also have fewer side effects. Given below are some of the most common foods that are known the uplift people’s spirits:

• Dark chocolate can increase the levels of endorphins that are released by the brain. These endorphins are known as natural antidepressants, as they can work wonders in altering your mood positively.
  
  
  The main cause of depression is an imbalance of serotonin and consuming just one ounce of dark chocolate each day can lead to a boost in the levels of serotonin in the body. However, in order to avoid any adverse side effects, no more than one ounce of dark chocolate should be consumed in the entire day.

• Turkey is high in an essential amino acid known as tryptophan, which is known to reduce the levels of anxiety in the body and restore the sense of wellbeing in a person. Therefore, eating turkey on a regular basis can also help a person deal with chronic depression, anxiety and insomnia.

• Tuna has the added benefit of being a mood-booster, in addition to all the nutrients it contains. Some people take fish oil capsules to deal with depression and anxiety.

• Milk is high in Vitamin B12, which is required by the nervous system, in order to synthesize serotonin in the body. Therefore, both whole milk or skim milk can help improve your mood.

• Green tea is not just good for weight loss purposes, but it can also improve your mood, since it contains polyphenols, the antioxidants that increases the amounts of dopamine in the brain. Green tea can also help you relax to a great extent.

• Steel cuts oats are generally avoided by people, as they take longer to cook. However, since they are made from whole oats, they are a good source of complex carbs, which are low on the glycemic index. Like other whole grains, steel cut oats can have a calming effect on the body since they control the release of stress hormones.

While the mood-boosting foods mentioned above have brought about excellent results in many people, their effects may vary from person to person. Moreover, it is important to consult a doctor, before you add any of the above foods to your regular diet, especially, if you are suffering from any preexisting medical condition. Severe mood swings or cases of depression should be dealt with, by a doctor.