Antidepressants are as common today as pain relievers and nighttime sleep aids, but does this mean they’re the best option for our health? Of course not! We weren’t intended to need or rely on drugs and though mental illness is nothing to play around with or make light of, we should always look to natural remedies first instead just assuming we need a drug to fix our problems. Antidepressants work by either promoting serotonin in the body or both serotonin and dopamine, our feel good hormones that produce a healthy mood. The problem with antidepressants is that sometimes, they can produce too much of one or the other causing an imbalance, and many of them come with side effects that alter long-term health such as weight gain, reduced gut function, mood disorders, emotional numbness, and some many even make depression worse.

Depression From an Insider: Does Natural Health Really Work?

As someone who has struggled with life-threatening depression herself, I relate and sympathize to people who want a fast solution; I certainly did. Depression is isolating, and can make everything in life seem impossible. It can also hit out of nowhere and stay around for years with waves on and off throughout your life. Depression can also be genetically passed down and is often associated with other mental illnesses such as obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, panic disorders, and often even related to autoimmune disorders. 

When I began to learn about nutrition and functional medicine, I quickly learned that drugs really didn’t have that much to offer in comparison to natural options. Chemically produced in a lab, synthetic prescription drugs can only do so much and create more damage than good. However, the benefits of natural foods have been around since the beginning of time. They do not change, our bodies recognize them as direct nutritional food, and believe it or not, our brains actually love them.

When I implemented holistic health options into my life 10 years ago to come off antidepressants, I turned to natural medical doctors for options, including Julia Ross and Mark Hyman, along with John Hopkins University. All sources I found advised removing sugar from the diet, which I found immediately helpful for not just depression and anxiety but also epilepsy, disordered eating, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Next to go were all refined grains and most processed foods. In addition to removing these foods, healthy foods are immediately added and required to nourish the brain for the production of necessary neurotransmitters in the body such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. Amino acids are also required by the body, along with fresh produce and high-quality fats for optimal brain health. Once removing harmful foods and implementing beneficial foods, near immediate relief can be seen within a period of two weeks though recovery is an ongoing process and returning to unhealthy eating habits can reintroduce symptoms. When you give your body (and brain) what it needs, it’s as if a fog is lifted because neurotransmitters have the best fuel possible for what they need to actually function as they were meant to.

Here are 10 plant-based foods that promote optimal brain health better than drugs:

1. Chia Seeds

Forget that they are trendy; chia seeds are packed with amino acids, iron, and contain B vitamins that are must-haves for a healthy brain. Because they’re a complete protein they also assist with optimal neurotransmitter function and the production of serotonin in the body. Finally, they’re a great source of omega-3’s and fiber. Omega-3s help reduce depression, anxiety, and assist with healthy blood sugar levels. When blood sugar falls, insulin spikes and then falls which triggers a bad mood (and often sugar cravings) which creates a vicious cycle in the brain.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic carbohydrate that contains L-tryptophan, an amino acid directly related to help prevent depression and anxiety. Sweet potatoes also reduce blood sugar levels and are high in vitamin B6, a natural anti-depressant. Many people suffering depression are critically low in B vitamins, therefore implementing foods that contain them is an easy and quick solution. Sweet potatoes are also high in magnesium and potassium which reduces cortisol and high blood pressure that increases with stress.

3. Avocados

Avocados are high in beneficial fats for the brain including monounsaturated fats that have been linked to a healthy brain and heart. Avocados also contain magnesium, trace amounts of omega-3’s, B vitamins and potassium. They contain especially high levels of folate as well, a B vitamin that directly reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes healthy brain function overall. See all our avocado recipes for plenty of ways to use them in your meals, snacks, and even in desserts!

4. Flax

Flax is one of the best sources of omega-3s, even higher in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) than chia. Flax is also packed with fiber to reduce blood sugar levels and contributes to better blood pressure too. Sprinkle a little flax on your foods however you can; it has a great nutty taste, and it can be added to everything from veggies to healthy desserts!

5. Gluten-Free Oats

Oats are loaded with brain benefits, but for best results, choose gluten-free. Why? Because even if you’re not allergic, there are many studies that do link gluten to depression, so if you suffer depression, why not play it safe? Oats are some of the best foods for improving brain health because they’re packed with B vitamins, protein, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. These all work together to release feel-good hormones, promote steady energy levels in the body, reduce blood sugar and blood pressure, and can even assist with sleep health and sugar cravings. Choose plain oats (without added sugars) and add in some almond, cashew or coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free breakfast. Top it with berries and stevia for natural sweetness, or go overnight oat style and add in some chia and coconut yogurt!

6. Broccoli

This might sound a little too simplistic, but believe it not, this humble veggie is great for your brain. It’s a great source of vitamin B6, protein, and calcium which all promote relaxation and a happy mood. Broccoli is also great to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and can help reduce sugar cravings. Try to have a cup a day; there are so many delicious ways to prepare it!

7. Quinoa

The complete protein we all love and can’t get enough of is also a great natural anti-depressant. This mighty little seed is high in magnesium, iron, B vitamins, and all essential amino acids. Quinoa is a wonderful gluten-free replacement to couscous and also more nutritious. Quinoa’s high mineral content directly plays a part in the release of serotonin, GABA, and even melatonin which can help you sleep easier. Its natural carbohydrates are also slow-releasing which is optimal for blood sugar and a longer lasting happy mood. You can bake with the whole seed, cook it up like rice or soak it overnight with oats for a healthy porridge. 

8. Hemp 

Hemp seeds are extremely high in omega-3s, complete protein, and fiber. They are wonderful mood enhancers, and they promote relaxation and happiness in the body. As most people know, hemp is not the same as marijuana and contributes to drug-like properties to the body. It is one of the top vegan foods promoted by Julia Ross, a medical doctor and expert in natural brain health and depression relief through dietary therapy; she is also the author of the best-selling book, The Mood Cure that tackles natural relief for depression through diet and proper supplementation. Hemp is also one of the richest sources of magnesium and iron that are critical to healthy brain function, and one of the best for improving dopamine production in the body without chemicals or stimulants.

9. Walnuts

Walnuts are another amazing food for your brain. Walnuts are the only nut to contain traceable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, and they’re high in magnesium as well. They also decrease inflammation in the brain that can interfere with a healthy mood and contribute to healthy cholesterol levels often affected by those with depression. Walnuts are even helpful for inducing melatonin in the body which can help you sleep, and they naturally prevent sugar cravings when eaten in place of sweets. Enjoy 1/4 cup a day to benefit the most. Walnut butter is another option that provides the same benefits.

10. Greens

The best food of all must be saved for last … leafy greens are phenomenal for depression. They are high in magnesium, B vitamins, iron, and they promote a happy mood naturally because they contain grounding properties and life-giving properties by nature. Greens can help stabilize blood pressure, improve healthy blood flow to the brain, reduce sugar cravings, improve amino acid uptake, are high in vitamin C to improve iron absorption and may also contain trace amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.  Choose kale, romaine, chard, dandelions, arugula, collards, spinach, butter lettuce, leaf lettuce, and herb and spring mixes as the healthiest options.