Foods to fight depression? page

[shema]

I recently had a baby and have been taken aback to find myself feeling depressed. I did not experience this with my first child. I suspect a reason for this may be that I’m more sleep deprived this time around than I was the last time.

What are foods/supplements I can take to naturally address feeling sad/depressed?

In the past few days I’ve done the following and it’s really helped (but I want more suggestions):

-Completely out all sugar ( I was dabbling in it earlier. I think the sleep deprivation had me craving sweets).
-Eating more salmon
-Eating more coconut butter and avocados
-Exercising more
-Drinking 1/2 cup of black coffee when I feel really bad. It REALLY elevates my mood.

What else can I do?

(Edit based on replies below: Yes, I am eating eggs and chicken liver already).

[Paleobird]

Liver and bone broth can help make sure you have the micronutrient bases covered.

[YogaBare]

If you can tolerate starch I find white rice and white potatoes great Also eggs are reputed to be a "good mood food" but I have heard reports from some people that too many make them depressed.

You're gonna have to experiment I guess!

[shema]

Thanks! Yes, I am eating chicken liver and also eggs are totally a staple in my diet!

I will try to find more time to make bone broth for myself!

[serenity]

Tryptophan. It's an amino acid that's the precursor to serotonin. You can either buy it as a supplement or try to eat naturally tryptophan-rich foods, like turkey.

[namelesswonder]

^Agreed with the above, but also just ensuring that you are getting enough protein may be enough.

If you are having a pick-me-up effect from coffee that's not just energy related, I'd wager that your serotonin levels are low.

[shema]

Tryptophan. It's an amino acid that's the precursor to serotonin. You can either buy it as a supplement or try to eat naturally tryptophan-rich foods, like turkey.

Yes! I am also drinking goat milk kefir! I read goat milk has lots of tryptophan!

How do I increase serotonin?

[YogaBare]

If you're already doing these things and you're still feeling depressed then maybe you need to try something new too?

What's your diet like atm?

[shema]

I'm feeling better now but wanted additional suggestions. For example last week I was eating ice cream, had some chocolate here and there, etc. I was making smoothies w coconut milk and berries but decided to stop that for the moment. I've cut out all the sugary stuff. Here's what I had today:

Breakfast: Omelet w. shitake mushrooms
Snack: Coconut butter and cashews
Lunch: Salmon w. guacamole
Snack: Goat milk kefir
Dinner: Okra w. oxtail stew

I also put the baby in a stroller and walked a lot.

I feel a lot better today but just want to make sure I can maintain feeling better!

I am also taking Vitamin D supplements since I live in the northeast and it's dark and cold...

[whitebear]

Niacin