Comment by beej71 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by beej71 | Hacker News Reader

This is going to sound nuts, and of course I offer no guarantees, but I found that I did a lot better on days I ate bananas.

Hear me out for a moment.

I really like bananas... I buy a couple bunches and they're gone in a few days. Yummy. But then I don't get to the store for a while, and so on. One day not too long ago, I saw a bit of a correlation between my mood and the days I had bananas.

Digging around a bit, bananas (or papaya or dates) turn out to be one of the fruits that increase serotonin levels, one of the chemicals that might play a role in depression.

So... at this point it might be all placebo, but I don't care. I eat bananas every day and feel generally good! (Hey, it's only a couple bucks to try out, and at least it's not heroin or something!)

Naturally, the banana is no substitute for professional help, etc.

I don't think it's nuts. I am no doctor but I have a theory, which is basically as simple as positive versus negative thinking and energy. I absolutely believe eating foods you like, especially if they are naturally healthy, can help with depression. I think a reason many people become overweight is they seek something which provides something positive, like tasty foods, to alleviate depression. Unfortunately, they often choose junk food, which I don't recommend as it can spike your energy level, then bring you back down. Eating healthy can provide a much nicer energy curve, which I think is very helpful. Like others have said, I also believe exercise can help. This is because you take on a positive task (betterment of your health) and feel good for completing that task, in addition to feeling better physically. Here again is something positive which I believe offsets negative energy/thoughts. Chemicals within the body may also play a role, but again, I'm no doctor. I do, however, strongly feel that positive thinking and acts are very helpful. On the other hand, negative thoughts can spiral downward and become even more of a problem, so dwelling on negative thoughts should be avoided.

That's not nuts - I mean, proper nutrition (bananas are good food) and good sleep are necessary for good mental health.

Sometimes just some proper food and sleep is all you need.

Bananas contain magnesium. Magnesium is supposed to reinforce your mental strength. Most antistress pills you can get without prescription have it.

Will give it a shot. Thanks.

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