Foods That Can Trigger Depression Symptoms

Fruit Juice

Probably one of the most surprising food culprits that can trigger depression is fruit juice. Although fruit itself is full of fiber, various nutrients and slows down how the blood takes in energy, many fruit juices contain secret ingredients. Without fiber, essentially individuals are just drinking sugar-water that will give them a major energy boost and spike their insulin, but cause them to crash soon afterward. Many fruit juices are devoid of slow-digesting fiber and packed with refined fructose. As explained with refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, as fruit juice contains both of these ingredients, it is no surprise it can trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Probably one of the worst types of juice to consume is apple juice. Apple juice will spike an individual's blood sugar and trigger the stress hormone, and is loaded with fructose, which can alter how the brain responds to stress on a genetic level. Many brands of apple juice have also tested positive for arsenic, a toxin that induces anxious behavior and worsens symptoms of depression. Eat whole fruit and drink water separately, but do not combine the two and chug a glass of fruit juice!

Carbonated Drinks

It shouldn’t be a shock that carbonated beverages, such as soda and diet soda, are not good for anyone and can easily trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety. Similar to fruit juice, regular soda contains copious amounts of refined sugars, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners, easily spiking an individual’s blood sugar, with none of the nutrition. Sodas have a direct connection to depression as well due to its ingredients and how it can affect an individual’s mental health and weight. Diet soda is not a better choice either. No sugar, no problem...except there is. For one, many individuals may not experience the energy crash regular soda causes with having too much sugar, but diet soda can worsen symptoms of depression due to the number of artificial sweeteners and preservatives, not to mention the high caffeine content most diet drinks contain.