Foods That Can Trigger Depression Symptoms

Gluten Products

Grains like rye, barley, and contaminated oatmeal all contain proteins the body may recognize as gluten, the sticky protein found in wheat. Gluten and gluten-like proteins are some of the most inflammatory foods individuals can consume and contribute to depression. Gluten causes inflammation by irritating the gut and gut microbes as well as the intestinal tissues, and can cause gut cells to create zonulin, the leading cause of intestinal permeability or a leaky gut. Gluten can further cause inflammation and interfere with digestion by clumping food particulars together due to its stickiness. Gluten has also been connected to depression, seizures, headaches, anxiety, and nerve damage, and one study, in particular, discovered the gut inflammation that gluten causes may cause adverse effects that can lead to depression.

Condiments

Not many individuals know this, but certain condiments and sauces are linked to worsening depression or triggering it. Some of these condiments include salad dressing and dips, ketchup, and soy sauce. For one, most pre-packaged dressings, dips, and marinades are loaded with sugar, listed under high-fructose corn syrup. Light, calorie-free, and sugar-free dressings also contain many artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which is linked to depression and anxiety. The best bet is to read the label before consuming or make one's own dressing. Ketchup, just like dressing and dips, is packed with lots of refined sugars, with about four grams of sugar per tablespoon. Due to the amount of sugar and sweeteners, ketchup is another culprit that can trigger depression. Finally, soy sauce can worsen symptoms of depression in individuals, especially if they are sensitive to gluten. Soy sauce contains gluten, and as previously explained, causes gut inflammation, leading to anxiety and depression.