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Can change of diet help ease depression?

Page last modified on: September 11, 2008

Question from Dennie: Could a change of diet help ease depression? Are there any particular foods that can help alleviate it?: Answers —Diane Thompson, M.D.: Eating a healthful diet is so important, particularly while undergoing breast cancer treatment, although it can be hard to eat well during that time. There is no magical diet, but it is important to consume a diet that is as balanced as possible.; Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: One thing to avoid if you're depressed is alcohol. If you find that you're drinking more alcohol than you used to, this is something to discuss with your treatment team.; Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: Eating has always been seen as a way of nurturing oneself and giving oneself a treat, and during treatment women often try to cheer themselves up by overeating. I often tell patients that if a moderate gain of 10 to 15 lbs. is not going to be disturbing, perhaps they can give themselves that treat. If, however, that weight gain is going to add to the depression, then the patient is going to have to be more thoughtful about the eating and perhaps when the urge strikes, indulge in carrots and celery instead of cookies.; Diane Thompson, M.D.: While a healthy diet is important, we know more about ways that exercise can improve mood. Exercise can definitely improve mood, and, in fact, increases some of the neurotransmitters associated with mood. When we exercise, levels of serotonin and norepinephrine rise. An increase in these substances is associated with improved mood. This doesn't mean patients should start training for a marathon, but rather do what's comfortable for them. Doing things like taking a walk can increase those mood-elevating substances.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Overcoming Depression. Rosalind Kleban, M.S.W., Diane S. Thompson, M.D., and Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions about medication and lifestyle changes that can ease depression along with to put hope, fun, and pleasure back into your life during and after breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.

Diane S. Thompson, M.D. is director of clinical research at Queen's Medical Center and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.