Food Is the Fuel

According to Susan J. Noonan, MD, MPH, high nutrient-dense foods, like colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, poultry, and a small amount of olive oil and dairy can improve your patient's mood and lower their risk for depressive episodes.

Keeping glucose levels steady may also help prevent mood swings.

Dr Noonan is a physician consultant and Certified Peer Specialist in the Department of Psychiatry at McLean Hospital and the Massachusetts General Hospital. She is the author of four books and a blog on managing depression, most recently Helping Others With Depression: Words to Say, Things to Do (December 2020). Dr Noonan offers peer counseling to fellow patients, including physicians and other professionals, and can be confidentially reached through her website at https://susannoonanmd.com.