The literal meaning of the word "depression" has its origin in the Latin "depressio" which means "to compress down" and according to the Oxford Dictionary it is "Feelings of severe despondency and dejection" ' or 'a mental condition characterized by feelings of serious despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbances of appetite and sleep'. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of global disease burden. However, the effectiveness of conventional treatments for depression is questioned: meta-analyses of drug treatments demonstrate minimal difference compared to placebo, comparisons between real and sham electroconvulsive therapy show little difference after one month, and the evidence for the use of specific cognitive interventions is weak. . Therefore, evidence supporting other approaches to managing depression was examined. Depression is undoubtedly an extremely complex and heterogeneous condition. This is reflected in the non-universal results obtained using cognitive-behavioral drugs and antidepressants. As research continues to grow, it is becoming clear that neurobiology/physiology, genetics, life stressors, and environmental factors can all contribute to vulnerability to depression. Although much attention has been paid to genetics and life stressors, only a small group of international researchers have focused on nutritional influences on depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings from this relatively small body of research indicate that nutritional influences on major depressive disorder are currently understudied. Carbohydrates and proteins represent an exciting area of ​​research and are emerging as a new potential agent in the treatment of depression. Carbohydrates and Depression Carbohydrates are naturally occurring polysaccharides and play an important role in the structure and function of an organism. In higher organisms, they have been found to influence mood and behavior. Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal triggers the release of insulin in the body. Insulin helps get blood sugar into cells where it can be used for energy and simultaneously triggers tryptophan to enter the brain. Tryptophan in the brain influences neurotransmitter levels. Consuming low-carb diets tends to precipitate depression, as the production of brain chemicals serotonin and tryptophan, which promote feelings of well-being, is triggered by carbohydrate-rich foods. It is suggested that low glycemic index (GI) foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, pasta, etc. are more likely to provide a moderate but long-lasting effect on brain chemistry, mood and energy level than high-glycemic index foods. mainly sweets, which tend to provide immediate but temporary relief. On the other hand, a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars is a common factor in depressive illness. Proteins and Depression Proteins are made up of amino acids and are important building blocks of life. The body itself produces 12 amino acids, while the remaining 8 (essential amino acids) must be obtained through the diet. A high-quality protein diet contains all essential amino acids. Foods rich in high-quality proteins.