A TikTok doctor has left coffee lovers running wild after sharing how caffeine, as well as other kitchen staples, can help with depression and insomnia.
Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine physician, regularly shares his knowledge and experience with his 751,000 TikTok followers.
In a recent clip, which has racked up over 82,000 views and nearly 11,000 likes, the 44-year-old claims certain foods could help with common mental health conditions such as depression and insomnia.
He starts by explaining that both conditions have been linked to low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in bodily functions such as mood and sleep, and derives from the essential amino acid tryptophan.
Tryptophan helps to maintain these aforementioned functions but our bodies can’t produce it on its own, which is why it’s important to get this from our diets.
Listing eggs, oatmeal, chicken and peanuts as examples of dishes high in the amino acid, Dr Whittington then goes on to reveal an interesting fact that has blown users’ minds.
“One study showed that drinking one cup of coffee per day, decreased depression levels by about eight percent,” he explained.
If caffeine isn’t your jam, you could also go for bananas to boost your mood.
Dr Whittington said: “Bananas contain around 10mg of dopamine which is considered the ‘feel good hormone.’
“Eating a banana a day, might help boost your mood.”
Social media users have shared their joy after realising their coffee addiction is in fact “good” for them (albeit in moderation).
“What about three pots of coffee a day?? Night nurse life,” one viewer commented
Another person added: “Coffee always makes me happy, glad it’s 8 cups a day…Oh wait..”[sic]
“Oh man I drink like 100 cups of coffee a day so I’m good,” someone else said.
Another person added: “So, my peanut butter and banana sandwiches are good for me!!”
Others were upset their favourite snack wasn’t listed, with one person saying: “There must be a mistake, Doc…chocolate isn’t on the list,” to which Dr Whittington replied: “I wish it was!”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 5% of the world’s population is affected by depression.
Dr Whittington hopes to see more “natural” approaches being used to help treat these conditions rather than only traditional medicine.
“I would love to see more healthcare providers use a multi-faceted approach to treating depression, rather than just starting them on medication and hoping for the best,” he told Jam Press.
“I get numerous emails daily from viewers that have seen my video and are so thankful to learn natural ways to help combat their depression or insomnia.”
