Diet and Depression

What is the role of Diet in Depression?

Is there any relationship between Diet and Depression?

Diet therapy was first suggested in the 1950's, and although there is little evidence to support the use of diet therapy for people with depression as of yet, there is a great deal of evidence which maintains that many nutrients are necessary for the correct functioning of brain chemistry.

The causes of depression may vary as much as our individuality, yet we often fail to consider our eating habits as possible culprits. With each passing year's increased understanding of the biological complexities of the human animal, more data suggesting dietary factors are unveiled.

Research has shown that folks who are blue tend to have low levels of folic acid, a vitamin found most abundantly in leafy green vegetables. Maurizio Fava, M.D., a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, finds that those who are down and out and don't get enough of the nutrient are less likely to benefit from Prozac.

Obesity and eating disorders are often associated with depression.

The fact is few people consume a truly adequate diet. Thus, it is likely that your diet lacks key nutrients. And therefore you can probably benefit form a diet for depression.

Several dietary supplements are considered important to mental functionality. Tryptophan is thought to be instrumental in treating depression in those patients who have not responded well to other antidepressants.

• Omega-3 fatty acid are also thought to be absolutely necessary to healthy mental functioning.



• Essential fatty acids are necessary to humans, and yet we cannot produce our own. We must make obtain these essential fatty acids through the foods we consume.



• Alcohol, for instance, is oftentimes used as an escape from depression, but in actuality, alcohol can lead to vitamin deficiencies which can contribute to depression.



• Sugar and caffeine give you a quick lift -- but can leave you feeling down when their effects wear off. This meal plan reduces sugar and caffeine intake because feelings of depression often improve when their consumption is minimized.



• Diet therapy suggests a diet balanced in nutrients and vitamins, which are essential for normal functioning of the body in any case. Vitamin B1, for instance, is essential for energy production and nerve cell function. Vitamin B6 is important in maintaining hormone balance, Vitamin C increases immune system functions in general, and many other suggested foods such as bitter greens and endives help to cleanse the liver and improve digestion.

Amanda Geary, in her book The Food And Mood Handbook: Find Relief at Last From Depression, Anxiety, PMS, Cravings and Mood Swings, wrote about a diet for depression, "Food can affect your mood, and what you choose to put into your mouth can influence your state of mind."

Scientific diet for depression research has confirmed that an inadequate diet can cause or contribute to depression.

A study which measured the level of magnesium and calcium in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals who are depressed found higher levels of calcium in those who were depressed and lower levels of magnesium in those who were suicidally depressed.

Diet for depression research has found that insufficient consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, folate, and vitamin B-12 is associated with depression.

Depression Diet - Vitamins and depression What is the relationship between the Vitamins and Depression? There are a variety of vitamin deficiencies that can lead to depression symptoms. Correcting deficiencies, when present, often relieves depression

Online Vitamins Guide - Get all about Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, etc.!!

Depression Diet - Vitamin B for Depression The first clinical effects of insufficient vitamin B complex are mood changes, insomnia, changes in appetite, sugar carving and impaired drug metabolism. As a group, the B vitamins plays an important role both in alleviating depression and in relieving the anxiety and restlessness which often accompanies it.

Find out some books on Diet and Depression:

Diet for Depression: The Sugar Addict's Total Recovery Program - by Kathleen DesMaisons Ph.D.

The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Antidepression Diet and Depression - by Andrew L., Md. Stoll

The Brain Chemistry Diet : The Personalized Prescription for Balancing Mood, Relieving Stress, and Conquering Depression, Based on Your Personality Profile - by Michael, Md Lesser, Colleen Kapklein

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Site last updated: March 4, 2008

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