Nutrition and Depression

[Ninae]

Suprisingly, I could find no thread to add this to?

But it's such a worthwhile topic it really needs its own thread.

Found a very informative article on the subject this morning. It breaks the topic down very well, quite familiar with it before, so if you like you can have a read.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/

I won't sum up the whole contents of the article, but you can ask me questions if you like, as I'm quite familiar with the subject (especially in dealing with PAWS).

I will just say one thing, the four main nutritional deficiencies he reckons make the most different when it comes to depression, are:

Omega–3 fatty acids
Amino acids
B-vitamins
Minerals

Although I was well aware of all these, I didn't realise they had that kind of high impact, still.

Guess it's time to start making sure I have all of these covered again. Just started taking Linseed oil for Omega-3, but these things take time to work, so you need to be patient. If your body is completely drained it doesn't re-stock itself over night so it takes some time to build it up, but when the results start coming in it's amazing.

I would only add anti-oxidants, as I feel noticably better after taking them. I remember the first time I downed 10 1500 mgs Vitamin-C powder at the same time and how my well-being dramatically went up on the spot. As waste and toxins in your blood make you cranky and have many undesirable psychological effects.

So also lots of fruits and vegetables, both for their high content of anti-oxidants and cleansing enzymes, as well as their dense nutrition value.

Good luck to everyone who walks this (the intelligent) path.
(I've never mentioned but I've had several periods as a health-food freak so I know what it can do)

 

[red22]

The article syas this "Supplements containing amino acids have also been found to reduce symptoms, as they are converted to neurotransmitters which in turn alleviate depression and other mental health problems." And this statement has a citation and the citation says this:

"Supplements that contain amino acids also reduce symptoms, because they are converted to neurotransmitters that alleviate depression and other mental disorders." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2248201/


...The article in the first post doesn't seem like a credible source of information.


Bluelight post criticizing amino acid supplements: http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads...does-it-work?p=7057174&viewfull=1#post7057174

 

[Thomas29]

Malnutrition Causes All Kinds Of Problems Including but NOT Limited to SEVERE Clinical Depression!

 

[thujone]

Omega–3 fatty acids <- in fish
Amino acids <- in meats
B-vitamins <- in eggs
Minerals <- in leafy greens

the cliff notes

 

[malakaix]

I am beginning to wake up to this..

My family was never strict when it came to nutrition, so growing up i was eating a lot of processed food.. it wasn't until i lived out of home and abroad and was exposed to other cultures cuisines that i realized how much the food back home was making me mentally sluggish and depressed. My family still doesn't understand why i refuse to eat certain foods now.. but my body just can't handle it like it use too and my mind and emotions become unbalanced.

The problem is.. if you've never made a dramatic change to your diet, the condition of feeling shit from processed food becomes the norm and you don't know anything different.. i think a lot of people are in this state.

 

[Maya]

^agree on that!

Though i have never had depression, changing my diet has made me feel great overall with my body and mental health plus adding working out intensely. I am also encouraging my family to cut processed food entirely but it is sometimes hard to get rid of ghe habit.

 

[thujone]

eh i never ever eat processed foods but still get hit with bouts of depression every few weeks/months and escape into a bender that spans a week or two before i rebound and get back to normal. eating better is good for overall mood but sadly it's no emotional panacea

 

[Foreigner]

Nothing affects my depression more than low atmospheric pressure (the kind that rolls in with cloudy weather), lack of sun, and financial problems. I've tried everything in my power to physiologically change my depression and I've come to the conclusion that I just need to move away from being at sea level.

I feel at my best at higher altitudes.

 

[brink]

^ Sunlight is amazing

Along with sufficient nutrition, cutting out refined sugars, carbs, and chemicals like caffeine can provide positive health benefits. Artificial sweeteners, as well as sugars, have been linked with insulin resistance and related endocrine concerns. Sugars, in general, linked with aging / glycation / AGEs.

Food sensitivities are a concern which I know little about. Soylent seems like a nice way to supplement calories and nutrients through personalized experimentation - wouldn't give up whole food, but it's nice to rule out deficiencies.