MEDICATION? YOU CAN BATTLE DEPRESSION WITH A PROPER DIET!

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Medication? You can Battle Depression Effectively with a Proper

Diet!

SSRI-antidepressant advertising campaigns have claimed that

depression is linked with an imbalance of the neurotransmitter

serotonin, and that SSRIs can correct this imbalance. This theory of

a " bio-chemical imbalance " is heavily flawed. Scientifically

speaking, there is no causal relationship whatsoever between " low

serotonin " and " depression. "

Studies that were performed to evaluate the effect of depleting

serotonin levels in humans in order to induce depression, reaped no

consistent results. Low serotonin levels did NOT produce an increase

in clinical depression in healthy humans. (click to observe study).

In fact, researchers found that huge increases in brain serotonin,

arrived at by administering high-dose L-tryptophan, were ineffective

at relieving depression. (click to observe study)

 

So, are (SSRI) antidepressants an answer? Since we now know that

these prescription drugs are not correcting any " bio-chemical

imbalance " but putatively increase serotonergic activity (and

therefore serotonin levels in your complete body, not solely the

brain, risking the potentially fatal toxic hyperserotonergic state of

the Serotonin Syndrome) and since we now know that low serotonin

levels do not have any scientifically proven causal relationship with

depression, one could ask if it is worth taking risks by ingesting an

agent that can drastically alter and damage your entire personal

system in ways that medical science doesn't even understand?

 

Medical research in a study dating 25 sept, 2004 shows us clearly

that serotonin toxicity can even appear rapidly in a few hours after

taking a single therapeutic dose of SSRI medication. In Bio-

Psychiatry it is a common thought that SSRI's are believed to have

their effect by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin (downregulation

of transporters) and thereby gradually increasing serotonin outside

the tissue cell wall (extracellular) in the synaptic gap between

brain cells (neurons) in the brain. In this important study, Zoloft

(Lustral, sertraline) was given to monkeys for 4 weeks to establish

how long it would take before Zoloft would have it's effect on

serotonergic neurons and thus elevation of serotonin. In contrast

with the commonly accepted SSRI theory, it was observed that

serotonin levels raised NOT gradually, but rapidly and dramatically

and kept on raising during these 4 weeks, an effect that can NOT be

ascribed solely to a " re-uptake inhibition " of serotonin!

 

Seventeen (17) years after introducing the first SSRI-antidepressant

on the market in 1987, our " Medical Science " discovers their

prescription drugs " work " in toxic ways to be never expected. They

did not know... yet they were brought onto the market as " safe and

effective. " And still these toxic antidepressants are on the

market... What does that tell you?

 

In numerous case reports/studies (more...), one side of the dangerous

risks by ingesting antidepressants have been exposed, ranging from:

mental state, perceptual, emotional and psychological changes to

suicidal, aggressive and/or homicidal thoughts & behaviours, self-

harm and failed/succeeded suicide attempts.

 

Fortunately and finally in October 2004, the MHRA in the United

Kingdom as well as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the

United States of America acknowledged antidepressant prescription

drugs to induce suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children,

adolescents and adults of which causal relationship has been proven.

Hence it is ordered that ALL antidepressants carry the

prominent " black-box " suicide warnings.

 

Furthermore, in numerous other case reports/studies, also reversal as

well as permanent damage to vital organs as a direct result of

antidepressant use has been confirmed.

 

So why taking such a huge risk in order to find instant relief from

prescription drugs that have been proven to damage your health?

Prescription drugs that indeed have been proven to powerfully alter

your mind and perception, unfortunately with all tragic consequences?

 

Since the earliest civilisations, the link between mental health,

emotional states and diet, food and drink have been recognised, yet

this is seldom taken into consideration by conventional medical

practitioners today as prescriptions for psychotropic drugs are often

issued as a first line of treatment, without taking into account the

wide range of alternative options that are available and often more

appropriate.

 

Normal everyday life can cause ups and downs bringing about feelings

which include happiness/sadness, euphoria/despondency and

laughing/weeping. Sometimes one can understand and relate to why they

are feeling this way. For example, it is normal for one to feel sad

following a bereavement, just as it is normal for one to feel

euphoric when they have passed an exam that they worked hard for or

been offered a job which they really wanted. However, people's

experiences of depression vary from person to person and it is often

very difficult for an outsider who has not been there to understand

exactly what that person is going through for depression is more than

simply feeling down; it can incapacitate sufferers to such a degree

that they feel totally isolated, imprisoned and immobilised. It can

affect anyone, at any time, of any age - nobody is immune.

 

Around 25% of the population may experience some form of depression

at some point in their lives and statistics show that women are

slightly more susceptible than men. There are many contributing

factors to depression which include lifestyle, behaviour and

relationships.

 

Depression frequently follows some life shattering event such as

bereavement, serious illness in the family, redundancy, divorce,

bankruptcy or other financial difficulties and in many situations all

that is needed is good support. Symptoms include changes in appetite

leading to weight gain or loss; changes in sleeping habits, ie.

insomnia or constant sleeping; feelings of being out of control;

hyperactivity or total lethargy; loss of interest and sex drive;

reduced energy and fatigue or listlessness; feelings of worthlessness

or guilt, lack of concentration and finally, thoughts of death or

suicide. Depression is likely to be diagnosed if any five of these

symptoms are experienced and last for a period of one month.

 

Poor diet can have a disastrous effect on memory, co-ordination,

concentration, powers of reason, behaviour and mood although this is

very rarely recognised or looked into by medical professionals.

Mental distress is linked to a deficiency of iron, magnesium and B-

complex vitamins. Zinc deficiency can also be a major factor in

causing depression and leads to loss of appetite, subsequent poor

nutrition, inevitable chronic fatigue and finally, depression. Many

people who go to their doctor complaining of fatigue are often

wrongly assumed to be suffering from depression and prescribed anti-

depressant drugs which doctors often use as a first line of

treatment. Unfortunately, many of these drugs can interfere with zinc

absorption. Low levels of zinc in the body can not only lead to a

loss of appetite and fatigue (which can be exacerbated by anti-

depressants) but can also be a factor in the cause of depression

itself. It is therefore important to get adequate amounts of zinc in

your diet in order to prevent a downward spiral from forming. Sources

of zinc include: shellfish, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, soya beans,

wheat products (especially wheatgerm and wheat bran), sesame seeds,

cocoa, sunflower seeds, sweetcorn, rice, wholemeal bread, oats,

cheeses (especially cheddar and edam), legumes (especially aduki

beans), peas, barley, nuts (especially almonds), peanuts and peanut

butter, wholegrain flours, buckwheat and brown rice.

 

The majority of women and many children have diets that are deficient

in iron, and zinc levels appear to be falling as the consumption of

convenience foods rises. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that

depression is becoming more common. Excessive consumption of caffeine

which can be found in tea, coffee, fizzy drinks or chocolate and

large amounts of bran interferes with mineral absorption and can

therefore trigger the onset of depression. Overstimulation of the

central nervous system by caffeine can cause extreme mood swings.

 

A diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars is a common

factor in depressive illness and alcohol can also have a severe

depressant effect. Vitamin deficiencies may have specific effects on

mental states. These are detailed below:

 

Vitamin C: generalised depression, extreme tiredness, outbursts of

hysterical behaviour. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, kiwi fruits,

broccoli, blackcurrants and potatoes, red pepper, parsley, green

leafy vegetables (especially kale), green pepper, tomato puree,

brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage (especially savoy),

strawberries, watercress, spinach, grapefruit, melon (all types),

peas, raspberries, spring onions, swede and turnip, tomatoes.

Vitamin B12: general mental deterioration; psychotic behaviour,

depression, loss of memory and paranoia. Vitamin B12 can be found in

cheeses (especially cheddar, parmesan and edam), fortified yeast

extract such as marmite, cottage cheese and milk.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): depression, irritability, loss of memory, loss

of concentration and exhaustion. Sources of Vitamin B1 include

breakfast cereals, peas, sunflower seeds, millet, wheat germ, sesame

seeds, soy beans, nuts (especially brazil, cashew nuts, almonds and

walnuts), legumes (especially split peas, blackeye beans, kidney

beans, lentils, chick peas), whole grains (especially brown rice and

oatmeal), whole wheat, rye and potatoes.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Psychosis, mental deterioration and

depression. Sources of Vitamin B6 include wheat products (especially

wheatgerm and oatmeal), nuts (especially walnuts), legumes,

(especially soy beans, lentils, butter beans, haricot beans), barley,

bananas, peanuts and peanut butter, avocados, buckwheat, wheat and

rye, raisins and brussels sprouts.

Folic Acid: fatigue, irritability, insomnia, forgetfulness and

confusion. Folic Acid can be found in dried baker's yeast, fortified

yeast extract such as marmite, blackeye beans, kidney beans, endive,

broccoli, legumes (especially chickpeas), soy beans, vegetables

(especially spinach, brussels sprouts, spring greens, okra, cabbage),

almonds, beetroot, parsnips, walnuts, oatmeal, brown rice, corn (on

cob).

Vitamin B3 (niacin; niacinamide): loss of memory, mood swings,

depression and anxiety. Sources of Vitamin B3 include fortified yeast

extract (such as marmite), brewer's yeast, peanuts and peanut butter,

sesame seeds, brown rice, wholemeal flour, wheatgerm, wholemeal

spaghetti, wholemeal bread, barley, legumes (especially split peas)

and cheeses (especially parmesan, cheddar and blue cheeses).

Biotin: severe lethargy, depression and constant sleeping. Biotin can

be found in eggs.

Pantothenic Acid: insomnia, fatigue, depression and psychosis.

Sources include broad beans, peanuts and peanut butter, legumes

(especially split peas and soy beans), buckwheat, mushrooms, nuts

(especially cashews and hazelnuts), avocados, broccoli and oatmeal.

Some commonly prescribed drugs can lead to depression too, examples

of which include antibiotics; barbiturates; amphetamines;

corticosteroids and the long term use of steroids, pain killers;

ulcer drugs; drugs used in the treatment of arthritis; drugs used to

treat slipped discs; anticonvulsants; beta-blockers; medicines used

for the treatment of high blood pressure, drugs used to treat heart

conditions, especially if they contain resperine; drugs used to treat

cardiac arrhythmias; the contraceptive pill; antiparkinsonian drugs;

psychotropic drugs and drugs used to treat alcoholism. Although many

people claim that they smoke to relieve tension, nicotine is another

chemical which combined with raised blood levels of carbon monoxide,

can have a detrimental effect on mood and brain function.

Improved nutrition can be used to relieve depression and enhance

overall mental health, mental ability and performance. Key nutrients

can be obtained from a variety of sources which include eating a wide

variety of vegetables, fruit and salads, plenty of wholegrain

cereals, all types of beans, pasta and brown rice. Grapes, millet,

wheatgerm, brewer's yeast, oats, buckwheat, molasses, dairy products,

berries, figs (fresh or dried), unsalted seeds and nuts, shellfish,

nutmeg, ginger, basil, and rosemary all have a key role to play in

eating to beat depression.

 

Chocolate can be a mixed blessing as its high sugar content can

create wild fluctuations in the body's blood sugar levels. In order

to function properly, the brain needs a constant regular supply of

sugar but when the level plunges from hyper (too much) to hypo (too

little), the effects on mood and behaviour can be devastating.

Consequently, eating too many can cause one's mood to plummet as the

high sugar content plays havoc with the blood-sugar levels. On the

other hand, modest amounts of chocolate can give a real lift to

someone who is feeling depressed as chocolate contains the chemical

theobromine which triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. It

is these brain chemicals that mimic the euphoric feelings of " being

in love " .

 

Of all the potential triggers, attention to nutrition is the easiest

and most basic first step to recovery. Ideally, investigating the

nutritional aspect of one's diet should be the first step that is

taken by any medical practitioner when someone presents with such

conditions but in practice, this is very rarely the case. Keeping

blood-sugar levels on an even keel is a primary requirement in order

to avoid hypoglycaemia, as well as eating the vitamin B-rich foods

previously mentioned. An adequate supply of good calories, healthy

proteins and all the essential minerals are all essential in

maintaining good mental health. However, it can sometimes be very

difficult to persuade someone who is feeling extremely depressed to

eat or to dissuade them from binging on high-fat, high-sugar foods of

poor nutritional quality. Frequent small meals that are appealing,

attractive and nourishing for example home made soups, freshly

squeezed fruit and vegetable juices and plenty of good wholegrain

cereals could help to form the ideal basic menu.

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