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Nutrition for Depression
1. Eat a Whole-Foods-based Diet, and Eat Organically, whenever PossibleStudies have shown that organically produced foods taste better, and may contain higher levels of nutrients. Importantly, they don't contain hormones or pesticides. Pesticides can deplete our bodies of vitamin A, which supports the neurological system and brain. Hormones from food can interfere with the endocrine system. When working to overcome depression, it's important to allow our body systems to function optimally.Processed foods are just that-- processed. Extruded grains actually deplete minerals by binding to them in the intestine and carrying them out of the body. Most processed food contains soy, which suppresses the thyroid, making us more sluggish, tired, and potentially more depressed. 2. Include Good-Quality Fats from Pastured AnimalsClick here to read why fats help depression.Butter from grass-fed cows is a health food! Here's why: 1. Butter is a good source of iodine, and unlike soy, works to support and nourish the thyroid, improving health. The vitamin A in butter is essential for thyroid health. 2. It's good for your digestion. Butter contains a category of fatty acids that act as a protective against infection, called glycospingolipids. (Prasad, KN, Life Science, 1980, 27:1351-8; Gershon, Herman and Larry Shanks, Symposium on the Pharmacological Effect of Lipids, Jon J Kabara Ed, American Oil Chemists Society, Champaign, Illinois 1978 51-62) 3. It helps prevent candida overgrowth. The short and medium chain fatty acids are anti-fungal and work to balance candida in the intestinal wall. Butter contains adequate vitamin A to support brain function and mood. 3. Take a High-Vitamin Cod Liver OilCod liver oil contains adequate vitamin A and D which supports brain health, and maintains a positive mood. 100 years ago, people ate 10x the amount of vitamins A and D than we eat today.Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression, is greatly improved with adequate vitamin D intake. (Gloth FM, III, Alam W, Hollis B. Vitamin D vs broad spectrum phototherapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. J.Nutr.Health Aging 1999;3:5-7.)
4. Use Coconut OilCoconut oil provides important lauric acid, which is crucial for support immune health, and is being researched as a potential essential fatty acid.Coconut oil, coming from the tropics, provides natural anti-fungal support for those suffering from candida. It also provides anti-viral support. Having a strong immune system supports an optimistic outlook on life, and the importance of essential fatty acids to depression is well researched and documented. 5. Drink Raw Milk and Eat Grass-fed BeefRaw milk provides important enzymes and good bacteria that is crucial to probiotic support for the gut. Click here for information on the other benefits of raw milk. Books like the Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Natasha Campbell-McBride explain the importance of gut health to our emotional health. Diseases such as autism and ADD, schizophrenia, and depression have been helped by including good quality bacteria into our diets.Raw milk provides important good bacteria, in addition to vitamins and minerals that is not provided in pasteurized milk. It is easily digested, and contains important calcium, to support vitamin D absorption. Like raw milk, grass-fed beef contains the right balance of omega 6 fatty acids, which support brain function. Grass fed beef contains vitamin B-12, which is crucial for mood support. Vitamin B-12 is only usable and absorbed through animal products. Unlike what many vegetarians claim, it is not absorbed through plant foods. Many children and adults may be experiencing B-12 deficiency, the signs of which are explosive tempers and irritability. For children, excessive trantrums are a sign. B-12 supports the neurological system and helps our bodies transport out toxins. It is an extremely crucial vitamin.
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