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Vitamin A and D I've found that increasing vitamin A and D has been tremendously helpful to my depression, in addition to using essential oils, eating a more traditional diet, and doing the personal work to bring wholeness to my life. Cod Liver Oil -- The Superfood for DepressionCod liver oil is an amazing source of BOTH vitamins A and D, and contains DHA and EPA, making it a one-two-punch for blancing your mood.EPA is the precursor to prostaglandins, which are the body's defense against inflammation. DHA is crucial for the foundation and support of the brain and nervous system. Cod liver oil is nearly 7% of each DHA and EPA, making it a rich source of omega 3s. Studies have shown the omega 3 fatty acids in cod liver oil to to increase memory, be helpful for learning disabilities, enhance our stress response, and help all forms of depression. Years ago, cod liver oil was a standard supplement given to infants for the first year of their life, and throughout childhood. Vitamin A has been shown in more than forty trials to reduce mortality in children. (Semba RD. Vitamin A as "anti-infective" therapy, 1920-1940. J Nutr 1999;129:783-91.) Without adequate vitamin A, fetuses develop neurological problems. It is absolutely crucial for brain development. Doesn't it make sense that it can support proper brain function, as well?
Chinese Medicine and Cod Liver OilAccording to Chinese medicine, cod liver oil provides the perfect balance of Yin and Yang, and brings both warming and cooling elements to the body.By supporting the kidneys, it strengthens chi energy, thereby infusing us with life force and greater energy. Are Carrots Enough?Vegetarians claim that enough vitamin A can be obtained from eating beta-carotene rich foods like carrots. In truth, many of us are unable to convert the beta-carotene into true vitamin A, including babies, those with thyroid issues, and diabetics. Additionally, a lack of fat in the diet makes this conversion even more difficult. (Solomans, N W, and J Bulox, Nutrition Reviews, Jul 1993, 51:199-204.)So, here's another reason to avoid the low-fat diet! Vitamin DFood Sources of Vitamin D*Taken from www.WestonAPrice.orgCod Liver Oil Lard (Pork Fat) Atlantic Herring (Pickled) Eastern Oysters (Steamed) Catfish (Steamed/Poached) Skinless Sardines (Water Packed) Mackerel (Canned/Drained) Smoked Chinook Salmon Sturgeon Roe Shrimp (Canned/Drained) Egg Yolk (Fresh) (One yolk contains about 24 IU) Butter Lamb Liver (Braised) Beef Tallow Pork Liver (Braised) Beef Liver (Fried) Beef Tripe (Raw) Beef Kidney (Simmered) Chicken Livers (Simmered) Small Clams (Steamed/Cooked Moist) Blue Crab (Steamed) Crayfish/Crawdads (Steamed) Northern Lobster (Steamed) The Sunshine VitaminOf course, the other, most natural way to obtain vitamin D is from the sun. For those of us in tropical or sunny climates, this might be a reasonable option, but for those of us in northern climes, or areas with limited sunlight, this may be a problem. Additonally, when sunlight hits the skin, it must undergo a fairly complex process before it becomes converted to vitamin D.Exposing the naked, or nearly-naked body (without sunscreen) to summer sunshine for 30 minutes can result in the synthesis of 10-20,0000 IUs of vitamin D. There are mechanisms in the body which prevent an overexposure to vitamin D. One of them is a tan, which prevents the conversion of vitamin D. So, by the time we have gotten a tan, our ability to convert sunshine to vitamin D has been compromised. It is wise to get our vitamin D levels checked by a simple blood test, and then based on those results, either supplementing with a food source of vitamin D, or getting adequate sunshine. Toxicity IssuesIt is widely known that both vitamins A and D can be toxic when taken in too large amounts. An interesting characteristic of a food like cod liver oil is that it contains high amounts of both vitamins, which act as buffers to the other. That is, the vitamin A helps to balance any potential toxicity of vitamin D, and vice versa.True vitamin A toxicity, according to the Merck manual, is actually very rare. There are examples of Eskimo people experiening it after eating large amounts of seal blubber, which is highly rich in vitamin A. Taking a supplement like cod liver oil is protective against too much vitamins A and D in that the two taken together work to counterbalance the other. However, there are some conditions that have vitamin D sensitivity, such as: Primary hyperparathyroidism Sarcoidosis Tuberculosis Lymphoma Kidney failure Liver failure People with these conditions should consult with their physician before supplementing with cod liver oil.
Vitamin A, D, and DepressionBy supporting neurological function, memory, brain function and providing EPA and DHA for elongated Omega 3 fatty acids, cod liver oil is an excellent choice for those of us suffering from depression.
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