Depression, diet and Anti-depressants

Depression today seems as common as the proverbial cold. Even among active committed Christians depression is a common problem; but a seldom discussed one.  Depression for me, was a purely physical result of my bad diet and when corrected, depression and mood swings were a thing of the past.

The diagnosis of depression must include the search for other causes, as any illness can cause depression

Sigmund Freud

Research done some years back at Texas University Medical Centre on 100 psychiatric patients indicated that 80% had another underlying, undiagnosed health problem. (Syd Baum in Dealing with depression Naturally)

It is important then if someone is suffering from depression that they have a complete medical and nutritional examination. Then make dietary and lifestyle changes, that way you can at least know what you are dealing with. I have yet to find someone who does not improve dramatically when their diet and lifestyle are not improved drastically.

Here is a list of possible substances and habits that can contribute and even be the cause of depression;

Medication

More than 200 medical drugs have been reported to cause depression, these range from anti-depressants (yes believe it or not) to birth control tablets cortisone, stimulants (from caffeine to cocaine). Read the side effects of any type of medication you are on and search the internet for actual cases as well.

Metals & Minerals

Minute doses of heavy metals and minerals can cause a variety of problems  including fatigue, irritability, insomnia, nervousness, headaches and weakness. Enough to cause depression in anyone!

The main culprits are;

Lead – from fuel, paints water pipes etc.

Mercury – from amalgam fillings, drugs and pharmaceuticals (many ointments, cosmetics, laxatives, contraceptive gels and even eye drops contain sodium ethyl mercury.

Aluminium – found in antacids, aluminium cookware, fluoridated water, tape water (use a good quality filter), processed cheese, baking powder etc.

Copper – found in copper cookware, copper water pipes, vitamin supplements,

Read Illona Visser's book The Big Dental Lie for healthier options in dentistry (available at www.naturalway.co.za)

Petrochemicals

These are found everywhere, from paints, fuels, print cartridges, glues, correction fluids, permanent ink pens, pesticides, cleaning products

“Electropollution”

This could be from living near power lines to simply being exposed to too many electromagnetic fields from electrical goods, cell phones etc. Ginseng is known as an adaptogenic root that protects against electromegnetic fields, not a bad reason to take daily.

The solution

Live as simply as possible..

Use minimal natural cleaning products and cosmetics, use un-leaded fuel and eat copious amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables including dark green leafy vegetables. (Yet one of the many reasons I drink BarleyLife daily basis) Phytonutrients including chlorophyll and most natural vitamins and minerals have a powerful neutralising effect on these substances if your diet is high in raw plant food. God even made our food protect us from technology in the future how amazing!

Hormones

Mental “dis-ease” is a common symptom or almost every disease or disorder of the endocrine glands: the testes, ovaries, the adrenals, the pancreas, the thyroid, the parathyroid and the pituitary.

It’s no wonder. The hormones dispatched into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands are probably second only to the chemicals in the brain when it comes to shaping how we feel and behave. When an endocrine gland malfunctions, secreting either too few or too many hormones, depression is often a symptom.

Syd Baumel in Dealing with Depression Naturally

Any woman who has suffered from premenstrual tension will know just how hormones can affect your emotional state.

It is vitally important that you correct the endocrine system with any problems relating to depression or mental illness first. This would include the right diet, exercise and sunlight. Low blood sugar is a big factor in depression and blood sugar is controlled by the hormonal system (endocrine)

Exercise & Sunlight

Has a profound effect on the endocrine system and on depression and it is important to include a minimum of 30 minutes daily in the outdoors to benefit from sunlight too. Remember that exercise regulates at least 18 hormones, many which will affect your mood.

Candida Syndrome

Some research indicates that a Candid overgrowth can also cause depression (see section on digestion in the course) Taking a good Aloe Vera product can correct this, but make sure you change to a natural unprocessed diet as well to prevent it recurring.

Lack of B Vitamins and other nutrients

A highly processed diet with refined carbohydrates, sugar and alcohol depletes and destroys B Vitamins in large quantities. These nutrients are vital to brain function. Removing these foods and substances will dramatically improve problems with depression. It is important that all are totally removed, cutting down or removing for a few weeks is not going to solve the problem as it can take months after removal to see these dramatic results.

Lack of folate, B12 and even vitamin C has been indicated in depression. A natural diet can correct these. Supplementation can contribute to deficiencies, so eat the good food that God made.

Lack of Omega 3

High levels of prostaglandins series 2 have been found in the body fluids of depressed patients. Lack of Omega 3 (Alpha Linoleic Acid) causes a lack of  prostaglandin series 3 which keeps Prostaglandin series 2 in check so that it cannot reach such high levels.

Donald Rudin an orthomolecular psychiatrist found that treating patients with a daily dose of flax oil had a dramatic effect on depression and manic depression. This again points to endocrine related problems and depression.I recommend either Aim's Aimega blend or if you prefer a liquid blend our own at www.naturalway.co.za

High Protein Diets

Diets that are high in protein and low in natural carbohydrates can promote depression as serotonin is produced when we consume natural carbohydrates, (fresh fruit and unrefined grains).  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel happy and sleep well. It is known that the ancient Chinese used high protein diets to break down the emotional resolve of their prisoners. Try to eat animal protein, no biger than the palm of your hand, not more than once a day with three times a week being preferable.

Anti-Depressants

A surprising number of people are taking antidepressants, without any thought as to what the side effects are, what the root cause of the problem is or what they will do in the long-term. It seems that if anyone is tired or feeling a bit flat these drugs are prescribed and even in young children.

 Many people are reassured by their doctors that the drug prescribed is not addictive and they can stop at any time; in practice this is not so, I have yet to find a person who has come off drug therapy without any side effects.There are a variety of different drugs that work in different ways and many people hop from one to the next in the hope of finding relieve without side effects.

A good idea is to do a search on the internet on any brand name of anti depressant drugs and check out what the side effects are. One of the side effects of some of these drugs is suicidal tendencies or feelings many actually cause more depression. People need to find out in detail what the long term effects are and begin to take responsibility for their condition and lifestyle. Drugs are not a solution in this case and invariably become part of the problem.

Natural Alternatives to drug therapy

A person may require some help in the process of correcting their lifestyle and there are many herbal or plant therapies (and even an insect by product) that are beneficial in this regard.

 They are in order of effectiveness..

Lycium and Licorice (Lyceum Plus – from Forever) also promotes a healthy immune system and is capable of increasing T4 cells by 3 times within 3 weeks, and stimulates production of growth hormone keeping you young and slim! Also benefits the hormonal system  including the thyroid and helps with menopausal symptoms. No known side effects

Maca root in combination with Tribulus terrestris (fruit),  Muira Puama (root), Catuaba (root), Saw Palmetto (fruit), Pygeum Africanus (bark) (Multi Maca from Forever) No known side effects

Bee Pollen -   Some people find bee pollen a natural antidepressants

Sceletium tortusum

A natural succulent indigenous to South Africa used by the bushmen for centuries apparently with no side effects

Lemon Balm or Melissa:

A natural plan relaxant used for centuries and found to be safe even in children

Gingko Biloba:

Best source would be the water not fat soluble variety. Gingko has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain resulting in mental well being and some believed combating senile dementia.

Ginseng:

Asian or Panax is considered the best ginseng and appears to relieve depression

Gotu Kola:

An Indian Herb believed to combat senility and depression,

Oats and Oat straw:

Considered a natural nervous restorer and anti-depressant

St John’s Wort

Many people have benefited from this plant but some research indicates that there can also be side effects.

Basil, borage; kola, lavender, rosemary, thyme and vervain

The Bottom Line.. change your lifestyle and diet and in time this problem is likely to be corrected. In fact as someone who was diagnosed with manic depression, I can tell you that changing my diet not only saved my life but my marriage and had a huge impact on my relationship with God. My mind was clear and no longer did I feel that my prayers were bouncing off the ceiling, no longer did I suffer from a “persecution complex” and no longer did I feel like I never belonged. Ask God to give you wisdom and guide you to find a healthy lifestyle that suites you and is God designed.. He will.