Depression – Hidden Causes in the Diet
Depression is a state of mind characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity. It can range from a mild affliction to a point where it severely affects the social functioning and activities of daily living of an individual. There are multiple causes of depression ranging from complex psychological and physiological factors such as lack of self-esteem, or perfectionsim to hormonal imbalances as seen in postpartum depression.
There is increasing evidence that diet may play a causative role in some cases of depression. The food production in industrialized societies uses intensive farming and processing techniques. This can contribute to depleted levels of omega 3 fatty acids, certain amino acids and other essential nutrients in the food we eat. Also over time our food choices and preferences have changed, which has led to a skewed ratio of fats in out diet.
Omega 3 is an important essential fats for the body. Its deficiency has been linked to depression, anxiety, aggressiveness and even insomnia. In some studies it was observed that patients suffering from depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their cell membranes. More startlingly, its deficiency worsens the conditions of ADHD children considerably. Research has shown that patients with bipolar depression who increased their consumption of foods containing omega 3 showed remarkable improvement in mood, which supports the role of omega 3 fatty acids in the treatment of depression .
Omega 3 is required in the diet and cannot be made within the body. Foods rich in omega 3 include oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds walnuts, olive oil, pumpkin seeds. Ensuring 2-3 portions of oily fish per week should provide adequate omega 3 in your diet.
Amino acids are also not produced within the human body. Tryptophan is an amino acid which is converted into serotonin in the body and is a natural relaxant. This can be used in the treatment of depression to assist with a good night’s sleep, treat migraines and even boost the immune system. Deficiency in the essential amino acid Lysine may cause fatigue, irritability and a lack of concentration. Good sources of lysine include meat, chicken, and eggs and legumes.
Carbohydrates are important in the fight against depression. They help to release the chemical monoamine serotonin. This chemical is found in the brain and is a mood-enhancer. It induces sleep and brings on relaxation. Depression seems to stem from reduced serotonin in the brain. Hence the feeling of satisfaction as soon as a person eats a meal with carbohydrates. Increasing complex carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly such as brown rice, whole grain wheat, bran, fruits and vegetables may be important in the treatment of depression, as this will help ensure a steady supply of serotonin.
Depression can also be intensified or even caused by deficiencies of folate, B12 and vitamin C and magnesium. In a major study, a direct link between low folate levels and neuropsychiatry disorder was established. It has also been suggested that an increased intake of folate can help reduce the high levels of homocysteine often present during depression. Foods rich in folate and vitamin c include spinach, broccoli, tomato juice, kidney beans, lentils and asparagus and increasing amounts of these foods in the diet could be useful in the treatment of depression.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as milk, meat, cheese and yogurt. Vegans and strict vegetarians who do not drink milk products can be lacking in Vitamin B12. Elderly people often suffer from malabsorption of this vitamin due to a lack of acidity in the stomach (which assists in its digestion) and this can lead to mood disorders or even depression. Vitamin B12 is therefore a key vitamin to consider in supplementing for the treatment of depression.
A deficiency of magnesium is sometimes associated with forms of depression. A diet rich in magnesium such as nuts and grains, spinach, and meat may be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of depression.
Depression is sometimes caused by the increased intake of alcohol and narcotic substances. We are all well aware of the initial euphoria that occurs with alcohol intake, however in the long term, alcohol abuse can contribute heavily to a depressive state.
Diet and depression may well have a cyclical relationship. Depression may be exacerbated by dietary deficiency in the first place and can go onto lead to a loss of appetite or apathy towards food and wellbeing. A dietary approach to the treatment of depression is by no means the whole answer but it could play an important role.
Mitamins Team
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/depression-hidden-causes-in-the-diet-92604.html
This is a paper I wrote for writing class what do you think?
Hope for a Cure
I chose to write about this topic because it is a struggle that I, and millions of people face everyday. This problem affects a large amount of people regardless of age or race. Many people are suffering from obesity related health problems, and the numbers are growing. Our children are even at risk.
There are many contributing factors to obesity. I think the environment we live in is very significant to our daily habits. Everywhere you look, is a fast food restaurant with signs stating how delicious, and inexpensive their food is. The convenience is probably the most appealing factor. After a long day at work, no one wants to go home and cook a meal, or go to the grocery store. With "fast food" all you have to do is drive through, tell them what you want, and with out even having to get out of your car, you have your meal in about 5 minutes.
One of the main reasons for craving this food could be caused from Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or as restaurants call them "flavor enhancers." MSG is highly addictive and has also been proven to create obesity. I read in an article recently *"MSG Slowly Poisoning America"(5-1-04) that scientists were creating obese rats and mice for diet, and diabetes test studies. Since there are no naturally obese rats or mice, they had to create them by injecting them with MSG when they were born. They found that MSG triples the amount of insulin that the pancreas creates, causing rats and quite possibly humans, to become obese. This is a frightening thought when you look in your cupboards, and have to struggle to find something that does not contain MSG.
Hughes 2
Manufacturers who use this product are required to list the use of MSG, but they have found a way around this by using different names. Some products even state that they are "MSG free" when in fact, they are not. Some other words for MSG *("The Excitotoxins – The Taste That Kills" (By Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD 3-6-03) include: hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein, and hydrolyzed oat flour. These are just a few names they use. The list has about 15 or 20 additional alternative names for MSG. It is most commonly used in restaurants, and processed foods. Also in the article I read, the author asked a very intriguing question, "If MSG is not harmful, then why do they try to hide the fact that they use it?" I think if people want to solve the obesity epidemic, they should start with MSG, and its harmful effects on people.
One of the harmful effects of MSG, is that it can contribute to panic attacks and anxiety. I have personally experienced this effect. I have a lot of anxiety problems and when I eat something that has a lot of MSG added, for instance: Chinese food, or Ramen noodles, it greatly increases my anxiety. But some foods are hard to stay away from when you are on a tight budget. This makes it nearly impossible to afford healthy or organic foods. I have tested this theory myself. I ate healthy for about two weeks, then I ran low on money, and I couldn’t afford healthy foods. So for the rest of the month, I had to resort to Ramen Noodles, and Macaroni and Cheese. So, in regards to my experiences, I think money is a large contributor in healthy eating, and dieting today.
I believe some of the obesity problems could be partly due to people relying on a miracle, or some kind of cure to take care of all their problems. I see several commercials everyday for products, claiming to be the next miracle that will solve all your problems. Then in words so small you can barely see, it states that this product will only work with diet and exercise. It is disappointing that these businesses will prey on people’s hope’s and desperation just to make a buck. I think if there weren’t so much advertising, then maybe people would rely more on traditional ways of losing weight.
Hughes 3
I think exercise is key to fighting obesity. Although, it is possible to exercise regularly without loosing any weight. But regardless of weight loss, it helps with health problems related to obesity. I have three children (I gave birth to five) and I was pretty petite. I never had a problem with my weight, but after having five children and coping with stress , depression, and eating for two so many times, you tend to gain some extra weight. I have tried just about
every diet, a lot of exercise (riding a bike everywhere, pulling three kids), working out at the gym, and so far I have not found anything that works. You just have to find the one thing that will work right for you, something you enjoy.
An important question comes to mind while exploring this subject. Are we teaching our children poor habits? Were we taught poor eating habits? Or could it be caused from the MSG added to our food over the last 50 years? Whatever the cause, the number of obese children seems to be growing rapidly.
Maybe food has become some form of a new drug for coping with life’s struggles. It is strange to think of food as a drug, but some people use it as a crutch, (myself included) it just seems to make you feel better, if only for a moment. I don’t use drugs, drink or smoke. But I am addicted to certain foods, and I believe everybody has something to lean on for support, healthy or not.
Maybe obesity should be more advertised, to let other people know they are not alone, that there is help for them, and that there is healthy ways to cope without resorting to overeating.
My hope is for a cure to obesity in the near future, and someone putting a stop to adding MSG to our food. Hopefully this problem can be solved and as a result, a lot of health problems could greatly decrease. So don’t starve yourself, yet don’t overindulge, and remember we have little ones watching and learning from our every move. Try to break the cycle by setting a good example for healthy eating and exercise.
Hughes 4
Works cited
*Author unknown "MSG-Slowly Poisoning America" 1 May 2004http://www.rense.com/
general52/msg.htm
*Dr.Russell Blaylock, MD. From the book "Excitotoxins – The Taste That Kills" 6 March 2003
http://www.rense.com/general52/msg.htm
you should become a model
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models are dumb!
i think ur writing is rockin! well at least from, my point of view! keep up the good work
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A +
You are a talented writer.
This is an awesome paper.
Let us all know your grade received?
GOOD LUCK! In Journalism
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Great Document A +
I like the paper. You sound like a genius in a good way.
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this essay/ paper is reallly good to tell you the truth i wasn’t goign tto read it because i saw it was long but i read the first line and it caught my attention.. if this is for school or anywhere your gunna get a really good grade
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do you have to do senior projects too?!
also…even if its not a research paper and you wrote it just because it interests you, but especially if it is, you speak in first person way to much, you should only write in first person point of view if youre writing a fictional story as the character or a memoir.
haha if you care to answer that, send it to juh_st_ineeee@yahoo.com
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looks like a good paper to me. I probable just ate a ton of MSG for dinner
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great. i hope u get an A. i totally agrre with u on everything.
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A++
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Its not a bad paper, I do think that its not just one problem for obesity, but I will agree with you that the "feed me now" attitude does add to it significantly
perhaps you should go down the avenue of food being a crutch more
and develop that angle as well
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xcuseme what’s that?????????
oh yeah it’s the paper that’ll receive A++++
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great writer your grammar is alsome. You go girl you should get a A+
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
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I think is great. congratulations.
I also think that the only way to lose weight is by cooking your own food. If you eat grilled chicken or even pan seared, with vegetables or salad instead of a burger you would see the difference. And you can eat in between meals as long as it’s vegetables and fruits.
If we all ate 6 portions of fruits and vegetables daily we wouldn’t have appetite to eat potato chips….. i guess it’s easier to eat stuff we shouldn’t eat or tastier….and definitely the money is an issue because it is cheaper to eat a burger…
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Excellent paper! I could not agree more with many of the points that you brought out…artificial flavor enhancer’s, sweetners, colors and other chemiclas are going to be the death of us all and the toll on our children is staggering! Many people do not even think about it and those who do simply do not care. Thanks for trying to raise awareness.
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