One of the most common medical
problems in the United States is one that seems to work from
the inside out, affecting the moods, thoughts, emotions, and
behavior. Depression, however, is much more than periodic
crying spells and negative thoughts. For the 17 million
Americans who are challenged by its effects, depression is a
whole-body illness that affects not only one’s mental state,
but also brings on chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive
disorders, backaches, sleep disturbances and changes in
appetite.1
- The economic cost of depression is
estimated to be over $30 billion each year
- Two-thirds of those who are
depressed never seek treatment and suffer needlessly.
- 80%-90% of those who seek treatment
for depression can feel better within just a few weeks.
- Major depression is the leading
cause of disability in the United States
- Depression affects almost 10% of the
population, or 19 million Americans, in a given year.
- During their lifetime, 10%-25% of
women and 5%-12% of men will become clinically depressed.
- Women are affected by depression
almost twice as often as men. 2
There are many different types
of depression, but it generally results in symptoms of
withdrawal, loss of interest, and incapacity for pleasure.
Other symptoms might include fatigue, sleep disturbances,
changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, digestive
disorders, restlessness, irritability, and feelings of
worthlessness or inadequacy.
The causes of depression are
not completely understood, but may be triggered by tension,
stress, a traumatic life event, chemical imbalances in the
brain, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet,
allergies, or lack of exercise. These triggers begin as a
disturbance in the brain that governs moods. When the
stresses of everyday life become too much for the body to
adjust to or the adjustment mechanism is unresponsive,
depression is triggered.
Research shows that the levels
of brain chemicals that are most commonly associated with mood
are controlled by what we eat and that foods greatly influence
the brain’s behavior.3 Our eating habits can
greatly affect our moods and how our body responds.
Neurotransmitters in the brain are controlled by what we eat
and are closely linked to our mood. Food allergies,
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and diets of junk food are
common causes of depression, primarily because simple sugars
and low nutrient foods can weaken or disable the adjustment
mechanism.
On the other hand, improving
dietary habits can also have a positive effect on reducing
depression. For example, eating complex carbohydrates can
have a calming affect and high protein foods promote
alertness.4
Certain nutrients can also
greatly benefit those suffering from depression, such as B
vitamins which are the most potent anti-stress vitamin and
necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous
system. Folic acid is particularly found to be deficient in
those suffering from depression.5 Vitamin C is
needed for immune function and also aids in preventing
depression.6 Garlic improves serotonin levels which
maintains balance in the brain, preventing depression.7
The source and quality of
these nutrients is extremely important, particularly with
depression as the body is already in a high stress state, so
any synthetic or low quality nutrients create a stimulant
effect, putting additional unnecessary stress on the body.
The vitamins and minerals contained in The Greatest Vitamin
in the World are the highest quality nutrients found on
the market and are proven to be the most bioavailable, so your
body will receive the nutrients it needs (see Vitamins). When
taken along with a healthy diet, the symptoms and triggers of
depression will be dramatically reduced.
1. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition. p.
315.
2.
http://www.allaboutdepression.com/
3. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition. p. 315.
4. Ibid.
5. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 72,2:80-7, 2003.
6. Rimland, Bernard. Vitamin C in the Prevention of Autism.
1998. Autism Research Review International.
7. Fillion, G. Designer Foods III (Transcript). Phytochemicals
in Garlic, Soy and Licorice. Research Update and
Implications. May 23, 24 and 25, 1994. Georgetown University
Conference Center. Washington, D.C.
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