Sunday, January 2, 2011

Diet And Nutrition Plays A Part In Treating Depression



Mental health and well being is something that is taken for granted by those of us who haven't experienced the agony of depression. While great strides have been taken over the past twenty years in understanding how the human brain functions, there is still much work needed. Interestingly, there is now a body of evidence gathering that suggests a much stronger link between mental health and the role of diet and nutrition. No-one could seriously argue against the evidence that shows that our western diet, despite the ready availability of a variety of food, is poor in actual nutrients. What has not been previously understood is how important a good diet is for mental health.

Treatment for depression is hard to find because of all the different types of medication, it can take time for the right tablets to be found for you. Doctors believe the quickest way to fix depression is through medications, but there are better methods then popping a pill. By choosing counseling, depression sufferers are making a conscious choice to take back some control over their lives, and the role of diet and nutrition is now being seriously considered as another treatment option.

In order for the brain to function properly, the body needs healthy, nutritious foods to help create a chemical balance in the brain. It is true this can be achieved quickly and easily by anti depressants, but now there is strong evidence that diet and nutrition go hand in hand with mental health.

To prevent neural tube defects in unborn babies, it is essential for pregnant women to take vitamin B9, which also helps in the creation of healthy new cells. Research into depression has shown that people that are deficient in vitamin B and other vitamins such as those rich in antioxidants as well as B12 are more prone to suffer from depression. In fact, research into Vitamin B deficiency shows that the first symptoms are mood swings, insomnia, changes in appetite and impaired drug metabolism. When corrected, the benefits were relief from anxiety and restlessness, symptoms associated with depression.

Already known to assist children with ADHD and other learning difficulties in improving academic performance, Omega-3 has also been identified as having a beneficial effect on depression sufferers. The human brain is comprised of 60% fats, and approximately half of that fat is DHA omega 3, the fuel the brain needs to function, and when it is not present, diminished performance in all areas results.

The loss of these vitamins from our diet contributes to the feelings of depression. Anyone who suffers from depression would benefit from a change in diet and taking these vitamins will also help. While you may need to stay on anti depressants for awhile, if you are seeing a psychologist, they can help you to work through the deeper reasons for the way you feel.
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Through counseling Brisbane people with depression are improving their lives and paying more attention to the role of diet in alleviating the condition. A psychologist Brisbane based like Centre For Human Potential http://www.centreforhumanpotential.com.au/ can be readily available if more help is needed.

2 comments:

  1. Really you provide a well guidance for a good health. This is advances in medicine; education and lifestyle continue to help humans enjoy longer and healthier lives. Thanks for a nice information.
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  2. Thanks for the info. What i do now is to avoid sugars in my meals and ride my bike to work. So far i have lost 20 pounds in 1 year. Small changes and perseverance, will give you great results. And also it helped me to reduce stress and tiredness

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