Depression and Diet
The subject of depression and diet is a complicated one that has more twists and turns than your favorite television dance competition.
Nevertheless, we will explore this area in an attempt to decipher fact from fiction.
Depression is thought to be a biological disorder of the brain involving three neurotransmitters; norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin and the effect they have on the brain.
While it is not known whether diet is the cause of depression what we do know is that certain foods can make the condition worse and lack of certain nutrients may also play an important role as well.
In this informational article titled "Depression and Diet" we will focus on carbohydrates.
Depression can cause ones appetite to become unpredictable.
Generally, those in the throngs of depression will experience a decreased desire for food leading to weight loss.
On the other hand depression can stir up craving which can lead to a woman's worst nightmare, weight gain.
Poor nutrition ultimately leads to meager brain function.
When the brain is not functioning well it creates a green light for depression symptoms.
Some experts are calling carbohydrates the mood food.
Have you visited your favorite sandwich shop, perhaps on your lunch break, and thought that that last chocolate chip cookie might help improve your outlook on life.
This craving for sweets is your body's way of telling you it needs a dose of mood food.
Carbohydrates such as cookies are broken down and converted into sugar (glucose), the fuel that keeps you going.
There are two types of carbohydrates; simple and complex.
* Simple carbohydrates - The cookie above falls into this category along with rice, bagels, beer, wine, and most pasta.
Simple carbohydrates get into your bloodstream fast causing a spike in blood sugar levels which causes an initial sense of euphoria.
The quick spike in blood sugar levels prompts your body to produce large amounts of insulin.
The insulin overproduction then causes blood sugar levels to crash.
What was once euphoria now turns into sadness, grumpiness, and craving for even more sugar.
* Complex carbohydrates - Since complex carbohydrates don't tend to spike your blood sugar levels as dramatically they are considered to be a good alternative for improving moods.
Examples are vegetables, beans, grains and everyone's family favorite roots.
Unlike their destructive cousin they don't increase cravings or lower moods.
In summary, depression is a delicate balance biological function and what you eat can either make you feel better or worse.
A simple balanced diet containing more complex carbohydrates and less simple carbohydrates can play an important part in overcoming or reducing depressive symptoms.
Additionally, many people are combining a diet high in complex carbohydrates with natural herbal remedies.
Natural herbal remedies for depression are very safe and have shown to be effective in supporting emotional and mental health.
If you are searching for a natural option for treating mild to moderate depression symptoms this is an option worth considering.
Nevertheless, we will explore this area in an attempt to decipher fact from fiction.
Depression is thought to be a biological disorder of the brain involving three neurotransmitters; norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin and the effect they have on the brain.
While it is not known whether diet is the cause of depression what we do know is that certain foods can make the condition worse and lack of certain nutrients may also play an important role as well.
In this informational article titled "Depression and Diet" we will focus on carbohydrates.
Depression can cause ones appetite to become unpredictable.
Generally, those in the throngs of depression will experience a decreased desire for food leading to weight loss.
On the other hand depression can stir up craving which can lead to a woman's worst nightmare, weight gain.
Poor nutrition ultimately leads to meager brain function.
When the brain is not functioning well it creates a green light for depression symptoms.
Some experts are calling carbohydrates the mood food.
Have you visited your favorite sandwich shop, perhaps on your lunch break, and thought that that last chocolate chip cookie might help improve your outlook on life.
This craving for sweets is your body's way of telling you it needs a dose of mood food.
Carbohydrates such as cookies are broken down and converted into sugar (glucose), the fuel that keeps you going.
There are two types of carbohydrates; simple and complex.
* Simple carbohydrates - The cookie above falls into this category along with rice, bagels, beer, wine, and most pasta.
Simple carbohydrates get into your bloodstream fast causing a spike in blood sugar levels which causes an initial sense of euphoria.
The quick spike in blood sugar levels prompts your body to produce large amounts of insulin.
The insulin overproduction then causes blood sugar levels to crash.
What was once euphoria now turns into sadness, grumpiness, and craving for even more sugar.
* Complex carbohydrates - Since complex carbohydrates don't tend to spike your blood sugar levels as dramatically they are considered to be a good alternative for improving moods.
Examples are vegetables, beans, grains and everyone's family favorite roots.
Unlike their destructive cousin they don't increase cravings or lower moods.
In summary, depression is a delicate balance biological function and what you eat can either make you feel better or worse.
A simple balanced diet containing more complex carbohydrates and less simple carbohydrates can play an important part in overcoming or reducing depressive symptoms.
Additionally, many people are combining a diet high in complex carbohydrates with natural herbal remedies.
Natural herbal remedies for depression are very safe and have shown to be effective in supporting emotional and mental health.
If you are searching for a natural option for treating mild to moderate depression symptoms this is an option worth considering.
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