The disabling condition commonly termed depression is often described by feelings of profound sadness and an intense sense of hopelessness. Like many common descriptions of illness, depression is an umbrella that covers a wide range of similar symptoms and underlying causes. It may be caused by stressful events, significant losses, chemical imbalances and a host of other things.
People suffering from depression tend to withdraw from the world, are often quite irritable, lose interest in things once enjoyed, suffer from a myriad of sleep disorders like insomnia or being unable to get out of bed. Often these symptoms are accompanied by thoughts of doing harm to self or others including suicide. Depression is a serious condition but it is not untreatable and today there are many options available to those that suffer.
Yes, there are a lot of ways to treat depression. Behavioral changes can be learned that may remove the source of the depression. Medication, talk therapy and changes in diet, especially removing sugar and starchy carbohydrates from the diet, along with exercise are often effective in helping to control depression. Adding vitamins to one’s daily routine may also have a profound impact on symptoms, especially when the underlying cause is related to vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamins have been shown to have an effect on one’s moods. The vitamins of the B-complex are known to balance emotional and mental response. Since these vitamins cannot be either stored or manufactured by our bodies, we are wholly dependent on our daily food intake and any supplemental vitamins we take to replenish our supply.
Vitamins are destroyed by alcohol which metabolizes into sugar, carbohydrates which also metabolize into sugar and refined sugar which is already sugar. Caffeine and nicotine may also have a negative impact on the destruction of vitamins. Is it any wonder that many people are vitamin deficient?
Thiamine or Vitamin B-1 is known to be used by the brain to convert blood sugar into “brain” food. Insufficient B-1 and fatigue, irritability and anxiety and other symptoms of depression are the result. In addition, memory problems, loss of appetite and constipation may also be present. Sugars and carbohydrates are the most serious depletion agents when it comes to vitamin B-1.
Vitamin B-3 or Niacin deficiency can produce psychosis, dementia and more. While many processed foods contain Niacin, an anti-depression diet suggests that one not eat anything that comes in a box. Supplemental Niacin is a must in your daily intake of food. An additional benefit of Niacin is that it is really good for your heart.
Vitamin B-5 or Pyridoxine, processes the amino acids which are the building blocks for all proteins. Additionally, B-5 is essential for the body to maintain proper levels of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, all of which help maintain chemical balance in the brain.
Vitaman B-12 is critical for the formation of red blood cells and a deficiency leads to problems with oxygen transport causing pernicious anemia. If present mood swings, paranoia, dementia, irritability, confusion and other disorders are often reported.
Folic Acid is needed to facilitate the production of Sadenosyl Methionine as well as DNA synthesis and should be taken along with B-12.
Vitamin C is a powerful anti-stress supplement and when taken along with a strong B-complex regimen is a significant stress reliever.
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, some mineral deficiencies such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron can lead to symptoms of depression and should be considered as a component of any depression relief therapy undertaken.