Depression is one of the most common medical conditions among adults. Depression is both a mental and emotional condition, with much of its origins rooted in biochemical imbalances and nutrient deficiencies.

Nutrition plays a key role in the onset, severity and duration of depression.

Common causes of depression are known to result from chemical imbalances in the brain. Abnormal brain chemicals include the neurotransmitters 5-Htp (5-hydroxytryptamine, known as serotonin), norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition, certain proteins that are responsible for recognizing these neurochemicals are known to be abnormal. These receptor proteins are the target for a number of drugs that have proven effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression, such as Prozac or Zoloft. These certain chemical imbalances that result in depression may occur from hypoglycemia or other sugar imbalance, sugar or alcohol dependency, food allergies, glandular imbalance of high levels of copper, drug abuse, hypothyroidism, negative emotions, excessive stress, or the side effects of prescribed medications.

The symptoms of depression, as with any other illness, may differ from person to person.

The term depression refers to a persistent melancholy mood, and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Accompanying the feeling of depression, there may be changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness or decreased activity that is noticeable to others, loss of energy or feeling tired all the time, difficulty in concentrating or making decisions, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, physical problems, chronic aches and pains, digestive problems, constipation and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

A diagnosis of depression is difficult to make. Usually the symptoms have lasted at least two weeks, and be present enough to interfere with work, social life or daily functioning.

Treatment of depression may include a combination of antidepressants, psychotherapy, nutrition and alternative holistic treatments, such as acupuncture.

Antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in treating depression, however they may include many side effects that can be more complicated then the depression itself.

Currently there is a wide variety of natural antidepressants available which may be an initial alternative to antidepressant drug use. In combination with these natural antidepressants, a psychotherapy program can be developed to discuss and resolve a patient's experiences, relationships, events, and feelings which may be contributing to the depression condition.

Many of the same food patterns that precede depression are the same food patterns that occur during depression. These patterns may include skipping meals, poor appetite, and a desire for sweets. Food plays a key role in maintaining mental health. Foods to eliminate or eat in moderation include sugar and sugary foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Eat at least three times a day, including breakfast, to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Replace sweets with fruit and whole grain carbohydrates, eat lean sources of protein several times a day, include a protein drink in your meal plan, drink plenty of water, and use the proper supplements, including additional B vitamins for nervous system support.

Lifestyle therapy to reduce depression:

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. They deplete the body's supply of B vitamins. Caffeine stimulates an adrenal response in the body which may provoke an anxiety or nervous response.

• Avoid sugar. Avoid all sweet refined foods as these affect the blood sugar that can lead to anxiety and mood swings and also affects how the brain functions.

• Stop Smoking! It inhibits proper blood chemistry and the flow of blood to the brain!

• Nutrition is key to brain chemistry! Make vegetable protein about 15% of the diet. Include essential fatty acid foods, like fish, sea foods, sea greens, spinach ad legumes. Avoid cheese, red meat, junk food, food rich in tyrosine, food rich in preservatives.

• Eat tryptophan foods like turkey, potatoes and bananas or take an L-Tryptophan supplement.

• Use a B complex vitamin with extra vitamin B-6

• Eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin C to enhance immune response and protect the nerves from stress and
  take a calcium supplement to receive the daily recommended calcium/magnesium doses.

• Make a brain tonic consisting of lecithin granules, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and take 2 Tablespoons daily.

• Receive plenty of exercise and oxygen. It is a natural antidepressant

• Sunlight therapy is a must. Take 20 minutes of moderate sun every day.

• Aromatherapy helps! Use lavender, geranium, jasmine or rosemary essential oils to lift mood and relax. Can be used in a bath or diffuser for maximum benefits.

• Yoga stretches or regular massage can clear the mind and refresh the body!
   

Supplements to help reduce depression:

St. John's Wort - herbal supplement to promote well being while relieving anxiety.

B Complex - strengthen the immune and nervous systems.

L-Tyrosine - to promote anti stress and well being.
 

You usually can find the supplements listed here at Wal-Mart or your local health food store. You can also buy them online. We recommend Puritan's Pride for all your vitamin and supplement needs. Their products are always fresh and of the highest quality. Their prices can't be beat, not even by Wal-Mart. Shipping is very fast and inexpensive.

Digestrin - to encourage proper digestion and assimilation of proteins.

We also suggest regular colon cleansing to keep your whole body healthy.