"You are what you eat", you know that old saying.
What does "you feel what you eat" say to you? Do you think that this also may be true? I do.
Yes, we typically relate depression to our family history of the illness and maybe a devastating event like the loss of our loved one and that analysis is very real and true.
But The Nutrition and Depression Report published by The Biological Society in 2005 stated;"before 1890, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids in America was 1:1.
Today, it's as high as 25:1.
This radically increased intake of omega-6 essential fatty acids is thought to be behind the rise in depression in the U.
S.
" I find that much of the science today has focused on the importance of getting the correct balance of fatty acids.
That is, consuming more omega -3 fatty acids from fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.
Then we go out and consume fewer omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils like corn and canola oil plus packaged or processed foods.
Now my personal research further indicates that people with depression have lower levels of certain B vitamins.
The people also exhibit lower levels in minerals selenium, iron and zinc.
No one seems sure if the deficiencies cause depression or whether the depression alters eating habits, which then leads to depression.
Hope you got that, it is a very important statement.
This diet connection may offer some good insight into postpartum depression.
Men are fifty per cent less likely to get depression than women.
We men do not get pregnant.
If this is you, this may be a serious situation and may require some professional help.
Or at least you may need medication.
You should make changes to your diet, in addition to getting the professional help you may need.
So in closing, the message is, if you increase your intake of the key nutrients it just may prevent depression.
If it does not prevent depression I am of the opinion by paying attention to your diet you will ease the symptoms.