Q & A: How Diet May Effect Depression...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 5.4% of adults in the United States suffer from depression. In the past, vitamin D deficiency had been linked to depression, but are there any nutritional reasons why? Here’s a quick discussion from Dr. Fuhrman’s member center:
Question: Are their any diet reasons that contribute to depression? The reason I ask is that some days I feel really good and the next day I feel tired and depressed. I am not eating totally healthy. Also, what kind of blood tests should I have to tell if I am low in nutrients that may be causing my depression?
Dr. Fuhrman: Yes, oxidative stress in general, which means low intake of the broad spectrum of plant-derived phytochemicals, can contribute to depression. Vitamin D deficiency and omega-3 deficiencies can also contribute. You should order the following tests: amino acid quantitative, essential fatty acid analysis, B12/ MMA methylmalonic acid, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and Vitamin D 25-hydroxy.
Image credit: Icky Pic
