Posted by jamie on November 30, 1999, at 3:26:34
In reply to Nutrition, posted by Noa on November 29, 1999, at 16:32:49
I read books on nutrition and have tried various diets. They do help in a subtle way. Not a cure for me tho. It goes something like this...whole wheat toast (whole wheat, not just wheat) or oatmeal for breakfast, vegetarian snacks and lunch, avoid meats and proteins during the day. This increases serotonin by allowing natural tryptophan to cross the brain barrier unimpeded by proteins. This is a relaxing good mood diet. On the other hand, if serotonin isn't the problem, then a high protein diet is better for energy and attentiveness. Experimentation with either a high carbohydrate diet or a high protein diet will give a clue which is better for you. But for me the differences were insignificant. I think it all gets back to the basics...eat a well balanced diet with low fat and take a vitamin mineral supplement high in the B vitamins, with the trace minerals selenium and magnesium. Calcium supplements, especially for women, and fish oil supplements are also a good idea. I doubt any super healthy diet will help depression much, but it sure won't hurt. And at least you'll know your body has everything it needs for good health, strong disease resistance, and strong cancer resistance.
The meats we eat are interesting. Ever notice how we get sleepy after a turkey meal? That's partially because turkey is high in tryptophan which makes serotonin. Turkey calms and relaxes by providing more serotonin production than any other meat. The intricate manipulations of diet are endless. But with subtle non-earthshaking results.
Another interesting tidbit is poopout. Just like antidepressants can poopout on us, a diet can too. A specific diet might help mood at first, but with continued use can actually poopout just like a drug. More evidence that there's no better philosophy than a well balanced diet with proper supplementation.
poster:jamie
thread:15939
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991123/msgs/15979.html