Posted by jrbecker on December 4, 2003, at 21:51:55
http://www.primezone.com/pages/news_releases.mhtml?d=49039
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 02, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) - MrBreakfast.com: With depression on the rise during and immediately following the holiday season (Holiday Depression & Stress, National Mental Health Association, http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/103.cfm), the winter months are an important time for those with recurring mild-to-moderate depression to explore preventative measures. A new compilation of research suggests that preventing the holiday blahs might begin with breakfast.
Research performed at both the University of California at Davis and the Harvard Medical School has shown that symptoms of depression can be alleviated through nutrient supplementation and changes in diet. Harvard University researcher J. Michael Murphy documented that when children who "rarely" ate breakfast switched to "often" eating breakfast, they became less hyperactive, anxious and depressed.
Eating two small breakfasts as opposed to one large one may help to keep insulin, cortisone and testosterone levels in check. Fluctuations in these hormones are known contributors to depression.
Starting your day with a proper breakfast contributes to positive mental health year-round. Carbohydrates in foods such as bananas and whole-wheat bread elevate serotonin levels. Low levels of this key neurotransmitter are believed to cause mood disorders and depression.
"Two Breakfasts And A Banana -- A Cure For Depression" is part of an on-going series about the physical and mental advantages of eating a healthy breakfast currently featured at MrBreakfast.com.
poster:jrbecker
thread:286683
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031202/msgs/286683.html