Foods that can Cause Depression
Given those feelings of depression stems from the brain, choosing the type of foods to consume plays a major factor in causing depression. Eating the wrong selection of food can only make effects of living with depression worse. If the body does not get the nutrients needed to function normally, the brain will in turn punish the body with feelings of depression. There are other factors that cause depression, however it is important not to make the situation worse by not feeding the brain. Here are some of the nutrients that are responsible for enforcing depression.
Bad Cholesterol
Almost 20% of the brain is composed of cholesterol. Processed foods provide a dangerous mix of low quality cholesterols that the body does not utilize. The only clean source of cholesterol is from fruits and vegetables. It is best to consume a lot of omega 3' so that there will be a boost of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Hormones like testosterones are made up of cholesterol. This hormone reinforces a positive feeling within the body. When the body is unable to recognize the bad cholesterol ingested (LDL), the body is unable to produce the hormones necessary to reinforce the feel good emotion. This is why hemp nutrition helps to relieve depression. Let us analyze the foods that cause people to continue living with depression.
Processed Sugars
The brain is naturally addicted to sugar. When we consume complex sugars, the body uses more energy and time trying to process the sugar. Simple sugars such as fructose from fruits provide a better source of energy for the brain. Sucrose, which is found in processed foods, is much more difficult to transform into glucose, which the brain uses.
Fat
Processed fatty foods can cause depression. Having the correct ratio of fatty acids is essential for the correct chemical balance of the brain. The correct balance of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids should be a 3:1 ratio. Processed foods have only omega 6 fatty acids. The correct ratio is only found in fishes and hemp seed nuts. Fats are essential in the process of sleep, which plays a very important role in depression.
Too Much Protein
High levels of proteins in foods can cause depression. Protein is an important nutrient in order to fight depression. However, if too much protein is consumed, the body may not be able digest all the protein. A spike in the amino acid level of the body will drastically reduce the hormones needed to motivate the brain. This in fact will enforce depression. Processed protein will also trigger a spike in amino acids because the stomach is unable to digest it properly. Also, every time meat is reheated, the quality of the protein decreases.
Alcohol
This is a natural depressant. It is almost impossible for someone living with depression to recover while they are still drinking. Alcohol is strong reinforcer of depression. It damages the liver; therefore even if the person stops drinking, there body would not be able to efficiently feed the brain as it had done before. This may result in easy relapse to depression
Stimulants
Stimulant foods can cause depression by causing people to crash after a rush. Also leads to dependency. Stimulants are band aid treatments of depression. It temporarily excites the brain and gives the person a false sense of urgency, then wears off. This often leads to the person feeling depressed and needing another stimulant.
Processed foods
The stomach is unable to absorb artificial nutrients efficiently. All forms of processed foods help to cause depression. This is due to fact that the brain does not get the nutrients it needs. This is by far the main reason for depression. The body cannot get the nutrients it needs in the correct proportions. The nutrients that the body needs exist in unprocessed foods in the right proportions such as vegetable and nuts.
In conclusion, someone living with depression has to take into consideration their diet and lifestyle before coming up with a solution. That person may not need any medication. They may just need to supply their brain with the correct nutrients. Certain negative food and habits will also have to be excluded from their lifestyle. It is best to avoid foods that can cause depression.
________________________________________________
More Articles about Living With Depression
· What Suicidal Risk Factors to Look for in Those Living With Depression: This is basically a guide in assisting those that are living with depression and may be thinking about suicide.
· How to Spot Teenage Depression: The life of teenagers is filled with a lot emotionally turmoil. This article explains how to spot teenagers living with depression and offer assistance.