Question:
Are there any studies which attempt to link teen depression to nutrition? It strikes me that as a child becomes more independent, their eating habits may tend to become less nutritive. Could this, in any way be linked to the seeming rise in teen depression both in incidence and severity? I was thinking its probably obvious but I can’t find anything that attempts to link the two and any reference to treatment immediately delves into the magical world of drugs. I personally find it abominable that our culture is so anxious not only to drug ourselves but also our children.
Answer:
Sugar has a big long term effect on depression. Vitamins B (especially Vitamin B12) and EFA deficiency are linked with depression. A lack of fruits and veggies in the diet resulting in a poor intake of phytochemicals may result in depression as many phytochemicals are endorphines needed for a good mood Alcohol, coffee, sugar, chocolate and all addictive products are linked with depression, especially when they cause withdrawal symptoms when they're not consumed on a daily basis (many sugar withdrawal symptoms are mistaken for hypoglycemia symptoms).
Lack of sun light and vitamin D may result in depression (light therapy can cure depression to a certain extent. Lack of serotonin synthesis may result in depression (whole carbs foods like lentils at dinner may help boosting serotonin production, the same for foods rich in thriptophan).Lack of sleep or not sleeping during the metabolic phase between 11.00 PM and 2.00 AM is know to be one of the major cause of depression Teens usually stay awake late at night and are tired and depressed in the morning Sleeping more (or at least at nigh instead of in the morning) and waking up early to walk and get some sun maybe be all is needed to cure one's depression
When I don't sleep I feel like I hate the whole world the next day I insult anyone, hate anyone and feel like life is senseless One good night sleep and I forget about that sensation and feel happy, relaxed and active.This is rather difficult to believe, but much of the depression going around and increasing is due to so many people being on stimulants (mostly anti-depressants) that it is hard to avoid a situation that will cause the depression to an innocent bystander(by innocent bystander is meant someone in a relationship with the person taking the stimulant).There is a mind/body connection that transfers harm or depression to someone vulnerable that is not taking anything. It is on my website http://ascc.healingwell.com/info/gailfaq.htm Strange and almost unbelievable but true. Also causing Crohn’s including depression are the meds, Xanax, Buspar, Depakote, Flexeril, natural herbs with natural stimulants, kava kava, st johns wort, etc. etc.etc. We are surrounded with these meds, and no one realizes what harm they do to another person.
Try to relate to this, it just may be your answer. Please read my reply to the same question in another form, on Alt. support.depression.recovery on teen depression as being from another strange cause. The theory has a mind/body connection that applies to more incidences that we realize, boosting teen age depression and depression and physical damage to many others. Remember though that any mental cause is linked to any physical cause
For example meditation and relaxation result in a higher production of serotonin resulting in a lower incidence of depression On the other hand malcontent results in a destructive lifestyle that results in dietary, sleep, recretive patterns that lead to physiological mechanism linked to nutrition Have you ever read anything from Herbert Benson? In his relaxation response studies he shows how mind and body are always linked for example neuropeptides are produced in those brain areas where there's emotional activity and act as a booster of the immune system.
