How much of depression is biochemical? How much is psychological?

Well, the mind can effect the biochemistry of the body and vice versa. In her book, Seven Weeks to Sobriety, researcher Dr. Joan Mathews Larson describes how often hypoglycemics experience certain symptoms:

Nervousness 93%

Irritability 89%

Exhaustion 87%

Depression 86%

oblivion 69%

Indecision 50%

(Now, I can relate to the indecision situation when, in my late 30s, I was in a state of exhaustion and unable to make a simple decision regarding lunch. Fortunately, I chose a carrot ginger soup and chicken dish and was able to think more clearly.)

Dr. Larson also stated that her allergy patients were prone to emotional outbursts and depression. In one case, a patient fasted for a week, without symptoms. But, after a meal of pizza, the patient went into a crying fit.

It is also interesting to note that many alcoholics and suicide victims were deficient in minerals and vitamins. Some were especially deficient in vitamin C and exhibited symptoms of scurvy. A person’s nutrient-deficient brain will often contribute to low blood sugar, confusion, and even depression.

My own experiences with megadoses of nutrition have been that after taking massive amounts of B vitamins, adopting a high-protein diet, and eliminating bread and processed foods, I had greater muscle gains, slept better, drank less alcohol, and had better focus. mental. .

This is not to rule out cognitive or group therapies, but to provide one more tool in the toolbox of good health. I constantly urge my clients who are trying to lose weight or gain muscle to eliminate highly allergenic foods that contain sugar, wheat, and corn. Replace these foods with high-protein, nerve-strengthening foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and vegetable protein. These, along with fresh vegetables and berries, promote stable blood sugar levels and nourish the brain and nerve tissues.

Here is a typical low energy diet:

Breakfast: Coffee, wheat toast, processed cereal

Snack: coffee, danish

Lunch: Salad with dressing, fruit-flavored yogurt, French fries. Pop.

Dinner: Coffee, burger and fries

Snack: Ice cream

Not only does this diet contain more than 20 teaspoons of sugar, it depletes vitamin and mineral stores and sends a person’s blood sugar level on a roller coaster ride.

Here is a sugar stabilizer diet:

Breakfast: 2 eggs or egg whites and unsweetened oatmeal, a slice of rye bread, kamut or spelled. Multivitamin with a minimum of 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 100 mg of B1 and 300 mg of vitamin C.

Snack: Crackers and cheese or hummus

Lunch: salmon salad

Dinner: Chicken stir fry with brown rice

Snack: Oatmeal cookies

Before anyone protests that the following meal plan is too expensive, may I interject that making your own breakfast costs 1/5 of a fast food meal or a couple of chocolate bars or gourmet coffee? So don’t even try that excuse. Many immigrant families eat well at a fraction of the cost of Western or fast food.

Plus, the cost of good nutrition and proper exercise will save you money on medical and lost wages from being caught up in a blues case. (Note: This article is not intended to replace professional treatment of clinically depressed people.)