Foods for depression?

[barose]

Does anyone know of any foods that is good for depression (or a severe case of the blues)? What foods to avoid? (besides the obvious SAD/cooked foods). Would also consider supplements too! TIA

[being]

My top 3 would be (simply based on personal experience)

banana-celery-date smoothies -- I don't know why but I have 'em daily and it makes a huge difference. With lemon water or fresh OJ to blend.

anything with cacao

green juices with spirulina stirred in *esp. cucumber and lemon based ones

Supplement wise, while not vegan, in my experience a high quality f*sh oil for EPA/DHA works wonders. Seriously. Compared to vegan EPA/DHA supplements, well, there is no comparing. It was the best money I ever spent, even as a vegan. I'm not a hard-and-fast black-and-white dogma kinda person, so I'll make exceptions if it means I can start living again ;)

[SmilingRawDancer]

My aunt swears by the supplement 5-HTP

[Stina]

Dear Carla- if it's you that's feeling blue, my heart goes out to you. I pinch myself that my mood has been stabile for a couple of years now after, oh, a couple decades of depression.
As far as a nutritional approach, I can feel that my brain just thrives on seaweed because of all of the minerals. I swear I feel smarter when I'm eating sea vegetables on a regular basis. I just made Alissa's recipe for the Prince Caspian salad; it was great.

But I think the magic is in the greens. I'm consuming large amounts of greens, mostly in my green lemonades and green smoothies, but also in a daily salad and lettuce-based dip. And I'm conscientous of having a variety of greens.

Apparently, our fatty-tissue brains hold a lot of toxins, so I have to ride out some occasional mood disturbance that I chalk up to detoxing.

Love, Stina

[lafsalot]

Did a search, but was unable to find the thread from another member (sorry, I don't recall the name) who posted about how she was ultimately able to resolve her chronic depression after reading, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression" (by Michael B Schachter, MD.) and with the natural supplements (ie amino acids, etc) that he recommends. The following is an exerpt from his book:


"body with optimal amounts of substances that are natural to it-including amino acids, vitamins and minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids-combined with positive lifestyle habits and mind-body therapies. Linus Pauling, PhD, originally introduced this term in 1968 in the journal Science."

Although I would think that raw would provide enough of the latter, but the op swore by the supplements. Might be worth the read. Feel better soon ~ Cathy

[barose]

Thanks everyone! I already drink green smoothies and eat large salads (a variety) daily so I'm on the right track. I DO notice I feel better on the days I have spirulina and raw cocoa. I havent had spirulina in a while. We're getting a juicer soon so Ill be able to have more green juices, etc.

I do remember reading something about v-B....Ill have to look that up.

[dreamrawalwz]

Good suggestions. I'd add green juices/smoothies also if possible or just juices in general. I'm in constant low/mod. level of depression no matter what and that's my "normal" baseline. If I use salt and have (raw) fats or questionable raw items or non-organic produce, my depression plumets into suicidal level. NOT fun. On the other hand, if I have mostly juices (if not a fast) I get well...giddy? Lol.

[barose]

Good suggestions. I'd add green juices/smoothies also if possible or just juices in general. I'm in constant low/mod. level of depression no matter what and that's my "normal" baseline. If I use salt and have (raw) fats or questionable raw items or non-organic produce, my depression plumets into suicidal level. NOT fun. On the other hand, if I have mostly juices (if not a fast) I get well...giddy? Lol.

Thats strange because on days I have NO fats, I feel HORRIBLE. Today for instance, I had a green smoothie and some fruit and just wanted to slit my wrists (not joking), but when I had a smoothie with a whole coconut and raw cocoa, my mood changed dramatically.

[styersky]

Since beginning the green smoothie with a large handful of spinach or equivalent of some other greens and eating lots of avocado I simply feel elated all of the time. If I fail to have the green smoothie, well, it's just not a good day and we won't go there. When I began having lots of avocado I have even felt better!

[Judy]

- Lots of bananas, there's a certain chemical in it that has a positive effect on your brain chemistry... But I totally forgot the name! Oh, I googled it. It's called tryptophan, it's in fish and chocolate too.
- Certain essential fatty acids.
- Herbs: St. John's Worth (not to use in combination with certain medications)
- Maybe some kind of alternative coaching or therapy to deal with underlying problems.

[SmilingRawDancer]

It's called tryptophan, it's in fish and chocolate too.

That's what 5-HTP is based upon, I started taking 5-HTP today so I'll try to remember to post sometime on if I feel any difference.

http://vitaminlady.com/Articles/5HTP.asp:


The importance of Serotonin to Health
by Lynn Hinderliter CN, LDN
Although I have throughout my life been blessed with the ability to maintain remarkably good health, one distressful constant has plagued me: insomnia. I recall how grateful I was in the mid 70's when I first came across the research on the amino acid L-Tryptophan, and found that it appeared to hold the key to restful sleep for me.
Then, disaster struck: a Japanese manufacturer of amino acids attempted to make a cheaper formula using a new procedure, and a batch of the end product was contaminated: this resulted in serious illness for a number of unfortunates, and even some deaths. The FDA reacted (quite correctly) to the emergency by removing L-Tryptophan from the market. Sadly (and quite incorrectly!) once the shape of the crisis had become clear and it was obvious that a contaminant was at fault and not the L-Tryptophan itself, they did not remove the ban, and Tryptophan was unavailable, except by prescription, until 2002 or so when I found an excellent source .

For a detailed account of the L-Tryptophan incident and its possible connection to genetic engineering, go here.


Advances in research also made available a metabolite of Tryptophan called 5-HTP. It is reassuring
to know that 5-HTP is a truly natural substance, extracted from the seed of an African shrub called Griffonia Simplicifolia.

First, a little more about Tryptophan. It is hard to get enough of this amino from the food supply: most proteins in our diet do not contain it, though milk is a convenient source - (as a side note, this is one reason why milk and cookies last thing at night can bring about a contented sort of mood: milk is high in Tryptophan, and the carbohydrates in the cookies raise insulin levels, allowing for more efficient transport/less competition with other amino acids.) Tryptophan's connection to many different mental & neurological states has been demonstrated unequivocally in studies of various conditions, including suicide, depression, insomnia, schizophrenia, mental retardation, Parkinsonism, epilepsy and pain.

The reason it is a factor in so many differing states is that it is a precursor to serotonin (Tryptophan→5-HTP→Serotonin→Melatonin) and many diseases which are connected with low levels of Tryptophan show low melatonin levels as well. It is therefore possible that people who hesitate to use melatonin, as well as those who find it doesn't totally answer their sleep needs, might benefit from trying the more natural amino acid originator of the cascade.

Seratonin is an extremely important neurotransmitter, which regulates essential functions in hormone systems throughout the body. Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil are prescription drugs which act on serotonin levels, and the fact that they have such a broad range of effects on the psyche confirms the relevance of L-Tryptophan to personality: the difference being twofold, a lack of side effects for the natural substance, and a considerably lower price.

Realizing that the brain regulates digestion and elimination (through a duplicate neurological system in the gut) explains why 5 HTP is often so helpful for people suffering from IBS.

In view of the effectiveness of Tryptophan, I imagine there are drug companies out there who wee very pleased by the delay in letting it back on the market, but with the advent of 5-HTP, this was in any event no longer a problem for people looking for an effective natural approach to manifestations of what Dr. Sahelian, author of 5-HTP, Nature's Serotonin Solution, terms "serotonin deficiency syndrome".

I have read the results of a Swiss double-blind trial which compared 5-HTP with fluvoxamine (a kind of antidepressant known as an SSRI, or Serotonin Selective Re-uptake Inhibitor), and when all the figures were in, the 5-HTP group improved their scores on depression rating scales both objectively and subjectively significantly more than the medicated group. Dr. Sahelian lists the following conditions as ones studied over the past 3 decades in connection with 5-HTP: anxiety disorders, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, migraine headaches, obesity, and some neurological disorders, such as the inability to control voluntary muscle movement.

In fact, an approach to Fibromyalgia which has had considerable success is attempting to moderate the serotonin balance of the brain. An Italian study showed that administering 100 mg of 5HTP 3 times a day resulted in a 50% reduction in symptoms. These were two studies, one of them double blind, 50 patients in each, and the results were the same each time - significant improvement. (J. Int. Med. Res. 1990; 18:201-9 and J. Int. Med. Res. 1992;20:182-9)

For some older patients the addition of small amounts of Melatonin can also be helpful. Because St. John's Wort affects serotonin levels, many sufferers have found it a constructive addition. Do not, however, attempt this approach if you are using anti-depressants or MAO inhibitors!

Interestingly, an excellent food source of Melatonin is Montmorency Cherry Concentrate.


Those who have had trouble dieting and losing weight - especially those who suffer from uncontrollable cravings for sugars and starches while they are dieting - will find these supplements immensely helpful. Another of Serotonin's effects is on the appetite center in the brain where it plays a very important part both in controlling your appetite, and reducing those terrible cravings for carbohydrates. Women in particular seem to suffer from this problem when Tryptophan (and consequently serotonin) levels fall in the brain, and 5-HTP can definitely help. Dr. Bob Arnot, M.D. writes in his book Dr. Bob Arnot's revolutionary Weight Loss Control Program "The more serotonin your brain makes, the fewer excess calories you'll consume and the more likely you are to choose the great foods that will keep you lean".

Which is likely to help you more, 5 HTP or L-Tryptophan?


All logic dictates that 5 HTP would be more effective: less competition to cross the blood/brain barrier, since it is not an amino acid, better absorption (1% for L-Tryptophan, where one researcher calls 5 HTP "virtually a guided missile").

However, logic seems to have little to do with it, since I personally found after time no benefit for my sleep problems with 5 HTP, whereas with L-Tryptophan not only does it eliminate my severe insomnia, but after a while I can even discontinue it for a few weeks before the condition recurs.

This is not the result that others have reported to me, so it would appear to be a case where experience is the only answer. My suggestion is to experiment, and see which one works best for you.

Remember, though, that a deficiency or B6 can cause poor absorption of L-Tryptophan. In extreme cases, only 1% of the ingested amino reaches the brain. Many people who have low levels of stomach acid have insufficient supplies of B6.

Some relevant references:

[Priscilagj@mac.com]

bananas and dates really help me out.
they kinda taste like childhood.
hope you feel better! ; ]

[EZ rider]

I have noticed that a "feel good" connection for me is the green juices. The other foods are good juiced but the green foods juiced wins hands down for me. I just love the feeling of feeling good so I drink green juices frequently throughout my day, but I really hit em in the morning after I start my day. Green juices have turned me from being a grouch to someone who is smiling a lot. Thats no small feat for me. Try some romaine and celery juice for starters and then try beet tops and after that try fennel (it tastes like licorice). Most of the greens are good. :)
Edited - Come to think of it there are some greens I aviod like arugula (spelling ?) So buy small amounts of each until you know if you like it or not.

[barose]

Edited - Come to think of it there are some greens I aviod like arugula (spelling ?) So buy small amounts of each until you know if you like it or not.

I had crops of arugula in the spring, but its maxed out now. :) Right now I'm just stocking up on organic kale, chard, collard and romaine. You cant beat $1 a bunch at the farmers market end of day sale. I also started to grow sprouts again.

SRD - thanks for the 5-HTP info!

[Sleek98]

I will just second the book mentioned, the 5-HTP, and add iodine. Lugol's or Iodoral. Read this for more info--amazing.
http://www.hacres.com/diet/articles/Iodine.pdf

[dreamrawalwz]

I guess I'm just the odd one lol. I know fats are supposed to help the brain with mood levels, but not for me....:rolleyes:

[lydias]

I would also research pros and con of raw cacao. For some, it has some side effects. It gives me too many real highs and lows so I avoid it.

E3live.com has blue green algae that Gabriel Cousin says is suppose to be good for depression.

also 10 min of rebounding does wonders even if you just do it very lightly

Hope you feel better soon. :)

[tvillemom]

Thanks for this thread. I have been feeling so low lately. I even slipped off raw, just trying to comfort myself, unfortunately the wrong way!!
Learning about the 5-HTP sounds so much like what I've been going through. I have low moods, and have for a long time had a hard time with cravings and loosing weight. This is even true when I am exercising 3-4 times a week....and eating raw. Maybe adding this tryptophan will help, along with some kelp/iodine supplement!!

thanks,
Wendi

[Frecs]

just wanted to slit my wrists (not joking),

(((((Hugs))))

I suffered from Clinical Depression with suicidial thoughts for over 20 years. I suffered with Social Anxiety/Panic Disorder for 15 years. I used Zoloft for several years to "manage" it. I've been off the Zoloft for a bit over a year now -- 5 months after going 100% raw vegan. I have never felt better -- and I use the word "felt" with emphasis because I used to complain that I was numb emotionally. I sleep soundly. I no longer have horrible nightmares (side effect of Zoloft). I no longer want to hide away or worse, kill myself. But, please, note that it took time on raw before I could come off the medicine safely! I actually tried much earlier but realized quickly that it was too soon. And, yes, I was a bad girl and went off of the meds on my own--without the doctor's supervision--not usually recommended.

I think you need to pay attention to what your body signals you to do. If eating a certain level of fat effects your state of mind, heed that. Find what foods are best FOR YOU and stick with them.

I'm not big on supplements. I tried St. John's Wort and found it of no use whatsoever -- but again your mileage may vary. There is also a supplement, I forget the name, that supposed to be a natural form of valium--again, it did nothing for me.

What I would highly recommend: Sunlight. Fresh air. Exercise. Preferably, all three together: go outside and exercise so that you are breathing deeply. Do it everyday. This will do so much for your mood.

[exurb]

Hugs to you barose!! :)

One book I found sort of interesting is "What Happy People Know", by the psychologist at Canyon Ranch (a big high-end health spa), Dan Baker PhD.. Maybe you could check it out at your local library and see if any of it speaks to you.

I would also suggest to make sure you're not deficient in anything (which can be fun while not overeating:rolleyes: ). As for the fats, they are necessary to synthesize certain neurotransmitters, hormones, etc., so I say if you go too low, you could be courting trouble. Also when a lot of people go to raw, out go the grains, and there are lots of B-vitamins and other stuff in there. Maybe if you monitor your nutrition a little and see if there are any deficiencies that could be corrected.

I heard of a Scandinavian study where regular exercise (something like 30-45-60 minutes a day) working up a little sweat was as effective as antidepressants.

I remember from your other posts that you are trying to lose weight. That can be challenging sometimes I think without being a little low in mood some of the time. Exercise is a good substitute to me in those times when we're driven to eat to make happy mood chemicals.

Sorry I don't have any magic answers for you, but hope this passes.

[barose]

Hi exurb - thanks for the advice. I do exercise daily now and have worked out no less than 3-4 days a week for the past two years. I wonder how would I be if I didn't at all. :eek:

I started keeping a food log as of today. :) For instance, I only had a green smoothie today. Though I'm not hungry, I feel like total crap emotionally....I'm going to have a large salad, with avo, etc and see how I feel.

[ross.g]

wow this thread is so cool I have never thout of a food for depression but do you think this would work with someone who is bipolar
I take medication and it dosnt help with me wanting to loose weight do you think this will work for me ?[

[exurb]

hi to you to barose and thanks for acknowledging my reply.

Does this link help you at all for another thread here

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=29942

I knew you were a good exerciser, so take heart in knowing you're doing stuff to help.

I also think nature and taking time to be out with nature is a big help, I don't know if you're into that at all. I heard an intriguing documentary on "nature defecit disorder." :o

[styersky]

Hi exurb - thanks for the advice. I do exercise daily now and have worked out no less than 3-4 days a week for the past two years. I wonder how would I be if I didn't at all. :eek:

I started keeping a food log as of today. :) For instance, I only had a green smoothie today. Though I'm not hungry, I feel like total crap emotionally....I'm going to have a large salad, with avo, etc and see how I feel.

You need to eat ! ! ! Your nervous system cannot heal without proper nutrients.

I feel absolutely awesome emotionally for the first time in more than 20 years. But I eat all day! I start the day with a green smoothie containing a tomato and at least one handful (large) of something like spinach (spinach is my favorite but we need to vary greens.) That is not very much calorie-wise so shortly thereafter I will probably have an avocado, tomato, and onion. Then later in the day I will have a large salad with a variety of vegetables including avocado again. (I believe I noticed a tremendous difference emotionally when I started having two avocados daily.) During the afternoon and evening I will eat nuts and fruits - assorted.

I can only speak from experience . . . but I missed the green smoothie a couple of mornings and was also out of avocados and I began to bottom out big time. I WILL NOT run out of greens and avocados again! I also walk about 2 1/2 miles on average 5 times a week. (Not this week . . . in Ky we are above 100 degrees with humidity of almost the same number it seems.) I did walk with two friends last night at almost dark and it was very nice. The exercise is the kicker in licking depression, but for me it was not enough until I started RAW with the above eating habits. We have all kinds of exercise equipment in the house, but being inside is just not what I need emotionally. I need the enjoyment of nature I guess to get my focus right. When I am outside I can come closer to my goal of seeing God in everything and that is a biggie for me emotionally.

Once a week, although I am trying and hoping to lose weight, I treat myself with this fudge recipe:

My own Fudge Recipe
2 c coconut
½ c cocoa
Stir well in large bowl
3 c walnuts, process until creamy
½ c honey
½ c water
¼ c coconut oil
Process well. Then stir into to coconut and cocoa mixture.
Press into flat, covered glass dish. Place in refrigerator 1 hour. Cut into squares.
When firm remove from dish and freeze individual squares.

[Green Life]

Green Smoothies.

Hope you feel better soon!

[styersky]

Frecs . . . appreciate your post. I, too, have been suicidal a couple of times. The "plan" that is (was) always in my head is slitting my wrists. Herbals like St. Johns Wort, as I understand may work for moderate depression. However, if one has severe or clinical depression they usually do not work.

For anyone that is there where I have described needs to be on medication from their doctor and does not need to be trying to do it on their own.

And if you are ready to try RAW hoping to deal with the depression that is great. But do not rush and get away from meds immediately. I did that once after deciding I could do it on my own, and became suicidal once again! You do not want to do that!

[KindnessToAllCreatures]

When I'm in a funk, the three things three things that help me the most are:

exercisie (even a 20-30 minute walk will suffice)
curling up with a good book
cacao (I usually blend with some bananas, agave nectar, flax seeds, and a few pecans, with some water, of course)

And, to be honest, something I allow myself to simply accept the funk for what it is, try to spend some time alone until it passes, and go on from there. Obviously, if you're depression isn't going away, please make sure to get professional help with someone you feel you can trust.

After perusing the suggestions of others, I hope you find something that is helpful for YOU!:)

With Love.

[beppa66]

Omega oils, B 6-12, flaxseed oil and cocao have worked wonders for me.
Hope you find your cure. Big Hug.

[dreamrawalwz]

wow this thread is so cool I have never thout of a food for depression but do you think this would work with someone who is bipolar
I take medication and it dosnt help with me wanting to loose weight do you think this will work for me ?[

I was considered bi-polar. When I'm not raw I cycle very rapidly. As rapdily as 3-4 cycles A DAY! I used to have a pattern other than the daily cycling of manic one day, suicidal the next, then ok for a while and back again. Anyway, once I went even high raw, though I still get suicidal, the cycling is not NEARLY as drastic from the highs and lows, they don't last as long, and aren't as rapid between cycles. I go more....neutral doing raw. Somtimes I go from "neutral" to hypomanic, but sometimes tha'ts nice :) Sometimes it COULD just be the "high" people say they feel doing raw, who knows, but I don't know where I'd be now if I hadn't found raw....

[EZ rider]

Sometime I would like to try a few days of nothing but green juice fasting and see how that makes me feel.

[the_lab_rat]

Hi Carla, I hope you start feeling better soon!

For me, a few things that help are spirulina, green smoothies, sunshine, and exercise (especially to the point where I'm sweating a lot). And I concur with Stersky, exercise outside is the best! In college often all I'd have time for was the gym, and I noticed it didn't help with stress nearly as much as when I'd go outdoors. Like, no matter how long I run on a treadmill, I never get that "runner's high" indoors. Another thing is, I have to change my routine once in a while or the happy effect isn't as strong :) Like if I've been running on the same trail for weeks, I have to try a totally different one, or add more miles or more hills. Recently I took up yoga and afterward I feel amazing! Bikram yoga... oh yeah, it gets you sweating! I feel like all the toxins are being sweated out, and it leaves me with a calm peaceful feeling. Hope you find something that helps!

p.s. Nice meeting you tonight! :D

[mberam]

Hey...

I take Zoloft--100 MG's a day for OCD and Anxiety. I have been raw for almost 2 weeks and have noticed a significant difference in my mood even on the Zoloft--Im calmer but more focused. I have more energy but not anxious energy--a calm relaxed energy. Im feeling really good. I hope to eventually go off the Zoloft, but Im taking it slow--Im going to stay raw for awhile first. However I notice the raw foods works way better than the Zoloft. My sex drive has returned too in the past couple weeks. I have been eating TONS of dark green leafy veggies everyday. Im juicing them and putting them in my smoothies. I eat an avacado almost every day. I put the Hemp Seed protein in my smoothies--it has a good amount of EPA/DHA which helps big time with depression. I also put Maca powder and Blue Green algae in my smoothies. And I try to keep it minimal on the really sweet sugary fruits--I usually mix my smoothies with oranges, pears, or apples. I have also noticed if I eat cacao at night I wake up feeling a lift.

I also take 5HTP which has helped tremendously! I swear by that stuff--however you should check with a Doctor (preferably a ND) before taking 5 HTP. 5 HTP is the precursor to serotonin. It is made from tryptophan. You can also get tryptophan from Banana's and Pumpkin Seeds. Cacao also raises your serotonin and dopamine levels.

Anyway, hope this helps.

[Raw Angel Mom]

NUMBER 1 FOOD: SUNLIGHT< lack of vitamine D will generate depression and decrease your interest to do activity which are very important to get your lymphatic fluid moving.

I know for Raw cacao has an ingredient which help depression.

Being low in calcium will do this, so i support the GREENs for they are rich in so many nutriment.

[Theogirl]

One thing I read recently that was a good reminder is to eat as wide a variety of raw foods possible. Each food has its own unique blend of properties and by eating so many different yummy healthy things, your body has a whole "pharmacy shelf" to choose from to heal itself! And your body knows what it needs!
I've suffered from depression since I was a young child, ranging from mild, chronic depression and anxiety to severe, clinical depression and out of this world anxiety when pregnant. I've been on Celexa for almost four years and since being mostly raw for several months, I'm on a third of my dose and feeling better than I've ever felt in my life! I've worked out a schedule with my doctor for going right off, but that's a few months away. (My ETD is August 1!)
For me, SUNLIGHT is huge. And EXERCISE! Of course this is all on top of being raw, the best thing I've ever done for my beautiful body! And SPIRITUALITY, I need it to stay close to my Creator to be at peace.
One last thought. When I do go right off my prescription meds, I expect that I may have some low days in transition. Instead of panicking when these happen, I'm changing my strategy and try to embrace my feelings and comfort myself as a friend. And try listening to my feelings instead of trying to shut them off. Am I feeling panicky? Do I need to talk about my feelings to DH? Do I need to take more time to rest? Do I need a snack? Would a walk feel good?
Hope you are feeling better!