foods for depression?

[sptygl]

Foods for depression?

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!

[Eva]

I just posted this in your "feel-good foods" thread:

Are you already eating 100% raw food? The thing about raw food is that you are not taking in "poisons" -- only food. Because of that, your body is getting nutrients and the space to heal. If your healing is with depression, you will more likely heal with raw food if you give it time.

I realize there are many people out there who say that depression is genetic or is the result of an imbalance. I agree with that -- sort of. But I also believe the body is able to heal anything if given time and an environment of peace, love, healthy exercise and fresh air, and raw foods.

I was taking meds for ADHD for most of my childhood and as a young adult. I tried on many occasions to make changes and/or just wean myself off. I "needed" the meds even when I thought I really didn't. One semester of college when I had spent the whole summer weaning myself off then started the fall --- I ended up with a case of the blues, being utterly overwhelmed and failing four classes. What a crappy way to learn a lesson.

Then I went raw at 24.5 years of age, immediately quit coffee and the sometimes cigarettes and wine, two weeks or so later stopped the meds (it was Ritalin 10-20 mg 1-2 x/day and cold turkey: not recommended by doctors!!). It seemed silly to feel so good from raw food and to be taking the Ritalin. I also stopped the birth control shot when I was next due for it.

I haven't looked back. I live a different life now, and I can concentrate and keep organized, etc.

That said -- my suggestion in the other thread (it looks like you accidentally started this one twice) for feel-good food was a green smoothie. It makes me feel good because it's doing good things for my body = way better short term for the nutrient boost and good taste AND long term for healing.

[Raene]

Foods for depression?

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!

Watermelon is known to help depression. Hang in there!!!

[lafsalot]

Here's an old post of mine from another thread:

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

[Veganforlife]

Two words: GREEN SMOOTHIES

[Frugal Raw]

Chocolate has a natural mood enhancer - so...cacao!

[rawstrength]

I've heard that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, algae, flax seeds and walnuts relieve depression.
:hugs:

[lafsalot]

Here's another oldie of mine that WILL help:

Just a suggestion, but have you ever thought about keeping a gratitude
journal? Definitely helps to refine one's focus.

When I write out my appreciations every day, I become more in tune throughout the next day - looking for more things to be grateful for. Odd thing is, cool things start to find me.

Why not give it a try for 30 days - see if you don't brighten up a little, and call a few more goodies out into manifestation in your world?! ~ Cathy

[jordanjuju]

I'm feeling this thread... One of the big reasons I'm keeping it raw from now on is because I want to get OFF these damn antidepressants. It will happen. [=

[RawHeaven]

almonds

cherries

[Raw Angel Mom]

TOP LIST SUN SHINE......If you are low in vitamine D it will lead to depression. Many go through depression when fall comes. If not enough sunshine in your area, you may consider to take supplement.

Also any food rich in calcium will help. I heard from a conference that if you are low in calcium, it will affect your absortion with vitamine D.

Second top is EXERCISE. It doesn't have to be fancy. You can do a little be of jumping or doing some up and down stairs. This will get your lymphatic fluid circulate and therefore get ride of the bad stuff that affect your glands causing chemical inbalance.

As you continue on your raw diet and start to tune in to your body, you will figure out the food that your body needs. Listen to your cravings, not the addiction craving but your body's craving.

Wishing you all the best!

p.s Raw chocolate is also a natural anti-depressant

[Veganforlife]

So, from what I've gathered one should walk in the sunshine, drinking a cacao green smoothie that has sesame seeds ground up in it!
Sounds good to me! LOL!!!:D

[RawPaw]

I eat fast/junk food when I'm depressed. That's what not to eat. I think besides raw fruits and veggies, sunlight and exercise are most important. And it's easy to isolate yourself if you aren't feeling your best, which is a no-no. I hope you have some close friends.

[snoops]

Just a suggestion for those who experience seasonal affected disorder (also SAD) I bought a light last winter and it was the best $180 I ever spent. I sit in front of the computer and read the paper every morning anyway so I just put the light in front of me for 1/2 hour and VOILA. It worked like a charm. I will start to use it again when the days start to get shorter and I am waking up in the dark. I went of anti depressants once I started using it.

[Eva]

Hmmm --- care to share more about this light you bought? I'm not sure what this winter is going to be like (haha except the 3-4 weeks I'll be summering in Brazil with my hubby while it's winter here! ;))...

[petaltothemetal]

Veganforlife, you come up with a good tasting cacao green smoothie with sesame seeds (and don't forget the cherries and almonds) and post the recipe please!

[snoops]

My light case is about 6 inches square. It has about 24 LED lights in it. Apparently they shine in the spectrum that mimics the sun. I just sit it on the table beside my computer and it shines at me!!!! I live in the north and in the winter we do not get enough sun to stimulate vitamin D production so I also take D supplements. Also it is dark till 8:30 -9 in the morning and getting dark at 4:30 in the afternoon. I guess the lack of light causes a "depression" in some people and I am one.

But like I said I got the light last year and it was so much better I couldn't believe it. And I didn't get it till Nov so I plan to start using it in late Sept once the day light starts getting less. I am hoping that being raw this year will make it even better!! You can buy them at medical supply type stores. You know, where you get wheel chairs, braces etc.

[Eva]

Interesting. So I wonder if just replacing the lights I have in my (home) office with LED lights would do the trick? I work from 9 pm to 5 pm EST, but that is actually night for most of the time where I am. This way, I could get whatever amount of sunshine I could get when outside during the day, plus whatever happens with the lights while I am working...

Hmmm...

Good idea for combating the seasonal issues!

[snoops]

I think the light needs to be close to your eyes so just changing overhead light may not have the same affect. They also suggest to do it first thing in the morning.

[northernstars]

I just bought a bunch of lights from Mercola, I believe, that seem as though it is true daylight inside and I read that they also put out vitamin D. They are very energy efficient as well.

Living in Alaska during the winter we receive very little light as our daylight is only 5 hours 20 some minutes on December 22. I just bought these this year but already they are making it much more like daylight than it would have been. We are currently losing over 5 minutes of daylight each day. We only had one day where the temperature actually got above 70 degrees, too.

[Eva]

I think the light needs to be close to your eyes so just changing overhead light may not have the same affect. They also suggest to do it first thing in the morning.

Ah, that's helpful info. I'm going to have to look into this when the time's closer.

[Veganforlife]

Veganforlife, you come up with a good tasting cacao green smoothie with sesame seeds (and don't forget the cherries and almonds) and post the recipe please!

You just did!!! LOL!!!

I too agree about full spectrum lighting. I have it in my house during the winter months. Love it!

[jacsam]

Have you tried any herbs to take the edge off. (Kava Kava) Of course exercise does wonders also. Sunshine is also good to help.

[GoingtoRAW]

Two words: GREEN SMOOTHIES

I totally agree with Veganforlife about those magical green smoothies. When I don't drink my smoothies I start sinking fast. If I go off smoothies for more than 1 week the blues definitely come back. With a vengence!!!:( Each time I go back to my smoothies after being off for a while it takes longer for my mood to get better. Even when I am not eating optimally I try to make sure that I still get my smoothies in because I do not like the depression that comes when I don't have my smoothies. They are like a miracle food to me for sure!!!!;)

[kumquat baby]

Exercise is totally key for me. I just recently started therapy which has brought me to the realization that I do struggle with some depression. I find doing tons of yoga, which always helps me be present and love myself, has been essential for getting through the dark and foggy days. I also keep a journal tracking food, exercise, emotional feeling and physical feelings. And green smoothies full of all the goodness I can fit in the blender!

[sptygl]

I am keeping notes here!! Lol
Such great suggestions.... Thank you all so much for taking time to write your thoughts and ideas! :)

Do you really feel gs make that big of a difference? Any particular type that you notice the biggest difference with?

Kava kava I have heard of, but never tried it. I'm just starting to juice again, and pray to feel a true difference there. I'm at the point where I'll try anything, especially if any of you guys really feel it's a winner. :)

Much love and big hugs to all if you!

[Raw Joy]

Here's an old post of mine from another thread:

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


Hey, that was me, Raw Joy! And yes, the more raw I became and was able to maintain, the less supplements I needed to take because I WAS getting amino acids from my food.

The problem was that, before starting on the supplements, I had a very hard time staying raw. If anyone has struggled with depression, one of the most crippling effects (in my opinion) is the lack of initiative you experience. It was hard to make myself a salad when DH's spaghetti was sitting there. Sometimes I would sit there for two hours thinking I needed to go eat that apple, and couldn't make myself get up off the couch.

The amino acid supplements made it possible for me to break out of my depression. And then I WAS able to keep raw. And then I WAS able to pretty much get what I needed from my food. That was about 18 months ago, and I take the supplements maybe 1-2 times a week, mainly as a preventative measure just to make sure I'm getting what I need and that I don't slip backwards.

[sptygl]

What type of amino acids/supplements did you take? you said it helped break the blues...but i don't think you actually posted it.
thanks!

[Raw Joy]

What type of amino acids/supplements did you take? you said it helped break the blues...but i don't think you actually posted it.
thanks!

I took a whole handful for a while. I can't even remember the names of them all. And I sure can't remember how to pronounce or spell them all. :D

Now, I'm down to SAMe, Methylione (sp?), and L-Phynelionnnnnee something about 4-6 times a month. With the exception of 5-HTP. I take that 3-5 times a week at night as it helps with sleep.

I also starting taking kelp and dulse as I had symptoms of low thyroid function, and I still add that to my foods fairly regularly.

However, what worked for me may not work for you as your body deficiencies may be different from mine. My daughter and sister read the book and ended up taking different supplements than I did, based on their symptoms.

I would recommend getting the book as it lays out if you have such-and-such symptom, then you're probably deficient in this amino acid. Many of the symptoms overlap, and you don't just start taking a bunch of stuff. Maybe a couple, get adjusted, then move on to the next. My sister only needed one supplement and she was fine. My daughter needed a couple and immediately improved. I, on the other hand, needed half the store :rolleyes:

The book is "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression". You can get it on Amazon.

[Raw Joy]

I wanted to add that this doctor also emphasizes diet, toxins and things like that. He's not just throwing out pills. The book includes case studies where he starts patients out on supplements but addresses other issues in their lifestyle also, and gradually gets them to a low maintenance dose, or many times, off the supplements altogether.