Jul 10 2008
The role of nutrition in depression
In research I did for BFTB, nutrition was rated the sixth most effective strategy for managing/overcoming depression (after exercise, support of family and friends, psychological counselling, fulfilling work, and relaxation/meditation. The subject was raised in my awareness with books like “Potatoes not Prozac” but increasingly we are seeing research and books coming out with compelling arguments for the effectiveness of lifestyle strategies (several have been covered in recent News and Blog posts on www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com)
A colleague based in the UK has recently brought to my attention the MIND website. MIND is the leading mental health charity in the UK and the site contains some very practical advice regarding food and mood disorders. See: http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Mind+guide+to/Mindguidetofoodandmood.htm#Useful_organisations
I encourage you to review the above webpage as it is covered quite succinctly in a question and answer format. For those that don’t have the time I’ll cut to the chase on good nutrition for mental health:
6-8 glasses of water per day (stay close to the WC)
Max 2 cups of coffee per day
5 serves of fruit/vegetables (starchy products like potato and sweet potato don’t count.
Oily fish (high in omega 3)
Lean protein
Wholemeal bread
Looks a lot like a healthy diet for physical wellbeing - just goes to show how closely the two are linked.
My personal opinion is that you can’t rely on any one strategy for overcoming depression but if you are serious about making progress, good nutrition is something you can’t ignore. If you are aware of any other evidence of the benefits of good nutrition in mood disorders, please let me know.
Kind Regards
Graeme
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