Depression

One of the most common medical problems in the United States is one that seems to work from the inside out, affecting the moods, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Depression, however, is much more than periodic crying spells and negative thoughts. For the 17 million Americans who are challenged by its effects, depression is a whole-body illness that affects not only one’s mental state, but also brings on chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive disorders, backaches, sleep disturbances and changes in appetite.1

The economic cost of depression is estimated to be over $30 billion each year
Two-thirds of those who are depressed never seek treatment and suffer needlessly.
80%-90% of those who seek treatment for depression can feel better within just a few weeks.
Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States
Depression affects almost 10% of the population, or 19 million Americans, in a given year.
During their lifetime, 10%-25% of women and 5%-12% of men will become clinically depressed.
Women are affected by depression almost twice as often as men.2
There are many different types of depression, but it generally results in symptoms of withdrawal, loss of interest, and incapacity for pleasure. Other symptoms might include fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, digestive disorders, restlessness, irritability, and feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy.

The causes of depression are not completely understood, but may be triggered by tension, stress, a traumatic life event, chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, allergies, or lack of exercise. These triggers begin as a disturbance in the brain that governs moods. When the stresses of everyday life become too much for the body to adjust to or the adjustment mechanism is unresponsive, depression is triggered.

Research shows that the levels of brain chemicals that are most commonly associated with mood are controlled by what we eat and that foods greatly influence the brain’s behavior.3 Our eating habits can greatly affect our moods and how our body responds. Neurotransmitters in the brain are controlled by what we eat and are closely linked to our mood. Food allergies, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and diets of junk food are common causes of depression, primarily because simple sugars and low nutrient foods can weaken or disable the adjustment mechanism.

On the other hand, improving dietary habits can also have a positive effect on reducing depression. For example, eating complex carbohydrates can have a calming affect and high protein foods promote alertness.4

Certain nutrients can also greatly benefit those suffering from depression, such as B vitamins which are the most potent anti-stress vitamin and necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Folic acid is particularly found to be deficient in those suffering from depression.5 Vitamin C is needed for immune function and also aids in preventing depression.6 Garlic improves serotonin levels which maintains balance in the brain, preventing depression.7

The source and quality of these nutrients is extremely important, particularly with depression as the body is already in a high stress state, so any synthetic or low quality nutrients create a stimulant effect, putting additional unnecessary stress on the body. The vitamins and minerals contained in The Greatest Vitamin in the World are the highest quality nutrients found on the market and are proven to be the most bioavailable, so your body will receive the nutrients it needs (see Vitamins). When taken along with a healthy diet, the symptoms and triggers of depression will be dramatically reduced.

1. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition. p. 315. 2. http://www.allaboutdepression.com/ 3. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition. p. 315. 4. Ibid. 5. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 72,2:80-7, 2003. 6. Rimland, Bernard. Vitamin C in the Prevention of Autism. 1998. Autism Research Review International. 7. Fillion, G. Designer Foods III (Transcript). Phytochemicals in Garlic, Soy and Licorice. Research Update and Implications. May 23, 24 and 25, 1994. Georgetown University Conference Center. Washington, D.C.

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