Depression

 Life is a drag; what’s the point anyway; I’ll never be happy…. Do any of these gloomy thoughts sound familiar? The occasional case of the blues is perfectly normal; however, many lifestyle choices along with continued negative thoughts can lead to serious depression. That’s why it’s important to take action early to bust yourself out of a slump.
There are many treatable causes of depression, such as low functioning thyroid. If your depression occurs during the winter months, you might have a low vitamin D level. Omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) play an important role in emotional well-being; and out-of-balance hormones like insulin and cortisol can also adversely impact depression. The Standard American Diet (SAD) contains foods that cause inflammation in the body and the brain and many processed foods have a variety of additives that can further impact brain function.
The gut and brain actually work closely together, each influencing the other. This is why your intestinal health can have such a profound influence on your mental health and vice versa. It’s also the reason why your diet is so closely linked to your mental health.
To improve your gut flora, increase your intake of beneficial bacteria. This is done by eliminating sugars and processed foods and eating plenty of non-starchy vegetables, avoiding processed vegetable oils, and using healthy fats. Additionally, taking a high-potency probiotic might be useful to restore a healthy gut flora.
To treat depression, you must learn how to get rid of the causes of inflammation and rebuild the normal immune balance through food and nutrients, as well as exercise, sleep, and stress management habits. Eating real, whole, unprocessed foods combined with lifestyle factors can help balance hormones. You may be surprised by how much such changes lessen symptoms naturally.
If you struggle with depression, getting help, including treatment that can help to address the underlying causes for the condition, is essential. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by applying lifestyle modifications before trying medication, especially in children. Left untreated, depression can not only take away your ability to enjoy life but also may lead to physical changes in your brain.
For more information on Protecting Health & Preventing illness call Compassionate Healthcare Associates at 661-295-7777.