Depression

Depression is a common term taken to mean that an individual feels unhappy or down most of the time, is unable to experience any happiness in life or may find no reason for living. Depression may take place in various forms including hormonal depression, seasonal affective disorder and chronic depression.
It has been reported that many people mistake feeling poorly for depression. Feeling down is commonly transitory and is thought to improve when specific life circumstances and mental attitudes switch. Depression, however, is said to be much more serious and is believed to require both attention and treatment.
Depression may have a detrimental affect on health by weakening the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illness, and it has been related to causing death through cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Depression might also be triggered by bereavement, disappointment or other negative life events. Depression in the majority of cases causes comfort eating and very bad diets. People that have depression tend to do lower levels of exercise as well. A healthy diet is therefore believed to be essential in preventing depression.
Seasonal affective disorder is another form of depression usually occurring during winter months

Reported symptoms of depression
- Low energy levels the majority of time.
- Lack in confidence, self- esteem and feelings of unease.
- No sex drive.
- Sleeping for long hours or suffering from sleeping problems.
- The loss of interest in activities that an individual would normally enjoy.
- Chronic aches and pains.

How it has been advised to combat depression
- An overall healthy diet, rich in complex carbohydrates is reported to ensure good brain function.
- Low levels of Serotonin have been related to depression and anxiety, so, it has been recommended to consume foods high in selenium to improve mood. Selenium is thought to be featured in brazil nuts. In addition, Vitamin B6, is believed to be involved in the synthesis of serotonin, which might help lift mild depression.
- It has been recommended to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as these might lower mood.
- The brain chemical Dopamine, behaves as a neurotransmitter by assisting nerve impulses in the brain, cross small gaps in between nerve cells. Having low levels of dopamine has been linked to depression, so a rise in levels of dopamine is reported to result in improving moods and general well being.
- It has been recommended to have the daily, advised amount of zinc, as zinc deficiency may result in greater levels of depression. Post- partum depression has been related to zinc deficiency. Foods high in zinc are thought to include oysters, pumpkin seeds, brown rice and radishes.
- B Vitamins are said to be important for people suffering from depression. Increasing food intake from B Vitamins has been related to lowering depression.
Frequent exercise is thought to help improve the levels of circulation and raise levels of oxygen and other nutrients that are needed for the brain.
Consuming foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E is seen as essential in the formation of red blood cells that transport the nutrients in the blood.
- Laughter is said to be an excellent mood enhancer as it creates body chemicals which enhance mood, laughter may be created by watching sitcoms for example.

Supplements said to help prevent depression
- St Johns Wort is a mild anti-depressant, supplementing this herb has been related to improving moods and general well being.
- Omega- 3 fish oils and 5-HTP are said to be great mild anti-depressants.
- Essential oils such as citrus, neroli and rosemary may help improve moods.
- 5-HTP supplements are seen as good as they may increase serotonin levels in the brain and help in improving moods.
- Gingko Biloba supplements are reported to help in combating depression.