Archive for March, 2011
Depression and Diet Lack of Omega 3′s
In some people depression may be caused by omega-3 deficiency which results from not eating enough nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans or deep-water fish.
Many psychiatrists treat depression with drugs that raise brain levels of serotonin. Now we learn that a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may lower brain levels of serotonin and can cause depression. Studies show that depression is associated with low levels of red blood cell membrane and low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, that increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is associated with increased severity of depression. Depression is 60 times more common in New Zealand (6 percent) than in Japan (.12 percent); the difference may be explained by the high intake of omega-3-rich fish by the Japanese.
Post-partum depression is common in women after they give birth. Pregnancy uses up huge amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Women with the lowest blood levels of omega-3s are the ones most likely to suffer post-partum depression.
Tags: 3 fatty acids, brain levels, depression studies, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3s, omega 6, post partum depression, red blood cell, rich fish, whole grains
Depression a Symptom of Low Thyroid Function
There are many signs and symptoms of low thyroid function, but depression ranks highly as being one of the most serious and hardest to cope with. Depending on the degree of depression, you may need to seek medical help immediately. Studies of patients with depression have shown that a large percentage of them have some degree of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). It is so important to learn about the thyroid gland and how having an underactive thyroid can be treated to avoid further problems. There are things you can do, other than or along with medications, to help with your thyroid and depression.
Studies have linked a relationship between low thyroid function and depression. In one study thyroid function was evaluated in 250 patients that were referred to a psychiatric hospital for treatment of depression. Out of the 250 patients, 20 had some degree of hypothyroidism, ranging from overt levels to subclinical. Up to 20 percent of all chronic-depression may be related to low production of thyroid hormones. These results suggested that a significant number of patients with depression may have low thyroid function and may be candidates for thyroid replacement therapy. Unfortunately, most patients who are treated for depression do not first get thyroid tests.
Tags: chronic depression, depression studies, low thyroid function, symptoms of low thyroid function, thyroid gland, thyroid hormones, thyroid replacement, thyroid tests, treatment of depression, underactive thyroid