Paleolithic Diet and Depression?

012010

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Paleo Nutrition and Depression
By Jennifer Theriault, RN
Rates of depression in the US have doubled over the past 10 years! Depression is on the rise right along with so many of the other major diseases. Over the next few weeks I plan on blogging about the connection of nutrition and the ”dis-eases” we are facing now in 2009. Today’s blog is focused on depression and mental health.
Traditionally depression is thought of from an emotional or Biochemical standpoint. However emerging research is showing more and more disease may be directly related from the foods we are consuming. It is an exciting time in medicine. Unfortunately, as with any Paradigm shift it will be slow and painful. We need to advocate and educate ourselves on our health because our PCP is not going to tell us to eat like a caveperson! Our PCP is going to give us a prescription for Zoloft.
Medication can be an important tool in depression especially in an acute phase. It is important for me to say Please don’t take yourself off any medication without proper guidance from your Doc. With that said over the long run anti-depressants have a poor track record. Many people need to up the dosage, as well change or combine meds. It is really tough to treat exclusively with medications.

My Prescription for Depression..

1. Paleo Nutrition (focus on Omega 3’s),
2. CrossFit and
3. Proper SLEEP quality will ROCK YOUR WORLD.
Let me explain why.

Eliminating refined sugar and grains is step one. Balancing your insulin/glucagon in your body helps makes your insulin sensitivity better. This allows for a stabilization of blood glucose (sugar) and helps with mood stabilization.

Included in this section I want to stress the importance of FISH OIL in the treatment of depression. I have some great journal articles and research articles showing the benefits of consuming fish oil. Biochemical speaking research points out that cell membranes are made up of partly Omega 3’s. It may be possible that increasing Omega 3’s help to increase serotonin levels by helping them pass through the cell membranes. Research is being done to see exactly what is the mechanism involved.
Dr. Joseph Hibbeln a psychiatrist with NIH believes that our Current upward trend of depression is directly related to our decrease of Omega 3’s. He believes that part of our problem in the decrease of red meat and eggs and increase of grains. He suggests lean meats, lots of veggies/fruits and little grains or sugars…Hum interesting.…sounds familiar!
Nutritional deficits are of concern to a person struggling with depression as well. A SAD (Standard American Diet) can be lacking in basic Vitamins and Minerals. Paleo Nutrition naturally nourishes us with vitamins and minerals. Depression especially responds to high amounts of B vitamins. B-complex vitamins are used in nervous system function.
Depression is such a complex “dis-ease” and I have only touched upon the basics. Break it down to basics…”Eat meat, veggies, some fruit, nuts, seeds, little starch, no sugar! Please eat lots of Dark Leafy Greens and take your fish oil. Don’t forget the importance of you CrossFit training either! Sleep well, Sleep enough! Sleep in a dark, cool, quite space. Talk open and honest with your Doc…Advocate for yourself and educate yourself. We are here to help educate and support!!!