Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world. Symptoms include despair, lethargy and a general loss of interest in life. Although not many people know it, there is a connection between nutrition and depression.
Here’s the list of top ten nutrition deficiencies that contribute to Depression.
1- B Vitamins:
Vitamin B family specifically Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are known for producing brain chemicals that affect mood and many nervous system benefits. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), lack of B vitamins will enormously influence your psychological well-being. A high number of depressed older women have been observed to be lacking in vitamin B12.
2-Vitamin D:
Studies have found substantial evidence for a significant relationship between depression and vitamin D deficiency. Researchers in 2013 noticed those study participants with depression also had low vitamin D levels. The same research found that, statistically, people with low vitamin D were at a much greater risk of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
3-Folate (folic acid):
Folic acid promotes normal digestion. It is essential for the development of red blood cells. Low folate status has been found in studies of depressed patients and furthermore, it is also associated with a low response to antidepressants. Treatment with folic acid (folate) is shown to improve the response to antidepressants.
4-Amino Acids:
The building blocks of protein. amino acids help your body build muscles. They play a vital role in healthy brain function. Amino acid deficiencies have been linked to depression, brain fog, general sluggishness and lack of concentration.
5-Iron:
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in developed countries. Iron deficiency is more common in women than in men. Iron is critical for all bodily functions as it carries oxygen(O2) throughout the bloodstream. Symptoms of iron deficiency are mental and physical fatigue, low mood and irritability are present as similar to those of depression.
6- Magnesium:
Magnesium is essential for over 600 metabolic functions. It is one of the most important minerals in the body. It is also necessary for important brain functions such as stress response, recovery, and repair. Second, to iron, magnesium is the most common nutritional deficiency in developed countries.
7- Zinc:
It is critical for the regulation of the brain and the body’s response to stress. The highest concentration of zinc in our body’s found in the brain, it is of paramount importance for healthy brain function. Zinc is responsible for activating the central and peripheral nervous system, it is also required for neurotransmitter, hormonal and enzymatic processes. Zinc deficiency has been linked to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
8-Omega 3 fatty acids:
They are of paramount importance for playing a critical role in normal brain function, especially memory and mood. They reduce inflammation. Deficiency may lead to difficulty in concentration, mood swings, depression, or unwarranted anxiety
9- Selenium:
Selenium is a trace mineral that is vital for thyroid hormone production, protection from toxins and mental health. Selenium is used for the production of antioxidants and detoxification of compounds in your body.
10-Iodine:
Like selenium, Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid cells are the only cells in our body that can absorb iodine. Every cell in our body depends upon thyroid hormones for the regulation of their metabolism. When thyroid hormone levels are low, many organ systems slow down, creating a wide range of symptoms including depression.
We are advised medicine as soon as the first symptoms of depression appear. Along with medicine, it is necessary to get through medical checkups as nutritional deficiencies play an expansive role in our psychological well being.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!