2013 Popular Posts

Moondog by Tony Smith

Is depression an inflammatory & degenerative disorder?

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58 Paleo / Primal recipe links

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Western diets & Depression

In a previous post, I wrote about depression being considered an inflammatory and degenerative disorder. In a recent post on Primal Docs, Jen Knutson, MA, MS writes an opinion piece on depression and nutrition:

"It is clear that ingesting unhealthy and/or processed food and abstaining from nutrient dense quality food is correlated with higher depression rates and depressive symptoms. This is likely due to the innate connection between the body and the mind via biological issues, such as inflammation, oxidative processes, and brain plasticity and function, which are altered due to diet quality and nutrient intake. Being able to determine precisely which foods positively and negatively affect depression, and its various forms, has the potential to dramatically change both the number of people suffering from this illness and the way in which it is treated."

Learn More: 
Nutrient-Rich Food and Depression – Part 1 of 2

Related Post
Is depression an inflammatory & degenerative disorder?

Vitamin D and Depression

By Gerard Guillory, M.D.
The Care Group 

A study published in the November 2011 issue of the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that low vitamin D levels are associated with depressive symptoms; these symptoms are especially likely in persons with a history of depression. The study included 12,594 participants between November 27, 2006 and October 4, 2010. Serum vitamin D levels were analyzed and patients were screened for depressive symptoms. The results of the study lead the Mayo Clinic to conclude that, "Higher vitamin D levels are associated with a significantly decreased risk of current depression", giving even more evidence that vitamin D is a beneficial supplement. Many experts feel that the higher incidence of depression in the winter months, so-called seasonal affective disorder or "SAD" occurs as the result of lower vitamin D levels as a result of less sun exposure.  If you are feeling a little blue around the holidays don't forget to take your vitamin D or take a vacation to a warm, sunny destination. Doctor's orders.