do u think diet has anything to do with depression?

[alexa1]

My diet isn't too bad I try and eat as healthily as possible but I must admit I don't eat any fruit as I can't stand any. I do eat veg, I buy the frozen one with broccoli, carrots, peas and cauliflower, and I am partial to the odd bottle of wine or two a week ( I don't do Just one glass, It's one bottle or nothing)

Just wondered if any of u have been told by your docs to change your diet to help with your depression.

[AndyJ]

Hi

I have recently been reading a book called Optimum Nutrition for the Mind by Patrick Holford which is adamant that poor diet is the major cause of depression and anxiety. He recommends eating plenty of oily fish, nuts, seeds, veg and fruit amongst other things. I have to admit that my diet is very poor but after reading his book I am convinced that he has a point. Maybe it would be worth you having a read of it?

AndyJ

[dinny]

Alexa, undoubtedly a poor diet can lead to or exacerbate depression. Your body needs proper nourishment to function well at all levels.

I feel dreadful if I don't eat barrowloads of fruit and veg these days, really low, lacking in energy and listless.

[dinny]

Patrick Holford is brilliant GI bloke, is he?

[threebob]

Do a search for Dr Ford or Dr Gluten as he likes to call himself. He is convinced that in sensitive people the humble loaf of bread can cause all sorts of things.

Not sure about depression, but having the blood test and giving up gluten has pretty much cured my irritable bowel.

[MummyPig]

In the last few years I have started to read up around the whole nutrition thing, because of ds1's intolerances. Initially I was sure it had an effect on our more 'physical' characteristics but not so sure about the link with the mind.

Then I met up with some friends whose son (on the autistic spectrum) is very sensitive to wheat and dairy. And I remembered how my sister used to behave when she had food colouring. So - although I appreciate these are anecdotal as opposed to results from randomised controlled trials - now I am far more interested in the link between food and mind. There are a few nutritional therapists around who specialise in this area, although apart from the oily fish thing I think it might take a while to filter into the general domain, and far longer to become accepted by medics (if it ever is)

[moondog]

I can't see how you can feel physically or mentally well on a diet of crap.

I also suspect some people have got so used to feeling crap,that they think they actually feel ok.

[Judy1234]

Holford is good. Try www.radiantrecover.com too which looks at sugar sensitivity and results with helping people with depression with a gradual change to a no sugar diet.

[moondog]

I would start with a general overhaul before focussing on detail.
If you do something too radical,it may make it harder to stick at it.