Aerobics and high cardio activities like running produce a “natural high” because of chemical endorphins released in the brain. Exercise is one of the best natural remedies for depression because it lowers cortisol, a stress hormone in the body.  Taking an inventory of your diet can also help you fight against depression. 

People who don’t eat enough whole grains, nuts and leafy green vegetables usually lack Magnesium.   This mineral helps the production of serotonin in the brain.  People with hectic jobs and lifestyles should consider taking Magnesium, because stress has a counter affect on the mineral in the body, chipping it away.Reducing Sugars is one dietary precaution people fell to make.  When People think of sugar, they often associated it too junk food, pastries, soda, etc.   

What they don’t realize is that some carbohydrates turn into sugar during digestion and is distributed through the system as glucose.  When eating foods high in carbohydrates like pasta, potatoes and white bread, there is a sugar “High” followed by a “Low” when the blood sugar plummets.

 Laura, a student in a law school, thought about seeking help for her inability to concentrate.   “I was always energetic at school, but when I got home and tried to study, I’d fall off to sleep.”

 Laura thought she was a manic depressive.  Questions from her doctor helped pinpoint the culprit, her love of Italian Cuisine.  “I usually eat as soon has I got in.  That’s what made me so tired and not able to focus on anything.” Alcohol and Caffeine are similar to sugar, whereas they alleviate mood.

However, eventually you feel worse than before.  Many depressed people use alcohol to “drown out” their problems.  Unfortunately the more you drink, the greater you tolerance grows for alcohol.  Eventually the individual has to consume even more alcohol to achieve the same effect.   Since Alcohol can affect judgment, it can cause people to act out in ways they wouldn’t otherwise.  A depressed individual who is shy may suddenly act out repressed feelings of rage or take dangerous risks.

Vitamin B6 – We all know what the effect of the “crash” that happens after a sugar “high when the blood sugar falls.   Vitamin B6 helps keep the blood sugar levels balanced to prevent the “Crash” that comes with low blood sugar, which can cased drowsiness and lack of attentiveness.  A low quality diet, lacking in nutrients is the primary cause of a Vitamin B deficiency.  Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency are anemia, skin inflammation and confusion in addition to depression.