Depression can hit us all, but before you resort to anti-depressants pay a thought to nutritional deficiencies. Our bodies need more than 50 nutrients daily in order to function and we can only get these from food. The nutrients our brain needs are often sabotaged during a period of depression. When we are depressed there is a tendency to over use food, alcohol or substances which help rob our brain of nutrients Many nutrients have been found to play a role in supporting depression, including healthy omega 3 fats, B vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. A diet that lacks key nutrients will impact depression.

Due to the wide availability of processed foods we are becoming under-nourished and over fed. Our bodies are designed to run on whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately our food does not always provide the level of nutrients we require, for example iodine and selenium are deficient in New Zealand soils. We require good quality protein to keep the body firm and tight, protein repairs and renews cells, helps form anti-bodies and prevents sickness and disease. We require carbohydrates for energy and fibre, good sources are unprocessed, nutrient dense, and low in sugar and fat. Good fats are essential, they insulate us against the cold, and aid in absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Water is by far the most important nutrient. Thirst is not an accurate indication to know that water is required. Water carries nutrients to cells, it aids digestion and metabolism, decreases bloating and fluid retention, promotes good skin tone, and curbs the appetite

A quick tally up of an eating journal will tell you that many women eat when they are not hungry, and starve when they are. Most of the excess eating that leads to weight-gain happens when we are tired, stressed, happy, sad or deprived. That is why understanding the triggers that lead to non-hungry eating can be the real turning point in achieving permanent weight loss.

Omega 3 Fish oil capsules and fatty fish both do a good job of supplying the blood and other body tissues with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. A new study published in December proves that Fish Oil supplements can be just as good as eating fatty fish. This is great news for the health conscious. Experts recommend most people increase their intake of omega 3 fats. In fact a recent study in Australia suggests that our intake should be four times what it currently is. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use high potency, ultra pure pharmaceutical grade supplements.
Source : American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2007.