Depression has become alarmingly common in society. There have been countless studies on the cause of this affliction and many medications are now available to reverse the effects. Unfortunately these drugs all have negative side effects and in some cases do more harm than the depression itself. This is why a healthy diet may be vital in coping with depression.

Depression begins with a disturbance in the part of the brain that governs moods. Most people can handle everyday stresses; the body readjusts to these pressures. When stress becomes too great for a person and his adjustment mechanism is unresponsive, depression may be triggered.

Symptoms of depression may include chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia or sleeping for excessive periods of time, loss of appetite or ravenous appetite, hesdaches, backaches, colon disorders, and feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Many think of death and consider suicide .

Depression may be cause by tension, upset stomach, stress, headache, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, sugar, thyroid disorders, any serious physical disorder, or allergies. Some people have shown to be more depressed in the winter months when days are shorter and darker.

It has been shown that foods greatly affect the brain's behavior. Diet is most often the cause of depression, related to poor eating habits and constant on junk foods. The brain's neurotransmitters which regulate our behavior are controlled by what we eat. The neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. When the brain produces serotonin the tension is eased. Dopamine and norepinephrine cause the brain to think and act more quickly. Consuming carbohydrates seem to have a calming effect while proteins enhance alertness.

It is a good idea to avoid foods high in saturated fats. Fats inhibit the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain in that they cause the blood cells to become sticky and clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially in the brain.

Food high in tryptophan, such as turkey, enhances the calming effect while proteins promote the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. A good balance is achieved when the diet contains both these elements in the right proportions. A person who needs his spirits lifted may benefit from eating turkey and salmon, which are high in tryptophan and protein.

Some additional nutrients such as those listed below have shown to have positive effects on depression:

• Vitamin B-complex is necessary for normal brain function.
• Lecithin is important for brain function..
• Niacin improves cerebral circulation.
• Calcium has a calming effect.
• Multivitamins for deficiencies that are associated with depression.

Do not wait for depression to get out of control. Act now and start with a healthy diet change. Get started as soon as possible on some kind of daily vitamin regimen.