Since we have been isolated, depression has skyrocketed. Much of it was a private hell. Sometimes our significant other relationships brought too much closeness and turned hostile. Sometimes it was just the lack of in-person socializing and community. Perhaps all the alone time we each experienced allowed old traumas to surface, or maybe we lost loved ones in the pandemic.
My family was touched by suicide and depression, so this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Unfortunately, I also lost a dear friend in college to suicide.DEPRESSION THIS IS PART 2 OF THE 4-PART SERIES. IN THIS PART, I DISCUSS HOW FOOD DIRECTLY INFLUENCES MOOD.You have heard the saying. You Are What You Eat. In reality, new findings are that you are what your gut microbes eat.If you are feeding the good gut microbes, you are sending a signal right up your vagus nerve to your brain that promotes balance and happiness.
If you are not feeding your good gut bacteria all the wonderful phytonutrients from eating the rainbow from a farm as close to you as possible so that you are getting the maximum nutrition from the fresh whole foods you are eating, then the angry, nasty bacteria rule your gut and rule your brain.A new field of nutritional psychiatry is now emerging on how eating from the "farmacy" can significantly impact mood. Next, I discuss the other lifestyle habits that make a difference in parts 3 and 4. These are lifestyle habits that we can ALL adopt. We control what we put into our mouths; food can make us well or make us sick.Mood and depression, and mental illness should not be things suffered alone. They are signs that your body is out of balance, just like any chronic illness is a sign that your body is out of balance.I wish I had known more about this as a child. Then, I could have perhaps helped the 2 relatives that struggled with depression and who eventually chose suicide.I
f you didn't watch part one, when you go to my link for part 2, listen to the podcast from last week. Please also listen to it. It sets the groundwork for recognizing the signs in yourself or a loved one and seeking help as quickly as possible, whether it's a medical interference or, in the case of past trauma, seeking a therapist. But while you are doing that, adopt the lifestyle changes I outline in parts 2-4 of my podcasts to improve your mood. You can certainly make these changes on your own without anyone's permission. Be proactive. You deserve to live a happy and fulfilled life.The American diet's SAD and CRAP (Standard American Diet and Carbonated Refined Artificial Processed) foods wreak havoc on our moods.
Suicide Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text Hello to 741741
YouthLine: Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio 1-888-628-9454
988 available after July 2022 in USA
