Depression, Low Blood Sugar and Allergies

How much of depression is biochemical?

How much is psychological?

Well, the mind can affect the biochemistry of the body and vice versa. In her book, Seven Weeks to Sobriety, researcher, Dr. Joan Mathews Larson describes the frequency that hypoglycemics experience certain symptoms:

Nervousness 93%

Irritability 89%

Exhaustion 87%

Depression 86%

Forgetfulness 69%

Indecisiveness 50%

(Now, I can relate to the indecisiveness situation when, during my late 30’s, I was in a state of exhaustion and unable to make a simple decision regarding lunch. Fortunately, I chose a hardy carrot ginger soup and chicken dish and I was able to think more clearly.)

Dr. Larson also stated that her patients with allergies were prone to emotional outbursts and depression. In one case, a patient fasted for a week, with no symptoms. But, after a meal of pizza, the patient went into a fit of crying.

It is also interesting to note that many alcoholics and suicide victims were mineral and vitamin deficient.

Some were especially deficient in vitamin C and demonstrated symptoms of scurvy. A person’s nutrient-deficient brain will often contribute to low blood sugar, confusion, and even depression.

My own experiences with mega-dosages of nutrition have been that after taking massive amounts of B vitamins, adopting a high protein diet and cutting out bread and processed foods, I made greater muscle gains, slept better, drank less alcohol and gained better mental focus.

This is not to dismiss cognitive or group therapies, but rather give another tool in the toolbox of good health. I constantly urge my clients who are trying to lose weight or gain muscle to cut out the highly allergic foods that contain sugar, wheat, and corn. Replace these foods with nerve-building, high protein foods like chicken, fish, beef and vegetable proteins. These along with fresh vegetables and berries promote stable blood sugar and feed one’s brain and nerve tissues.

Here is a typical low-energy diet:

Breakfast: Coffee, wheat toast, processed cereal

Snack: Coffee, Danish

Lunch: Salad with dressing, fruit-flavored yogurt, French fries. Pop.

Supper: Coffee, burger and French fries

Snack: Ice cream

Not only is this diet packed with over 20 teaspoons of sugar, but it also depletes vitamin and mineral reserves and sends the person’s blood sugar on a roller coaster ride.

Here is a sugar stabilizing diet:

Breakfast: 2 eggs or egg whites and unsweetened oatmeal, one slice of rye, kamut or spelt toast. Multi-vitamin with minimum 500 mcg of vitamin B12, 100 mg of B1 and 300 mg vitamin C.

Snack: Crackers and cheese or hummus

Lunch: Salmon salad

Supper: Stir fry chicken with brown rice

Snack: Oat crackers

Before someone protests that the following eating plan is too expensive, may I interject that cooking your own breakfast alone costs 1/5 of a fast food meal or a couple of chocolate bars or a gourmet coffee. So, do not even try that excuse. Many immigrant families eat good at a fraction of the cost of western or fast food.

Besides, the cost of good nutrition and proper exercise will save you money in medical and lost wages from being caught up in a case of the blues. (Note: This article is not meant to replace the professional treatment of clinically depressed people.)

—

About the Author

Doug Setter holds a Bachelor’s of Food and Nutrition. He has served as a paratrooper and U.N. Peacekeeper has completed 5 full marathons and climbed Mt. Rainier. He held a welterweight kick-boxing title at age 40. Consults clients in alcohol reduction, stomach-flattening, kick-boxing, and nutrition. He is the author of Strength Endurance Secrets, Stomach Flattening, Reduce Your Alcohol Craving and One Less Victim. Visit his website: http://www.2ndwindbodyscience.com