Diet and depression

[pharvey]

Pleng said...

Try eating a diet consistenly of pizza company, kfc, kebabs and any other high-fat low nutrient food you can find for a month and report back on how you're feeling. We won't miss you while you're gone honestly!

I had said....

What you eat has nothing to do with depression... It cannot, nor will it, affect you psychologically in any way. This is unless you have become obese due to what you eat subsequently causing said affliction.

I think I made myself pretty clear. 'Supersize me', yes I watched it. I have no sympathy for people that eat absolute crap everyday and think it aint gonna damage them. Those people become depressed once they realise they have become a mammoth and their intake isn't allowing the energy to change their ways.

I eat crap every week but in moderation. Why?... because I enjoy the taste. I don't go on and make that my daily diet though. Why?... because I possess a brain.

No sympathy at all from me on that one.

Edit: I think this thread should focus on real sufferers rather than half wits who didn't realise 10 burgers a day were bad for you.

I think you're missing the point GLC. I think I'd agree that a poor diet is not the cause of depression, let's be fair I do not believe anyone truly knows the true cause. However, my job entails working in the back of beyond from time to time for periods ranging in a couple of weeks to several months. These projects being in places where I cannot speak the language or cater for myself properly. Forget the fast food, crisps, coke and sh*te, this is just not available - I simply am not able to eat properly on these occasions - and trust me, I notice myself that my temperament and health changes significantly for the worse over these periods.

Whilst a poor diet may not be the cause of depression, IMHO it certainly does not help the situation and quite frankly exasperates the problem. So for you to say a poor diet has nothing to do with depression is being a tad small minded - just my opinion mate.

Anyway, as you say - we're a little off tangent from the OP!! Apologies Major B.

[GLCQuantum]

These projects being in places where I cannot speak the language or cater for myself properly. Forget the fast food, crisps, coke and sh*te, this is just not available - I simply am not able to eat properly on these occasions - and trust me, I notice myself that my temperament and health changes significantly for the worse over these periods.

So you are saying you needed to work abroad, in a place where you couldn't communicate with anyone, that along with the change in humidity and heat, that you felt a little worse during that time - but it must have been the food?

Whilst a poor diet may not be the cause of depression, IMHO it certainly does not help the situation and quite frankly exasperates the problem.

I agree with you entirely on this one.

[pharvey]

So you are saying you needed to work abroad, in a place where you couldn't communicate with anyone, that along with the change in humidity and heat, that you felt a little worse during that time - but it must have been the food?

No, I've lived and traveled in Asia for 20 years or so, probably a little longer than yourself - I just don't speak every language or dialect. How many languages are spoken in China? Do you honestly believe everyone understands Putong Hua? I got by in Laos for example with limited Thai and some Chinese - again, in the middle of nowhere... not towns or cities. I have worked in the back of beyond in China on numerous occassions where my Chinese wife would struggle with the dialect.

I did not blame the food once (read before letting your fingers loose blue) - I simply pointed out that due to difficulties - sometimes language/communication, sometimes simply schedule where food was simply not available when I finished work, sometimes location where provisions were few and far between ...... I have had on numerous occasions a fairly poor diet.

[GLCQuantum]

No, I've lived and traveled in Asia for 20 years or so, probably a little longer than yourself - I just don't speak every language or dialect. How many languages are spoken in China? Do you honestly believe everyone understands Putong Hua? I got by in Laos for example with limited Thai and some Chinese - again, in the middle of nowhere... not towns or cities. I have worked in the back of beyond in China on numerous occassions where my Chinese wife would struggle with the dialect.

I did not blame the food once (read before letting your fingers loose blue) - I simply pointed out that due to difficulties - sometimes language/communication, sometimes simply schedule where food was simply not available when I finished work, sometimes location where provisions were few and far between ...... I have had on numerous occasions a fairly poor diet.

I know what you're saying I do. Yes, you are for more 'travelled' than myself too.

The key point of my 'argument' was that I don't believe food/diet was the primary reason for your 'significant temperament and health changes' during those times. In your reply you didn't mention/reply to the 'main idea' (there's the 'ol teacher in me I'm afraid ) of the whole post.

If you were to stay within that environment's diet... do you think you could be damaged psychologically from it?

[pharvey]

^ Yeah OK, I can see what you are saying - quite honestly I think we are arguing the same point (just from different directions). Diet is certainly not the cause, but certainly doesn't help - in fact can make matters far worse...... How about that to put it simply without all the BS

[GLCQuantum]

quite honestly I think we are arguing the same point (just from different directions)

Was thinking the same thing myself.

How about that to put it simply without all the BS

[Pleng]

Pleng said...

What you eat has nothing to do with depression... It cannot, nor will it, affect you psychologically in any way. This is unless you have become obese due to what you eat subsequently causing said affliction.

I think I made myself pretty clear..

As an English teacher, I really think you should understand that 'has nothing to do with' is completely different to 'does not cause'.

As you have eluded to later on in the thread, it does not help and can certainly make it worse, ergo it does have something to do with it.

[pharvey]

Come on guys - enough of the cr@p, Major B asked the question and deserves an answer without us muppets going off on a tangent as is the norm..

Major B - have sent a PM

[GLCQuantum]

As an English teacher, I really think you should understand that 'has nothing to do with' is completely different to 'does not cause'.

As an ex policeman, I really think you should understand what the actual argument is about before heading towards a discussion on something completely different - obesity for example .

My last one on this.

[Pleng]

As an English teacher, I really think you should understand that 'has nothing to do with' is completely different to 'does not cause'.

As an ex policeman, I really think you should understand what the actual argument is about before heading towards a discussion on something completely different - obesity for example .

My last one on this.

As a total pratt, I think you should pay more attention on who you're replying to. Unless you really do think I'm an ex-plod, which would be just bizzare.

Anyway you've had your last, I've had mine. As everybody agrees, let's let this topic get back on track

[MrPlum]

Edit: I think this thread should focus on real sufferers rather than half wits who didn't realise 10 burgers a day were bad for you.

They do realize but can't stop because food giants are putting appetite stimulants in their food and/or they are addicted. They may also be self-tranquillizing by 'stuffing' their emotions, using food. Other methods are alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, gambling or sex, which 'half wits' also realize are bad for them.

There is plenty of information about the relationship between nutritional deficiency and mental disorders, online. The Merck Manual discusses Niacin (B3)... http://www.merckmanuals.com/professiona ... ml#v884717

'CNS symptoms include psychosis, encephalopathy (characterized by impaired consciousness), and cognitive decline (dementia). Psychosis is characterized by memory impairment, disorientation, confusion, and confabulation; the predominant symptom may be excitement, depression, mania, delirium, or paranoia.'

Under 'Diagnosis' you will see this...

'A favorable response to treatment with niacin can usually confirm it.'

There's the rub. If you feel better, you have your answer. If not, then obviously try another approach.

[pharvey]

And just when you thought this thread could actually revert back to the OP - as in Major B and his questions......

Mr P - seriously, I give a sh*te not for your opinion and BS on this thread. I doubt very much that the OP will give flying fcuk either. For once, have some respect.

[GLCQuantum]

Unless you really do think I'm an ex-plod, which would be just bizzare.

My apologies Pleng... For some reason I had you down as saying you used to be a cop quite some time ago on this forum. A mix up. Mistakes happen.

[MrPlum]

And just when you thought this thread could actually revert back to the OP - as in Major B and his questions......

Which YOU have yet to answer.

YOU have diverted the topic with a pointless bunfight with GLC and because of that, YOU now decide it should get back on track. I know it is fashionable to attack almost anything I have to say on this forum but if you are embarrassed at disrupting a topic, there is no need to deflect it onto me.

Check the responses. NO-ONE has answered his questions.

Mr P - seriously, I give a sh*te not for your opinion and BS on this thread.

Are you seeking a round of applause from the board? Address me with civility and I will respond in kind. If you don't like it, don't read it.

I doubt very much that the OP will give flying fcuk either.

This is not your topic. Why are you putting words into someone else's mouth? MB has a decades-old problem, for which orthodox methods have clearly failed him. I don't suppose he would be too pleased that some twit, who has just flooded the topic with treacle, decides to compound his selfish behaviour, by trying to shut down information that might be of some use to him. Or to others.

If you want only orthodox knowledge, delivered in a dry academic tone, go and see your Doctor.

I have a great deal more respect for MB and others than you are showing. That is why I am taking the time to provide information. The 'BS', as you put it, is supported by ORTHODOX medicine. The Merck Manual is considered the Doctor's 'Bible'. Since GLC attacked my view, I have every right to respond. Whether you agree with my 'BS opinion' or not is entirely subjective. Extract what you agree with and disregard what you don't. It isn't rocket science.

Others ARE interested, as is clear from replies on the thread and to me, via PM.

Just to show you the way...

Extraorinary: No other member of the Forum suffering from the above?

Or is it still too much of stigma to admit to it?

Or does living in this tropical paradise, in particular the climate: lots of warmth and sunshine,
get rid of these conditions?

Escaping stressors back home can always provide a lift. It's usually only temporary because we end up having to 'face our demons' eventually.

It is well known that a Vitamin D deficiency in colder northern countries can cause the 'winter blues'. Depression increases in Winter. So, logically, obtaining Vit D from sunny Thailand should improve your mood. I don't know how long it takes but the first time the sun cracks through the clouds back home I cheer up. How do you feel now you are in the sunshine?

Another benefit of warmer climes is that circulation improves. Your blood thickens in the cold and thins in the warmth. Blood flow to the brain, in theory, should also improve. There are some herbs that drive blood into the brain. Gotu Kola is a well known one. Students take it alongside Gingko Biloba to improve their mental performance.

Other possibilities are that you may have some heavy metal poisoning. Possible culprits are aluminium, fluoride, mercury and lead. A hair mineral analysis can help reveal this.

You may also have food allergy/sensitivity or are just on the wrong diet. Certain foods, as we know with gluten, can upset our systems. Where do you think the saying 'One man's meat is another man's poison' comes from?

Continuing the subject of nutrition and depression, malabsorption could be a factor in nutritional deficiency. You could be eating healthily but your body is unable to extract the nutrients. Do you have any digestive disorders?

Richard's experience is very common. I've undertaken many detox programs myself and observed others in healing retreats. They invariably arrive with a dark cloud over their heads and leave with a spring in their step. All they have done really is stop eating. An indication that what they are eating is affecting their mood. It's amazing to watch them transform. I've seen Major Bloodnok and can tell just by looking at him, he is very toxic. I would suggest he checks his liver and kidney function before trying anything like this. Some practitioners take 2 months of cleansing and supporting the liver before they allow such people to 'detox'. Otherwise you can become quite sick.

I look at all possible factors when it comes to mental and physical health. Mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and 'the energy body'. So nutrition is just one possibility. Remember Hippocrates said.. 'Let food be they medicine and medicine be thy food'.

Depression is a serious problem, especially for those who are away from their own countries and families.

If you wish to know any more, please clear it with Mr Harvey.

[Pleng]

I am going to report this topic to request a split, so the OP doesn't need to be bothered by all this crap