Depression is
usually treated with a combination of therapy and medication, as well as
lifestyle changes. However, It is also becoming clear that the patients with
major depression are exposed to oxidative stress.
Certain foods and
ingredients have been linked to lessening depression including antioxidants.
Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that cause aging, disease and
reduced mental functioning.
A lack of vitamin C has been linked
with depression. According to Hugh D. Riordan, M.D., one of the most common
effects of vitamin C deficiency is depression.
Francine Grodstein, ScD, associate
professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate epidemiologist at
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, studied the effects of beta carotene on
memory and cognitive functioning, concluding that beta carotene can boost
memory and reduce chances of dementia.
According to a study performed by
researchers at the Clinical Research Center for Mental Health in Antwerp,
Belgium, people with major depression have low levels of vitamin E.
Trace elements that
are components of antioxidant enzymes, such as selenium, copper, zinc,
manganese. Non-nutrients such as ubiquinone (coenzyme Q) and phenolic
compounds, such as phytoestrogens, flavonoids, phenolic acids and butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT) are highly benficial.
