[Warning] Fad Diet Causing Depression
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 9, 2018
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me which diet is best…
Well, I’d be eating nickel soup in a recliner made of nickels.
I’m sure you’ve had friends or family members try to convince you of the health benefits of becoming a vegetarian.
It’s become a fad – not just among young people, but among some seniors as well.
But I’ve been warning patients away from a vegetarian lifestyle for years, because I believe it’s truly dangerous for your physical health.
And it turns out it’s pretty bad for your mental health, too.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Nutritional Neurosciences, at the National Institute of Health found out that vegetarians are more depressed than the average person.
In fact, vegetarians were twice as likely to be depressed than people who ate a wide variety of food.
They also found that people were more depressed the longer they were vegetarians.
There are three reasons for this:
- The first is the lack of certain vitamins in vegetarian diets, especially vitamin B12. Despite the many articles I’ve seen saying that vegetarians can get enough B12, it just isn’t happening in the real world. The people who were depressed also had low vitamin B12.
- The second is lack of EPA/DHA. This essential fatty acid found in fish oil is low in most of the population (unless they are supplementing) and it is extremely low in vegetarians.
- The last is low iron. There is almost no good source of iron outside of meat (especially red meat). Iron plays many roles in the body, but is essential for good brain function.
And… as crazy as this sounds, I find vegetarians to be low in phytonutrients (plant nutrients). Most vegetarians I see eat mostly grains and beans, but forget they need vegetables, too.
Let’s not stop there, though. To keep a brain happy and depression-free, you need a few more things.
Dr. Scott’s List for a Happy Brain:
- Creatine is an amino acid which is good for the brain and helps support energy production.
- Omega 3 fish oil is an essential fatty acid your brain needs to support its function and protect against oxidation.
- CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and helps to provide energy throughout the body.
- Antioxidants can be vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C, but I especially like the phytonutrients (polyphenols, carotenes…) found in superfood combinations.
- Herbs such as curcumin and bacopa work to decrease inflammation and act as powerful antioxidants.
These supplements are all widely available online or at just about any vitamin shop.
I don’t recommend following a vegetarian diet. But if you (or someone you love) insists on eating vegetarian, make sure they supplement to make up for the nutrients they are missing.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Ancient Persian Secret Unlocks Perfect Sleep in 3 Weeks
If you’re among the millions tossing and turning at night, with sleep remaining frustratingly out of reach, I’ve got exciting news. Scientists discovered an ancient spice—prized for its distinctive flavor and color—might hold the key to better sleep. And unlike many sleep medications, this natural approach works without the morning grogginess or dependency potential… Two...
$5 Pharmacy Find Reverses Aging by 4 Months (Or MORE)
We’re all searching for the elusive fountain of youth. You know—the one anti-aging hack that will give us more happy, healthy years on this Earth. But what if I told you that a simple supplement you can pick up at any pharmacy today might actually slow down your biological aging? A groundbreaking new study suggests...
Why We Crave Crunchy Foods When We're Stressed
Ever notice how you tend to reach for chips, crackers, or pretzels when you’re stressed? That satisfying crunch isn’t just pleasing to your taste buds—that craving is your body’s clever way of calming itself. I’ve been researching this connection for years, and what I’ve learned explains a lot about stress snacking. Even better, it’s revealed...
Scientists Discover Hidden CAUSE of Stubborn Diabetes
If, despite diet and exercise, you’re struggling to control type 2 diabetes, this might be the most important thing you read this year. New research uncovered a microscopic malfunction in muscle cells—and it could be sabotaging your body’s response to insulin. The most shocking part? It has nothing to do with your diet, weight, or...
Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works? Thank you,” Sneezy and Allergic Hi Sneezy, It’s...
Eat 23 of These Daily to SLASH Heart Risk [DELICIOUS!]
When it comes to heart health, we’re constantly told what we need to cut out. You know the drill—ditch the salt, dump the sugar, and avoid the processed foods. But what if I told you that adding something to your diet could be just as effective for protecting your heart? A comprehensive new scientific analysis...
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...