[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
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...
The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke
Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...