“Salad Solution” Slashes Depression Symptoms (FAST!)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 25, 2024
They say misery loves company. But if you’re one of the millions battling depression, I’m betting you wouldn’t wish the condition on your worst enemy.
When it comes to depression, mainstream medicine’s go-to solution is to prescribe a mood med.
And while drugs might work for some, these heavy-duty meds often fail to do the trick. Even worse, for many folks, antidepressants can start off strong and then stop working.
But scientists have recently stumbled onto an unexpected solution…
It’s not a new drug or breakthrough therapy. Instead, it’s an everyday kitchen staple you’ll likely pull out of the pantry the next time you make a salad.
Move over mood meds. There’s a new, drug-free solution in town. Or, to be more accurate, I should say in your kitchen because new research reveals vinegar can help fight depression symptoms.
That’s right, beating the blues could be as easy as whipping up a batch of your famous homemade salad dressing!
A new study published in the journal Nutrients uncovered this odd link between vinegar and depression. Arizona State University researchers found that a daily dose of red wine vinegar could significantly improve depression symptoms within just four weeks.
Study volunteers were divided into two groups: one downed two tablespoons of red wine vinegar twice daily. In contrast, the control group took a daily pill with a tiny amount of vinegar.
Throughout the study, participants completed two standard mental health surveys… the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Questionnaire (CES-D) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Incredibly, both groups saw their depression symptoms measurably improve…
- The folks in the control group who swallowed the daily vinegar pill had an 18 percent
- However, those taking the higher amount of vinegar showed an average 42 percent drop in depressive symptoms!
But it gets even MORE interesting. The researchers dug deeper, examining the volunteers’ metabolic activity or the chemical processes that turn food into energy and other biological materials.
And what they found gives us a massive hint about WHY the vinegar might be so effective against depression. The participants who drank the liquid vinegar saw an 86 percent boost in their nicotinamide (vitamin B3) levels.
Low B3 levels are associated with depression. And research has linked B vitamin deficiencies to antidepressants being less effective.
Vinegar’s natural anti-inflammatory effects could also be targeting the inflammation that’s long been suspected as a depression trigger.
If you’re battling depression, adding a splash of vinegar to your daily routine… approximately four tablespoons total… is a safe life hack that could help dial down your symptoms.
Looking for some tasty ways to get your daily dose? Try these…
- Drizzle apple cider vinegar on your salad.
- Mix a tablespoon of vinegar in water with a touch of honey for a refreshing drink.
- Use a couple tablespoons in marinades for chicken, beef, or fish.
- Add a splash to your morning smoothie for an extra zing.
Now, remember that while these results ARE impressive, vinegar isn’t a substitute for your standard mental health care.
If you’re struggling with depression, always consult with a healthcare provider. And have a chat with your doctor about adding vinegar to your mental health toolbox.
So, the next time you feel down, why not reach for the vinegar bottle? Your taste buds might pucker, but your mood could also soar!
P.S. Want even MORE help ditching depression without drugs? Try THIS trick (it beat standard mood meds!).
Source:
Barrong, H., Coven, H., Lish, A., Fessler, S. N., Jasbi, P., & Johnston, C. S. Daily Vinegar Ingestion Improves Depression and Enhances Niacin Metabolism in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 16(14), 2305. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142305
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.
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