Sex hormones such as testosterone in men and estrogen in women typically keep ‘serotonin’ levels high.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is responsible for our feelings of happiness and wellbeing.  Once you pass 40 your levels of these vital hormones decline paving the way for depression to take hold.

Depression in women can also be sparked by plummeting estrogen and serotonin levels in the premenstrual period (PMS). Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of depression experienced by some women just before their period.

Women often crave chocolate and carbohydrates such as bread, biscuits and pasta when they are premenstrual or stressed.  This helps to elevate "feel good chemicals" in the brain which creates a temporary high.

The only problem with self-medicating with these types of foods is that they are highly addictive and can lead to massive weight gain. This eventually compounds the depression and creates a vicious cycle.  The more depressed you are the more you crave these foods and the more you eat them, the more weight you gain.

Highly refined and packaged foods such as cakes, biscuits, sweets, white bread, sugar, pasta, noodles, etc., contain very little in the way of nutrients and are exceptionally high in additives, preservatives and calories.  The term "empty calories" is used to describe foods which deplete the body of nutrients because it contains none in itself, while filling you up with massive amounts of calories which if not burnt for energy, are stored in your body as fat.

Put simply, eating a diet full of fast food, processed and packaged foods, soft drinks, alcohol and excessive caffeine puts you on the depression super highway.  These types of foods drain your body of the nutrients you need to keep you feeling mentally and physically well.

So if you are experiencing any of the above please contact us today for help with getting well naturally.