The number of depressions is increasing. Scientists predict that depression will be the second most common common disease in the world by 2020. There are various triggers. Sometimes even “only” a lack of certain nutrients can be the reason for depressive moods. Not even your favorite food awakens your appetite? You have trouble sleeping through and/or are you struggling to get out of bed in the morning? You don’t want to meet your friends and have trouble concentrating at work? Loss of appetite, insomnia, lack of drive and difficulty concentrating are just some of the symptoms that may indicate depression. In addition, feelings of sadness and anger, weight loss or increase and/or unexplained physical pain can occur. Statistics from the University of Vienna show that it is estimated that more than half a million people suffer from depression in Austria alone – and this is on the rise. It is particularly common for women to be hit. And this is not an Austrian phenomenon: the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2020, depression will be the second most common common disease in the world, and thus the most common disease in the industrialized countries. According to the Institute for Quality and Economics in Health Care (IQWiG), almost one in five people developdepression or depressive mood at least once in their life.

Nutrient deficiency as a cause of depression

Grief, dramatic experiences, drug abuse or stress – all of which can be a cause of depression. However, researchers are increasingly suspecting that nutrient supply also plays a role in the disease of depression and that a lack of nutrients can be the cause of depression. There is a simple explanation for this: If there is a lack of nutrients, the brain lacks important power elements that are necessary to regulate mood, drive, sleep and concentration – fatigue, inertia, irritability and depression are Noticeable. Which nutrients,among other things, are PARTICULARLY important for regulating the mood and why, we summarize for you briefly.

Important nutrients for a healthy psyche:

• ZINC Zinc increases the production of neurotransmitters and these in turn are responsible for optimally transmitting information between neurons. Furthermore, zinc is involved in all metabolic pathways. If there is a lack of zinc, this can lead to a reduced number of neurotransmitters and thus to memory impairment, accompanied by fatigue, indifference and other depressive symptoms. Good to know: Since the body does not have a zinc store, zinc-rich foods should be consumed daily.

• VITAMIN D
  Sun makes you happy! Sun rays stimulate the production of vitamin D and this in turn supports the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. A sufficient serotonin level in the body ensures good mood and prevents depression. Good to know: 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight a day is enough to stimulate vitamin D production in the body.

• Magnesium
  Magnesium is involved in numerous metabolic reactions and helps the body activate enzymes needed for the production of the happiness hormones serotonin and dopamine. A lack of magnesium often leads to depressive mood and internal unrest. Good to know: Salt, coffee, alcohol, sugar and chronic stress plunder the magnesium storage.

• SELEN Selenium not only supports the work of the thyroid gland, whose function has a strong influence on the psyche, but is also important for brain function. Deficiency can therefore lead to irritability, depression and/or anxiety disorders. Good to know: Selenium also has an antioxidant effect and thus protects the body from free radicals.

• IRON Iron plays an important role in the oxygen and energy transport of our bodies – including our brains. If there is a lack of iron, fatigue, loss of appetite, fatigue and lack of concentration arise. That puts pressure on the mood. Good to know: Our body needs vitamin C to optimally utilise iron. Therefore, iron-containing foods always combine with vitamin C.

• AMINOSÄUREN Amino acids are partly responsible for regulating the messenger substances in the brain – especially for the happiness hormone serotonin and northern renalin, a hormone responsible for alertness and attention. Thus, the body lacks amino acids, this can lead to depression, mood disorders, depression and anxiety. Good to know: In the various cells of the body, the amino acids are assembled into proteins. Sufficient amino acids therefore also serve to support the building of muscle mass.

At the first signs of depression, we advise you to see a doctor. Among other things, this can also check your blood values and determine whether there is a possible lack of nutrients and also help you with further helpful tips.

Sources:

http://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/psychologie/depressionen-wie-naehrstoffe-bei-der-therapie-helfen-koennten-a-955640.html
https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/depressionen.html
http://www.schallers-gesundheitsbriefe.de/archiv-der-gesundheitsbriefe/archiv-14/naehrstoffmangel-kann-eine-depression-ausloesen/
http://www.huffingtonpost.de/2016/02/16/naehrstoffmangel-depression_n_9241002.html
http://neurologie-psychiatrie.universimed.com/artikel/depressionen-und-aminos%C3%A4uren
http://www.depressiv-leben.de/aminosaeuren-gegen-depressionen/
http://xn--aminosure-02a.org/muskelaufbau/