Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (176 page)

Adrenal fatigue.

Thyroid problems.

Emotional stress.

Medications.

Too much sugar in the diet.

Poor diet.

Low levels of tryptophan and serotonin.

Low blood-sugar levels.

Low hydrochloric acid.

Action plan

It is essential to talk to your GP if you feel you are suffering from depression. Diet is only one piece of the treatment puzzle, but it is an important one.

EAT/DRINK

Water: half a gallon daily. When your fluid levels are low, the liver cannot detoxify properly and becomes overburdened. Pure juices, especially vegetable juices, are also excellent fluids for the liver.

Whole foods high in complex carbohydrates because complex carbs contain serotonin, which affects brain chemistry and mood: bananas, tomatoes, walnuts and dates, brown rice, rice pudding, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, yams, and potatoes with lentils all contain complex carbs.

Fish, nuts, avocados, and seeds. These contain essential fats, a lack of which can cause depression.

Low thyroid function can be a catalyst for feeling low, so get this checked by your GP. Eating seaweed can help to counteract low thyroid.