We have known for a long time that chronic stress and depression can suppress immunity. The opposite is also true: The chronic activation of the immune system and the resulting inflammation can trigger major depression. For detailed information, read my report "Overcome Depression and Its Deadly Effects."
Years ago, it was clear that depressed people had a high death rate following a heart attack or stroke. It was also clear heart attacks and strokes were more common among depressed people. Scientists assumed the heart conditions were a result of depressed people not taking care of themselves. That’s partly true, but evidence now shows that the inflammation itself causes depression.
So, chronic inflammation due to overactive immune systems causes both the depression and the physical illness. ("Prevent a Heart Attack"gives vital information on how to keep your heart healthy.) Other studies found that even the perception of depression, without an official diagnosis, also is associated with physical disease.
Fortunately, you can fight the inflammation that leads to depression and disease. One of the major causes is a poor diet. We know that a number of foods can dramatically increase inflammation. The worst diet is one high in omega-6 fats, because it suppresses natural immunity while it increases inflammation dramatically. Americans eat 50 times the amount of these harmful fats as needed for health. "Omega 3: Nature’s Miracle Panacea" explains how omega-3 oils help prevent depression and lower your risk of heart disease.
Inflammation "boosters" include:
• N-6 or omega-6 fats, including corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, peanut and soybean oils
• high meat diets, which are high in iron and glutamate
• soybean products
• trans fats
Inflammation "busters" include:
• omega-3 oils found in fish and flaxseed
• some white meats, including chicken and turkey
• a high intake of vegetables and some fruits
The following supplements help reduce inflammation:
• curcumin
• quercetin
• hesperidin
• ferulic acid
• silymarin
• magnesium
• omega-3 (low EPA and high DHA)
• vitamin C
• N-acetyl–L cysteine (NAC)
• natural vitamin E (with high gammatocopherol)
For details on how vitamins can boost your health, read my special report "Key Vitamins That Save Your Heart, Prevent Cancer and Keep You Living Long."
Supplements can, in addition, protect your brain against the ravages of excitotoxicity caused by an inflammatory diet and also stimulate brain repair. They include:
• vitamin B12
• folate
• B6
• B1
• riboflavin
• niacinamide
• acetyl-L-carnitine
• CoQ10
• alpha-lipoic acid
• selenomethionine
Here's to you for a healthy, joyful holiday season!
© 2009 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
