In particularly acute cases of depression, drugs may be required. But that is certainly not always the case. Here are four things that can make a big difference in mental health — and allow most people to avoid dangerous antidepressant drugs.
1. Avoid Things Known to Cause Inflammation and Excitotoxicity. Of course, this is easier said than done. But you should at least make an effort and attempt to lower your risk. This means not using insecticides in your home, garden, and yard. There are natural ways to protect your home and garden. (For a detailed discussion on inflammation and its role in many diseases, see my newsletter
"Inflammation: The Real Cause of Most Diseases.")
Avoid all food additive excitotoxins, such as:
• MSG
• Aspartame
• Hydrolyzed protein
• Autolyzed yeast
• Soy protein isolate
• Soy products
• Carrageenan
• Caseinate
• Protein isolates
• Whey protein
Also avoid white sauces, portobello mushrooms, and cheese dishes — especially parmesan and gorgonzola cheese. Avoid foods cooked in soy sauces, meat juices, injected meats, and processed meats.
Limit meat intake to no more than 4 ounces a day, and do not consume large amounts of omega-6 oils, which include corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, and soybean oils. Do not eat excess sugar or high-glycemic foods, such as white bread and white rice.
2. Eat or Drink 10 to 15 Servings of Vegetables a Day. A serving for dense vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts is a half of a cup; for loose vegetables, such as leafy greens, a full cup.
3. Drink Purified Water. Unfortunately, many water purifiers do not remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis removes fluoride, but you will have to change the filter every two to three months, and that can be expensive.
4. Take Probiotics That Contain a Prebiotic. The gut’s friendly bacteria, the probiotic, modulate our immune system to make it efficient, but not overactive. When these bacteria are low, it allows pro-inflammatory bacteria to grow. This inflames the entire body — including the brain. We call this bacterial imbalance dysbiosis.
There are a number of companies making probiotics, I prefer the Theralac brand, and their new prebiotic (food for friendly bacteria) formula Truflora can be used for enhanced effectiveness.
For more detailed information on depression, read my report "Overcome Depression and Its Deadly Effects."
For more of Dr. Blaylock's weekly tips, go
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