In order to avoid depression, it is important to stay away from things that are known to cause inflammation. Of course, this is easier said than done. But you should at least make an effort 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.

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.Do not consume a high intake of omega-6 oils. These include corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, and soybean oils. While canola oil is considered a healthy oil with a high omega-3 oil content, it also contains omega-6 oils.

Polyunsaturated oils, including the omega-3 oils, should not be used for cooking or salad dressings, as they are easily oxidized and this causes inflammation in the body.

One should also avoid trans fats, which have been shown to damage brain synapses, especially when combined with MSG.

Do not eat excess sugar or high-glycemic foods, such as white bread and white rice.

These foods promote inflammation and can lead to reactive hypoglycemia, which causes the brain to release high levels of glutamate. This reaction can cause aggression and violence in some people.

Avoid fluoridated water, fluorinated medications (including over-the-counter medicines), and fluoride-containing dental products. Fluoride combines with aluminum, forming a very powerful brain-toxic substance called fluroaluminum.

You should not eat foods packaged in cans (this can lead to lead exposure), aluminum packaging, or aluminum foils. Do not wrap foods in clear plastic wraps as these wraps are high in cadmium.

In addition, you should cook in ceramic-coated pans or stainless steel. They are not perfect, but far better than Teflon-coated and aluminum pans.