Depression and Nutrition: Whey Protein Can Reduce Symptoms of Mild Depression

Depression is a mental illness affecting an estimated 14 million persons in America each year. Depression is what is called a mood disorder which is a term used to describe a group of diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV TR). Depression is a classification associated with a disturbance in mood which is the main underlying feature.

Some people are able to cope with their depressed mood effectively if it falls into the mild range. They do this by taking extra vitamins, getting lots of rest and reducing the stress in their lives. One food that can have a positive affect on the symptoms of depression is whey protein. If the symptoms of depression fall into the moderate to severe range, intervention is generally required.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by: 1) feelings of low self-worth, 2) low self-esteem and 3) fatigue and reduced interest in activities formerly stimulating. There are several forms of depression including: Atypical depression, Melancholic depression, Catatonic depression, Postpartum depression and Seasonal affective disorder .

Depression and Whey Protein: Energy Booster

Depression symptoms can be reduced by adding whey protein to the diet. Whey protein contains high amounts of tryptophan that changes into serotonin when it is absorbed by the body. Most people do not think about whey protein as an anti-depressant, but know it as a supplement used by body builders to bulk up muscle mass.

Whey protein has many advantages for someone suffering with mild symptoms of depression. Whey protein is an energy booster. Remember-one of the symptoms of depression is fatigue. Adding whey protein to a diet can help someone have more energy to get up and do the things they enjoy.

Depression and Whey Protein: Immune System

Another benefit of whey protein is that it contains immunoglobulin that boosts the immune system. Many people who have symptoms of mild depression just do not feel good. They have aches and pains, headaches and stomach ailments. Adding whey protein to a diet can have a positive effect on health and decrease the symptoms of depression.

Depression and Whey Protein: Tryptophan

Whey protein is chock full of an amino acid known as tryptophan which has been shown to increase a person's mood and to lower stress. There are countless studies that support the positive effects tryptophan has on depression. In general, the findings show that the more tryptophan there is in the diet the less prone one will be to having feelings of depression.

Depression and Whey Protein: Foods

Whey protein can be added to a diet by drinking a glass of milk each day. Another food that is high in tryptophan is bananas. Other ways to get whey protein into a diet is to add whey protein to smoothies and milkshakes. Whey protein can also be added to bread recipes and it can be poured over cereal.

Depression and Whey Protein: Be Careful -Warning

Whey protein is not a substitute for anti-depressants. If you suffer from depression, you must talk with your physician to determine whether the level of symptoms you are feeling are moderate to severe and will not improve or go away without taking an anti-depressant. Once you are taking your medication and monitoring your symptoms with a health care professional, add whey protein into your diet. It is good for you in more ways than helping reduce symptoms of depression.

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