Diet-related Depression After the Holidays

Around this time of year, people realize they got something for Christmas they didn't want, a gain in weight. Overindulgence in food and drink during the season has produced bulges of fat that can produce deep depressions. A sense of self-pity is often involved when he or she feels "I can't have any fun" without being penalized for dietary indiscretions for months to come.

Unfortunately, it is true that if any overweight state exists prior to the holidays, it is almost certain to have worsened by now. The fat get fatter is not an idle lament, it is a physiological fact.

A slender, normal weight person can eat without gaining, while the overweight, eating the same amount will gain a depressing number of pounds.

Nutritional deficiencies can arise as a result of prolonged holiday indiscriminate feasting. Thiamine, a B complex vitamin, may drop to deficiency levels, given certain circumstances. A diet, high in carbohydrate and alcohol, can produce a thiamine deficiency, since alcohol increases the need for this vitamin. It is sometimes called the "morale vitamin" since mental depression, mood changes, fear and anxiety are common symptoms of its deficiency. Other B complex vitamins are usually low also, when thiamine deficiency symptoms are exhibited.

Combining emotional letdown, gain in weight, and thiamine deficiency problems from typical holiday eating habits, it is understandable why so many people experience post holiday depression. Thiamine, or vitamin B, is found in whole grains, pork, organ meats, enriched flour, legumes, and some fruits and vegetables.

The current RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) is about 1.5 milligrams for adult men, 1.1 mg. for adult women, and about 1.2 mg. for children over 10 years.

It plays a significant role in the function of the nervous system, as well as digestion and carbohydrate metabolism. To help in overcoming the post holiday blues, reduce your weight, reduce your alcoholic consumption and improve your diet.