About Depression, Whey Protein & Bananas

Depression is a mood disorder that affects approximately 14 million Americans per year. Patients are often given antidepressant medication to lessen the symptoms. Those with milder symptoms, which may flare up during the winter months, may benefit by taking vitamins, getting lots of rest, reducing stress in their lives and eating a diet rich in bananas and whey protein.

History

• Depression is accompanied by feelings of low self-worth, low self-esteem, exhaustion and lack of interest in activities that are otherwise stimulating. Depression was first referenced in doctors' diagnostic manuals in the 1950s. Doctors recognized there was a difference between having a brief depressive episode and a bout with clinical depression that might last for months, years or the rest of the patient's life.

Types

• Depression is most commonly experienced in patients during middle age, with symptoms less severe before and after about the age of 44. To be diagnosed as clinically depressed, the patient must feel the illness is greatly affecting his life. Some examples include inability to sleep or sleeping too often, and difficulty concentrating, eating and maintaining relationships with close family members. Several variations on the typical diagnosis of depression include seasonal depression, where depression occurs only during the winter months; postpartum depression, where depression occurs after having a child; or catatonic depression, where the depression affects the patient's ability to move or exercise normal motor functions.

Considerations

• Bananas are widely known in the medical community as one of depression's super foods. When diagnosed with depression, patients are advised to eat three healthy meals a day, with frequent snacks to keep the mood elevated. Bananas contain tryptophan, a protein that turns into serotonin in the body. Eating a banana or two every day, especially in the morning, provides a healthy release of serotonin in the body that can help elevate and stabilize the mood throughout the day.

Effects

• Another helpful tool used to battle depression is the addition of whey protein in the diet. Whey protein also contains high amounts of tryptophan that will be transferred into serotonin when absorbed in the body. Whey protein can be added to liquids like smoothies or milkshakes, used in bread recipes or poured on top of cereal. Like bananas, it is best to eat whey protein first thing in the morning and periodically throughout the day. Milk is high in whey protein, so it is recommended by some nutritionists that drinking one glass of milk a day is beneficial for symptoms of depression.

Warning

• Bananas and whey protein are not substitutes for antidepressants or visits with your psychiatrist. In addition, bananas and whey protein will not cure diseases, including major depressive disorder. Talk to your doctor immediately or call 1-800-273-TALK, a national suicide prevention hot line, if you are feeling severely depressed, or are thinking about injuring yourself or others. If your doctor is not available, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.