What does diet have to do with depression?
A substantial body of recent research has shown that a diet high in inflammation-causing foods (like grains, sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients) can contribute to the development of many diseases including; depression/anxiety, ADHD, cancer, high cholesterol, IBD, and arthritis. Since most of your serotonin (a neurochemical responsible for feeling happy) is produced in your intestines and not in your brain, the foods you choose can make an enormous impact on how you feel.
In addition, the intestines are directly connected to the brain by the vagus nerve. Surprisingly, around 90% of the fibers in this nerve carry information from the gut to the brain. To add to the complexity of this gut/brain communication is the fact that the trillions of bacteria that call your intestines home “communicate” with your intestinal nerve cells. When this intricate system is disrupted, the information goes straight to your brain- often with unpleasant consequences.
In terms of treating depression, any good physician or psychiatrist will tell you, that the place to start is with the safest and least invasive approach. Changing your diet to eliminate potential causes of inflammation and aberrant brain signalling, is great way to begin. If you’re already getting some relief from your prescription medication, you are likely to see an additional reduction in your depression by the end of the ten days.
The purpose of the program is to allow you to evaluate the impact that grains, sugars or potentially inflammatory foods may have been having on your mood in a SHORT experiment with your body. We think you’ll be amazed at the results….
What happens if I slip up and eat something that’s not permitted?
Since the diet change isn’t in full effect until day 3, it’s only a 7 day total commitment. We have total confidence that you can do this for one week without slip ups. That’s part of the reason for the food diary. You need to be completely honest with yourself about everything you eat and you need to write it down and hold yourself accountable. The first few days of the diet change are the hardest but if, at any time you need help, just email us and we’ll answer questions and provide encouragement. If you do slip up, you’ll need to start back at day 4 (the start of the diet change).
If, by the end of the program, you’re feeling better, please share this free information with others; (facebook, email, word of mouth, etc). However you do it, pass along the great news that life can be better in just a few days for only the cost of a few supplements and a routine of 10 daily habits.
Send me any additional questions and I’ll try to answer them here! Also, please email any corrections and/or suggestions on how to improve the website as we’re very much a work in progress!