Please support this work by patronizing the quality vendors referenced here and on the Links page when you can.. The Good There is strong evidence of a relationship between blood lipids and other nutrients, and research showing good results in treating depression with nutrition. For many people, changes in diet, exercise, and supplementation can have a dramatic impact on depression. * The Not-So-Good  Depression is a particularly complex health topic, with many potential causes. William Walsh, PhD, has worked over many years to understand and categorize the metabolic causes of depression. He has found that there are several primary metabolic types associated with depression, each requiring a different (sometimes opposite) approach. A summary of his work is here; those not interested in  the details will find the types described in the article's sidebars. His work has implications for all types of nutritional, herbal, and conventional therapies, but especially for depression. So, it is especially important to get a full assessment of your diet, nutrition, health, life circumstance, and family history (ideally, in partnership with a nutrition-oriented doctor). Resolving depression can require changes in ones life circumstance (work/living environments, relationships) that might not be easy or likely. Depressed people often eat poorly, and otherwise fall into life patterns that only exacerbate their condition. If ones condition is severe enough, professional help could be important to break through the interia often associated with depression. And as with anxiety, be aware of how you breathe. Commonly-prescribed anti-depressant drugs (SSRIs in particular) have been linked with increased suicide in teens. Loss of libido and other negative effects are common in adults. Other Issues Despite the modern crusade against cholesterol, research shows that excessively low cholesterol can increase the likelihood of depression and stroke. Simplistic views of cholesterol that focus only on total cholesterol, or even the big four -- total, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides -- are potentially hazardous to your health and mood. See the Cholesterol page for general guidelines, and consider taking one of the more-sophisticated cholesterol tests that are now available. Also, do an overalll assessment of your lifestyle -- work,relationships, exercise, blood sugar, nutrition -- and make changes where needed, mindful of the highly-indivual nature of depression stessed above. Depression Supplements Table The table below summarizes the current research for nutritional and lifestyle effects on depression, and provides one or more links to key research and related products. As always, this should be taken only as a general guideline. Anyone embarking on a nutritional/exercise regimen should work with a sympathetic doctor, particularly if medications are also involved.   Useful Nutrients A top-N list of supplements shown to help alleviate depression appears in the table below. But omega-3 fatty acids (fish/flax oil) and magnesium are important, and should be part of everyone's diet. GAIAHEALTH HOME  HEALTH INFORMATION/SEARCH