Gluten-free

I explored so many wonderful ways to help to alleviate my depression and many many helped to temporarily relieve the heaviness of so many thoughts, but nothing, has helped as much as simply cutting gluten out of my diet. Within two days of 100% gluten-free food, the dark clouds started to dissolve, it was remarkable and a gift. I researched as much as I could on the subject. I initially spotted the link in Patrick Holford's book "Optimum Nutrition for the Mind", and from there searched the internet for anecdotal information as well as the viewpoint of professional organisations. I found 'the gluten doctors blog' incredibly helpful as I searched for more information. I had no physical symptoms of a gluten sensitivity and I had done a test for mild food allergies and gluten did not show up. I am glad that I used my common sense and cut out gluten on the understanding that doctors and health professionals are not all-knowing, they are simply people trying their best to figure you and many hundreds of other people out on a daily basis. I realised it was 100% my responsibility to understand myself and help myself. Since cutting out gluten, the depression has completely lifted, but I do have mild anxiety, which I am slowly learning is the result of other food allergies, as I have now cut out nearly all of the most common food allergens to understand which foods cause me to have anxiety and fearful thoughts. I cut out all dairy products many years ago after constant trouble with my ears, consisting of ear infections, cysts on the inside and outside of my ear, excess fluid in the ear and a cholesteatoma, which resulted in deafness in one ear. My Ear Nose and Throat Specialist had done research and had found new links to dairy problems at the time. He then said that 90% of his patients were most likely suffering needlessly from a dairy allergy. I am now researching leaky gut syndrome, candida, high and low histamine and educating myself as much as possible on the subject of nutrition and depression, while using my common sense. As a disclaimer, I would state that I wouldn't recommend undertaking any drastic changes to your diet without seeing your doctor or nutritionist. I used only common sense and I was sensible and listened to my own body. Cutting out gluten 100% for two weeks and keeping a food diary and noting which foods make you feel anxious, depressed or trigger fearful thoughts is common sense. I found tests unhelpful and understandably, many doctors are unaware or even disapprove of this link, so it is important to use your own common sense, own understanding and to talk to a health professional where necessary.

Help me!

Welcome. If you are feeling depressed, stressed, emotionally constipated or panicked, then I highly recommend you consult the 'top ten free ideas' for helping to alleviate depression to the top right of this post. If you don't even feel able to start looking into nutrition, then try www.thework.com. This is a free cognitive therapy which can really help in a moment of stress, anger, guilt or panic.