Great Depression Research Paper

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Ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, who was called the father of medicine, once said “Let thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food.” Eating wholesome, well-balanced diet is the best prescription for our mental health. The nutrients we get from the food we consume accomplish various bodily tasks, including the full capacity function of the brain. Studies have proved that there is a direct relationship with nutrients and mental health and lack of certain nutrients can cause unstable moods, leading to depression. While modern American diet lacking in nutrients, harms the brain; eating holistically nourishes it, by providing the right amount of nutrients.
Hippocrates described depression as a mood disorder causing a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. …show more content…

His proposal that food can be medicine was derived from the knowledge of chemical elements that are found in food. Deficiency in these elements cause chemical imbalances which can lead to depression. There are nine different types of depression; our focus is on minor but chronic type of depression, Dysthymia. This form of depression is characterized by at least two years of depressed mood. It is accompanied by additional depressive symptoms that don’t meet major depression criteria. Although, Dysthymia is not as severe as major depression, it is at high risk in developing major depression if not properly managed. It is estimated that more than three million Americans over the age 18 suffer from minor depression (Greenblatt 11). Many people know the fact that nutritional deficiencies contribute to physical illness; however, only a few are aware of the connection between nutrition and depression. Depressed usually suffer from chemical imbalances called neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin. According to Greenblatt, doctors are very quick into prescribing medication to treat this illness but to treat depression with

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