In the battle against Depression, there are numerous weapons at our disposal - antidepressants and counselling being the two chiefs. However, what is often unspoken of is the relationship between what food and drink we consume and the ensuing moods which they foster. I had no idea my diet had such a huge impact on the way I felt.
The book includes lots of scientific explanations for which nutrients affect which personality traits and why, which is helpful as it reassures that this is hard science and not old-wives tales. The information was perhaps too in-depth for non-specialists like me, resulting in the book being longer than it had to be. This contributed to the awarding of four stars and not five.
The use of vitamin supplements is rarely put forward as a realistic option in defeating bad mood but the author describes how they can help you. For example, Omega 3 fish oils help against Depression - you can even predict a country's suicide rate based on the national fish consumption! There are natural anti-depressants which, thanks to the book, I plan to go on after my course of anti-depressants finishes. These include 5HTP and St John's Wort.
Types of food and drink to cut out from your diet are included - the protagonists being caffeine, alcohol and high-sugar processed food and drinks. Helpful replacements for these mood-damaging delights are suggested such as unsalted mixed nuts and sugar-free yoghurt. These may not sound appetising but once you experience the increase in mood, you'll never go back to the chocolate and cherish your new-found healthy snacks instead.
Good-mood food recipes are included which were short and simple. Advice on being more physically active was also most welcome.
A slight negative point about the book was that towards the end it drifts away from the main topic and becomes more like a self-help book. I would have preferred to have more information concerning food and mood, as this is why the book was purchased.
Overall this book offers an alternative method of treating Depression, Anxiety, Stress etc by changing your diet from high caffeine, high sugar nasties which results in unstable, low moods, to one of high vitamin, nutritious foods which results in more stable, positive moods. This book has been excellent in explaining the relationship between food and mood and has helped in the battle against Depression. I hope it will help you too.
P.S cutting out caffeine and reducing my sugar intake has also worked wonders concerning my compulsive-skin-picking-disorder.