Re: Do certain foods cause depression (passiveness)?

Sarah,

  This is a good question.  Although there are many different causes and 
types of depression, there is indeed a connection between food and 
depression (or mood in general.)  However, depression is more often caused 
by a lack of certain foods in a diet, rather than being caused by 
something that is present.  There is also a connection, as you have noted, 
between neurotransmitters and depression. 
  The cause of depression in the biochemical sense is usually associated 
with low levels of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, norepinephrine, 
and serotonin) in the central nervous system.  Prescription drugs used to 
treat depression are designed to restore normal levels of 
neurotransmitters.  For example, the class of antidepressants known as 
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs) such as Prozac help to 
increase the levels of serotonin.
  It is known that carbohydrates in the diet increase the brain's 
production 
of serotonin.  Also, the body needs the amino acid tryptophan, which is 
found in food proteins, to produce serotonin.  So depression can sometimes 
be the result of a diet that is low in carbohydrates or tryptophan.  
Research has shown that there may also be a connection between depression 
and lack of other dietary components such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins 
B3 and B6, and magnesium.
  There is some speculation that stimulants can lead indirectly to 
depression.  For example, too much caffeine in the diet can prevent 
someone from sleeping well.  Since restful sleep is necessary for good 
mental health, caffeine and other stimulants can lead indirectly to 
depression and anxiety.
  As a final comment, alcohol consumption can cause both depression and 
aggression.  Although alcohol is generally thought of as something that 
can brighten your mood, too much alcohol consumption can lead to 
depression or worsen it if it is already present.  Alcohol also lowers 
people’s inhibitions, and for some this leads to more aggressive behavior.
  I hope this helps!