Diseases

Major depression characterized by loss of pleasure in almost all usual activities, brooding, gloomy forebodings without apparent reason.

Persons most commonly affected: Late adolescence or early adulthood in both sexes.
Organ or part of body involved: Brain
Prevention: Avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol, and dairy products. Depression has been associated with a high intake of caffeine. If you drink four or more cups of caffeine in a given day, try substituting decaffeinated coffee and soft drinks. Avoid any processed food, artificial colors, stimulant food, canned foods, smoking, dairy products, meats, eggs, and fish. Limit your total daily fat intake to 30 percent of your total calories. Try not to consume more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol a day. Oatmeal, porridge, basil and beetroots are known to have antidepressant qualities. Regular exercise can help relieve moderate depression by triggering natural mood-enhancing chemicals.