I have just read an article on depression which stated that dieting can cause a depletion of amino acids which causes depression?
it claims that a good amino acid supplement can make a real difference to depression (although if you are taking anti-depressants obviously you should not stop taking them) it says to pick one that contains
I would think that a high protein diet would be rich in amino acids? Don't you?
April
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My RE is actually currently heading a research project at Yale studying the relationship between amino acids and PCOS. His theory is that there is some kind of inherent lack of natural amino acids in women with PCOS.
Interesting- I'll ask him for an update at my next visit in April
*Aimee*
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I read it in the Diet cure. I typed some other information from there on a thread in diet and exercise called "Any eating disorder cysters with PCOS" or something like that. Apparently low calorie dieting can cause a lack of nutrients and amino acids - well I had been trying to eat low calorie, low fat foods for years before I found out about increasing protein.
Also apparently a lack of zinc, B vits and fat can contribute to eating disorders, it actually says research was conducted where 85% of anorexics became better when supplemented with zinc.
Lack of nutrients and amino acids causes a dip in serotonin levels. It was quite long winded but if you have a look at the post it might make more sense! I am going to be having a look at the health store this week to see if I can find anything that combines the amino acids.
I read that vegetarians can be in lack of some amino acids. Do you thik that it can cause some disorder that can lead to PCOS? I'm sorry, I know so little about PCOS, but you see, I didn't have it before I was 20 yo and my friends who have it knows for it whole thier life. So I'm always worried thinking did I cause this desease with something that I did, like, taking drugs in the past, or being strict veggie for many yrs...?
Naw, something "causing" a disorder will not "lead" to PCOS. PCOS occurrs through a dis-ease or imbalance of hormones, Insulin Resistance to be exact. Which brings up the issue that PCOS is a mis-nomer... polycystic ovaries is but a symptom of a much larger picture. This means that men have the same hormone imbalances, but they are mostly affected by the insulin problems that result. Women have way more problems, simply because of the hormone imbalance that results of an overabundance of testosterone... a male hormone, something obviously unnatural in women. But yes, vegetarians DO have problems with protein deficiencies, as well as B vit.'s. The reason for that is because those nutrients are found concentrated mostly in meat, which is something vegetarians abstain from. Since vegetarians lose the energy provided by protein, it must be replaced with carbs. A dangerous place for a person with PCOS to go. So, vegetarians eat beans and grains. Soy beans (as well as ALL beans) contain just as much, if not more, carbohydrate as protein. Also, the protein content is not that "high" for beans. Furthermore, (I hate so to be grim), there is a chemical in beans that actually PREVENTS your body from getting any of the protein anyway when that chemical comes in contact with body chemicals as digestion begins. Grains are MAINLY carbohydrate, although there are many claims to the protein content, which is negligible. Protein is simply a chain of amino acids strung together. So, the best way to get amino acids (protein) is to eat: MEAT, CHEESE, EGGS, YOGURT, COTTAGE CHEESE, AND NUTS. Of course, all cheeses and yogurt contain varying amounts of carbs, and labels must be read carefully. Processed meats are out of the question, as they always contain sugar (carbs). Two ways I "supplement" my protein is with Bragg's Amino Acids, which is soy beans processed to make soy sauce in such a way that ONLY amino acids and water are present, and a product called Designer Whey, which is whey that has been processed to remove ALL carbs, leaving the protein behind. The whey is made by Next Proteins, and I've provided a link below. I get both products through my local health food store. I add Bragg's to homemade soup, and mix it with lemon juice for fish, and the whey to my a.m. yogurt, as well as hot carob drink (see recipe in recipes forum), and also to homemade cheesecake (recipe forthcoming in recipes forum). I just feel SO much better when I EAT rather than supplement... food is what we need to get well. I prefer herbs to supplement with... the only chemicals I use right now are vit. C, Magnesium, Calcium, and occassionally vit. B6 for depression. The rest is herbs, which is another story...
I found a supplement at Holland & Barrett and it was on special at 3.50 for 60 days' worth.
It has all those aminos in it except for tryptophan it also is a multi vit and it contains minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and guess what - choline and inositol and lecithin. I'm not sure if there is sufficient measurements in it though. I'll have another look later
I drink a Whey protein shake (Whey to Go by Solgar) that has all the amino acids in it. I also take 2000 mg of DL-Phenylalanine a day. This supplement is specifically for the hypothalamus, which is kind of like the master gland. It helps to regulate all hormones put out and I find it to be wonderful. I can certainly feel a difference. I highly recommend this combination for depression. It kind of lifts the fog! good luck!
__________________ --officially diagnosed Aug 2001, but struggled for years knowing but couldn't get an official diagnosis
--32, 206-200-150
--DS 10.16.05, our baby boy -- conceived after two years of acupuncture and herbs
--postpartum: all pcos symptoms out of control, trying gluc and flutamide
Dragonfly,
I just wanted to add that The Insulin Resistance Diet book disagrees with you on the issue of legumes and protein, saying that you can consider the protein in legumes and more or less ignore the carbs when linking and balancing.
Just some more thoughts... I know that there is LOTS of information out there, and not all of it is "good" for me. I know that symptoms are different for every Cyster... I was trying to share my experiences... I probably got over zealous! I know that I cannot tolerate carbs (sugar in ANY form), and I know that I have an addiction to carbs as part of my PCOS. I know that since I started experiencing menopause, there is now an abundance of testosterone and NO estrogen to even semi-balance me anymore. That probably creates the carb intolerance.
I know what you mean. There are some that can eat fruit but if I eat any my weight loss stops and actually jumps back on! I tried a two day "applefest" as part of a detox diet I read about and actually gained two lbs!!!!
A lot of the time it is a case of trial and error.
LACK OF AMINO ACIDS CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION? 
Good Article!! 
