General Topics Running away the blues

[catman]

Hi all,

I've been trying to exercise (and counter my depression/anxiety) by going for runs every week. I find that have such little energy, and I'm thinking it has a lot to do with what I'm eating (more like lack of eating). I'm a vegetarian, so I probably don't get nearly enough protein. On top of that, when I feel anxious, I have no appetite, and often forget to eat. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to up my energy levels? Either with protein bars or some other kind of food they've found to be helpful, or by other means apart from diet?

[AJ]

I'd recommend seeing your family doctor about having vitamin B12 levels checked. Vegetarians can be low in B12 which can definitely contribute to fatigue.

If your B12 is okay then I'd look at other things and perhaps see a dietician to see if you're getting all the nutrients you need from your diet.

Of course depression can itself cause fatigue.

Missing meals will also reduce energy levels. I eat whether I feel like it or not. Maybe less more often but I do eat.

[uni]

Catman, how is your sleep? Sleeping well can make a huge difference in energy levels.

[catman]

Thanks, AJ. I'll consider getting B12 supplements, as my levels are usually quite low anyway. Uni, my sleep is fairly decent. I sleep a lot - whether or not it's restful sleep, I'm not sure.

[paul m]

Hello Catman. B12 is an interesting vitamin. A couple of articles that you may want to read: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/v...l-201301105780 and http://vitamininjections.net/vitamin...vs-oral-pills/ . The second one that deals with injections vs pills is an interesting one. I'm on a medication that I tried first by pill, then by patch and finally by injection. The only one that worked properly was the one by injection. Each person is different. It just wasn't my opinion either, the blood work back up my feelings.

Another area in which you might be interested is folate deficiency AKA b-9. Part way down the page on the link I will give you is the following " Studies suggest that folate and vitamin B₁₂ status may play a role in depression.^[4] The role of vitamin B₁₂ and folate in depression is due to their role intransmethylation reactions, which are crucial for the formation of neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin, epinephrine, nicotinamides, purines, phospholipids)" source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folate_deficiency

It is interesting to note that other research has linked low levels of foltate to depression as well If you really can't sleep some nights you can try https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1810582/ a USA article about folate and depression. Good Luck with getting your B-12 levels back up, let us know how you make out. Take Care. paul m