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Chromium is essential for maintaining stable blood glucose levels and insulin function, leading to a possible connection with depression. Hypoglycemia can cause abnormal behavior, and atypical depression symptoms include weight gain and sugar cravings. Whole grains, potatoes, alfalfa, molasses, and fish are natural sources of chromium.
A connection is believed to exist between the trace element chromium and depression because this nutrient is essential for maintaining normal and stable blood glucose levels. One of chromium’s main functions is the optimal utilization of glucose, which is a simple sugar into which carbohydrates are broken down during digestion and used as fuel for the brain. The hormone insulin cannot function normally without enough chromium in the body. This function of the nutrient is what has led to the belief in a connection between chromium and depression.
Hypoglycemia, which is a condition in which blood sugar levels are low, is the most common medical emergency seen in diabetics. Abnormal behavior resulting from an altered mental state is typical and expected when there is a sudden drop in blood glucose levels. If glucose is not administered immediately, the diabetic patient is at risk of losing consciousness due to how the brain is affected in such a situation. That is why some researchers have investigated the possible connection between chromium and depression, regardless of whether the depressed person is diabetic.
Although there are reasons to believe that the signs and symptoms of a significant and prolonged deficiency of this trace mineral help support the idea of a link between chromium and depression, not everyone agrees. Some psychologists have preferred to continue studying the various therapy methods for treating depression rather than include consideration of possible nutrient deficiencies. Other health care providers have embraced the philosophy of the need to consider therapy and nutrition when treating depression.
The connection between chromium and depression might be limited to what is known as atypical depression. Those interested in further investigating the possible connections between chromium and depression should be aware of the characteristics of this type of mental disorder. Victims tend to gain weight, feel tired and sleepy even after several hours of sleep, have a feeling of heaviness in the extremities, and crave sugary foods.
Rich, natural sources of chromium include whole heirloom grains such as spelt, barley, and kamut, as well as potatoes, alfalfa, molasses, and fish. Most, if not all of this nutrient is removed during the refining process of the grains. This is why it is important to consume whole grains for chromium intake. Nutritional supplements may not be well absorbed and can cause side effects, such as headaches and increased energy, that interfere with a good night’s rest.
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