[jE22teTh]

In the US, a surprisingly easy way to inadvertently cause mild depression is to decrease intake of iodized salt over time. The "natural" iodine content of many foods (bread, milk) seems to be dropping steadily due to organic and other preparation practices. Kelp-extract supplements with around 200mcg of iodine daily can go a long way towards preventing mild depression associated with borderline iodine deficiency.

[empressplay]

The problem with the idea of using supplements to solve depression is it's a bit like fine-tuning the octane of gasoline in a car to solve a bad air-fuel mixture. You could potentially make the engine run a little better, but it doesn't solve the underlying problem, which is usually emotional trauma.

Developing coping mechanisms is a much better approach, also coming to acceptance (reducing resistance) about things that make you uncomfortable (ie impermanence, fear of rejection, trust issues, loneliness, perceived lack of legacy, etc.)

[jE22teTh]

Yes, if there is an underlying deeper problem, supplements aren't the answer.

However, if it is possible to become slightly iodine deficient by eating a modern diet in the US-- which seems plausible-- and if slight iodine deficiency causes or contributes to mild depression -- which also seems plausible -- an iodine supplement could be a easy solution.

[DanBC]

> the underlying problem, which is usually emotional trauma

This is untrue. The emotional trauma hypothesis is thoroughly debunked and has been for very many years. The vast majority of people with depression do not have any emotional trauma.

[tim333]

Also consuming more Omega 3 oils, found in oily fish, can help.

eg see http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/depression-12/dep...

[alecrn]

If it's iodine deficiency that causes depression, then why would decreasing intake of iodized salt help?

[qntty]

He's saying that a decreased iodine intake due to eating organic foods causes mild depression.

[jE22teTh]

Sorry for the poor phrasing. Decreasing salt intake is a healthy thing to do these days, which will likely also decrease one's iodine intake.

[positr0n]

He said decreasing intake would inadvertently cause mild depression, not help. (I read it that way too at first)

[MDCore]

This looks interesting! Do you have any articles, papers etc. I can read?

[jE22teTh]

Re-emergence of moderate iodine deficiency in developed countries: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522131000.ht...

In New Zealand the emergence of moderate iodine deficiency resulted in a mandate of adding iodized salt to bread: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-welln...

The reasons for the deficiency look a lot like the US:

"The re-emergence in iodine deficiency appears to be due to:

* the increased consumption of commercially-prepared foods (manufactured mostly with non-iodised salt)

* the declining use of iodine-containing sanitizers by the dairy industry

* less salt being used in home prepared foods as a response to the health messages to reduce salt intake"