Okay. Weird question, but here goes. Anyone heard of whey protein as a solution to depression?

[HopeHoops]

Apparently my mother heard about it on "late night radio" (which I assume means Coast to Coast). She thinks it works great and gives her more energy. I'm thinking placebo.

Thoughts?

[MindMover]

1. High in amino acids..... which help with depression.....

[HopeHoops]

2. Yeah, but a B tablet isn't a substitute for an SSRI. Is there something more to it?

On Edit: Perhaps I'm tripping, but I thought the post said "B", not "amino acids" when I first read it. Either way, how could it be better than an SSRI? I'm asking in the same sense that calcium pills aren't a substitute for a calcium-degeneration inhibitor such as Boniva. It doesn't matter how much you add if the absorption processes aren't throttled.

[MindMover]

3. an ssri is not a substitute for poor nutrition......

[HopeHoops]

4. No, but it does reduce depression (not eliminate it). I'm just curious about the whey protein.

I've never heard that discussed in that context before. Is there any merit to the argument or is it just fluff?

[MindMover]

5. There is merit to the argument of good nutrition helping depression if that is what you are asking..

the older we get our bodies do not digest what we intake consequently we do not get proper or adequate nutrition.....I would suggest looking into digestive aids, colostrum, and depending on age and severity of depression other natural health related additions to diet......of course eating organic natural foods is part of that diet.....best if you eat from your own garden or one that is in close proximity to where you live.....

[HopeHoops]

6. I'm a vegetarian, get plenty of protein and natural vitamins, have a great garden, etc.

I take an SSRI, but I just couldn't figure out the whey thing. In a nutshell, is there anything behind it or is it bunk?

On edit: I also take supplements on TOP of my diet under doctor's orders.

[MindMover]

9. If it is working it is not bunk.....

[Chan790]

13. I've seen too many people think their sugar pill was working...

to ever buy such logic. I've got a friend that swears that his Enzyte worked and he has no idea why they pulled it off the market. (It was pulled because the manufacturer admitted in court that it was sugar pills with no possibility of "male enhancement.&quot

He's asking if there is a pharmacological, not-nutritionally-based, reason why whey might help with depression.

The short answer is not that I know of.

Do you know of such a reason?

[MindMover]

14. You are absolutely correct and I apologize for being cavalier in my answer....

here is a better one..... http://www.ehow.com/video_5042185_depression-whey-protein-bananas.html

[tridim]

7. Considering most anti-depressants work on the placebo effect..

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/28/the-depressing-news-about-antidepressants.html

I would say Whey Protein would do the same. I used to take it but it was just too expensive, by a lot.

[flvegan]

8. What else is in the one she drinks?

[HopeHoops]

12. Well, that's a good question!

- closest smiley to the likely option

[enough]

10. In my experience, eating more protien and less refined sugar/flour has a profound effect

on depression. I'm talking about personal experience. I have done it with changing the balance of my diet, not with a supplement. I haven't given up all refined carbs, but just paying attention to the balance. Not overloading on sugar/refined carbs, and making sure I get plenty of protein. The difference is very clear.

It could be that your mother is experiencing something related to this this. I'm in my late 60's, so possibly the same age-group as your mother.

[bongbong]

11. Maybe...

Certain types of depressions are helped more by psychological means than by popping a pill or herb. One of the better books that addresses these psychological causes of depression is "The Denial Of Death" by Becker.