Hello again everyone,
Just wondering if anyone had put in time studying foods
that tend to increase your seratonin level.

I had trouble with that at one time after my surgery and
accidently found out that exercise helped. During this hot
humid weather recently in VA, I don't get as much as I used
to and I have noticed my mind is playing some tricks on me
trying to get me depressed again.

I had heard there were some foods good for this area but
my mind won't think of them now. Anybody got any ideas
and sugesstions you have tried (no drugs-I am trying so
hard not to go there again)

Thanks-I know that fall is just around the corner
with the beautiful weather!
Debbie

I think we all tend to crave carbs when we are depressed but I think the best thing is a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs. I know exercise increases endorphins which promotes good feelings. I always found walking the best exercise... whether late at night or early in the am at your local mall. My husband is very tired most of the time but he paces it based on his treatment schedule i.e., today he washed the car but tomorrow is chemo day by Thurs all he can do is reach for the remote.

Here's some info (Google is Your Friend -- "sources of serotonin")
http://www.cure-your-depression.com/natural-source-of-serotonin.html

As you've discovered, exercise also produces serotonin.

As I understand it, the anti-depressants classed as SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) prevent or slow down the body's re-absorption of serotonin once it is produced.

Thanks Pete for the link

I have looked online but had not seen this. I must say, I will
take and do take vitamin supplements, but would be afraid to take
anything else. I do appreciate the foods to eat. I will certainly
try those foods. I think I need to figure out how to exercise more. I never had this problem until I had surgery. I was on
liquid nourishment for awhile and think maybe that helped cause it
and just plain being scared I was dying did it!!

Thanks for responding. I have been doing so good, but I feel I am
getting scared something is going to happen again. Does anybody
else go good and then get scared for no reason? Would like to talk, I quess.

Thanks Pete
I appreciate feeling someone is listening.
Debbie

Hi Debbie
i think you know that how you feel is pretty normal.From what i have seen on these boards it is something most people live with on a daily basis.Its weird really that the fear of recurrence is so great with oral cancer and a lot of that could be because the forums are full of people who it has happened to.Just try to focus on the many people who are no longer here because they have been "cured" and moved on and away .I also think that OC is a particularly cruel cancer as it leaves behind so many things for you to deal with so its difficult to forget you had it.Please just stay with us and let it all out .I know you are not alone feeling like this and you will get support from your friends.

Liz has put it all so well and I especially like her last sentence.
Did you ever make it to facebook? Lot�s of your friends are there as well.
Just checked and it was earlier this year I sent some photo�s from my balcony with plants and view..�will send some more tomorrow..at work now.
Gabriele

Debbie: I hope you are not foolish enough to send your money in for this secret seratonin pill on Pete's link. While there is some good info in Pete's link about what foods naturally contain seratonin, in my opinion the web site itself is bogus and just another money stealing site touting miracle pills. I think sites like this are exceptionally dangerous because they mix really good advice about exercise and nutrition in dealing with depression gleaned from valid medical sources with unproven expensive "cures" and "supplements" that of course this site is willing to sell you with a smile.
While it is true that Google can be your friend, that friend is an "idiot savant",serving up snake oil pitches like this.
Let me hasten to add that I know Pete is one of the good guys and is not like the scum selling their wares who Brian and Gary keep off the board. Still, in this case, the link is inappropriate especially as you click through and see the stunning picture of a superman offering to be your "friend and coach" for money to help you out of your depression. the good info on this site is just bait to steal your money.
charm

Hey Charm,
No, I learned long ago that there are no miracles and that
drugs are not the best answer, which is why I was pursuing food
and exercise. There are some good tips on food. I have trouble
chewing the walnut\s and things of that type, but I can always crush them somehow.
There are always experts out here and I just put this out to see what I could get.
Hey Gabe, just can't figure facebook out, but will keep on with it.
Please send me pictures and kind words. You are a brave soul. I have enjoyed talking to you before so much!

Liz,
You are right - I get tired of trying to chew and look normal when I am not. Just get down and have no right to. So good to have
you guys to talk to. I think "scared" is a better word. I have been going and going and all of a sudden, there is panic.
I will get over it with you guys to listen.
Love to you all,

Debbie

Charm's right -- I posted that link for the info in it rather than as a recommendation for the stuf.

However, depending on the costs, it might be easier to buy the stuf in one package, like a Multi-Vitamin, rather than hunt down the various foods.

Just talking to youall perked me up.
I have been fighting with a computer virus on and off for awhile.
So, I have not been able to check on here. Then, I dropped my cell
phone and couldn't call any of my regulars on here - oh my!

The virus is called Windows antivirus pro and it is mean and nasty
and comes back. If you get a flash up on your screen - run!!!

I do take supplements and will continue. I take Calcium and Vit D and all of B and fish oil. Taking a multi makes me ravenously hungry all of the time. I have gained 15 pounds more than what
I weighed when all of this started. First I lost 15 then say
I gained back 30.

A girl has to watch her figure - even if her face is kinda
off center a bit. (Sorry, cruel joke at me).

Thank you guys - and your site Pete had some wonderful food
ideas that were healthy foods.

Thanks
Debbie