Do yogis get depressed you ask? Heck yes. And this happens more often than you think. Despite the fact that practicing yoga can truly help with depression and anxiety, there are lots of different reasons why a person gets depressed in the first place. So let’s get to the bottom of a problem so we can figure out what is happening.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and all information provided here is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It’s a personal opinion, and it shouldn’t be taken as health/medical/legal advice.
Depression is an extremely complex disease. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people experience depression during a serious medical illness. Others may have depression with life changes such as a move or the death of a loved one. Still, others have a family history of depression. Those who do may experience depression and feel overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness for no known reason. (1)
Main Causes of Depression:
- Life events. Death or loss, personal conflict, past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Even good life events like. new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression
- Some medications
- Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk
- Serious illnesses
- Substance abuse
- Vitamin deficiency
While many of these causes should be treated with the doctor, I would like to talk about the one that is mostly overlooked by doctors – Vitamin deficiency.
The vitamin deficiency is the reason for depression of lots of yogis besides the neglect of the spiritual part of yoga, which according to Sri Dharma is the main cause of depression. And it is not because yogis are not eating right, but because true yogis are vegans, and you have to plan your meal really carefully in order to get all the nutrients your body needs.
You can read more about “What Means Healthy Vegan?” […]
Vitamin Deficiency as a Cause of Depression
Several types of researches were done and it was discovered, that there are two types of main Vitamins that were linked to depression: Vitamin B, particularly B12 and Folate, and Vitamin D. So let’s see what is happening here.
Vitamin B-12 and Folate Deficiency
PubMed.gov says that both low folate and low vitamin B12 status have been found in studies of depressive patients, and an association between depression and low levels of the two vitamins is found in studies of the general population.
They found evidence that a decrease in the vitamin B-12 serum correlates with an increase in depression. They also state that high vitamin B-12 status may be associated with better treatment outcome of depression. The researchers suggest people with depression take a 1-milligram supplement of B-12 daily. But more research is needed to fully understand the link between B-12 and depression. (2)
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
- exhaustion or fatigue
- rapid heartbeat without exercising
- brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- confusion or impaired thinking
- weakness
- dizziness
People with increased risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency:
Some people consume enough B-12, but their bodies don’t properly absorb the vitamin. So here is the comprehensive list of the population who is prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency:
- vegetarians, vegans, and plant-based eaters
- people with digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease (conditions that can affect the way your body absorbs nutrients)
- those who recently had weight loss surgery (the operation interferes with your body’s ability to extract B-12 from food)
- people over the age of 50, (the stomach beings to produce less acid as you age, and this acid helps with B-12 absorption)
- taking medications for heartburn (these reduce acid production in the stomach and may affect B-12 absorption)
Your doctor may order a blood test to check levels of B-12 or other vitamins if a deficiency is suspected. But keep in mind, that B-12 and other vitamin supplements can interact with some medications, especially in high doses. Therefore talk to your doctor before you take a vitamin supplement. (2)
Vitamin B-12 Sources
I must admit that there is no complete source of Vitamin B12 for Vegans and other plant-based eaters because Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.
Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods, but here are some ways you can get it from the food:
- fortified breakfast cereals
- nutritional yeast (it is important to read the Nutrition Facts labels on food products to determine the types and amounts of added nutrients they contain. (3)
- fortified diary-free milk
- nori seaweed
- some mushrooms
- Spirulina
My personal issue is I really don’t like nutritional yeast. As many times as I’ve tried it, it just does not go well with me. At the same time, I am not big into cereals. While seaweed, mushrooms, and spirulina cannot provide enough to cover daily requirements for Vitamin B12. Therefore the only supplement that I currently use now is My Kind Organic Iron and Vitamin B12 liquid.
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Folate Sources
As a vegan, you get plenty of folate in your diet naturally. I just wanted to mention this deficiency as well just in case if you don’t consume enough of the following products that are high in folate naturally:
- legumes
- asparagus
- leafy greens
- beets
- citrus fruits
- brussels sprouts
- broccoli
- nuts and seeds
- papaya
- bananas
- avocado
Vitamin D
Another vitamin that was linked to symptoms of depression is Vitamin D, aka the “Sunshine Vitamin”
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
If you have a vitamin D deficiency, you may experience:
- aching bones
- fatigue or drowsiness
- weakness and pain of the muscles and joints
You may also experience symptoms of depression that include:
- overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- thoughts of death or suicide
- insomnia or excessive sleepiness, known as hypersomnia
- loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- lethargy
- excessive weight loss or weight gain
- loss of appetite
- problems concentrating
- forgetfulness
- loss of sexual interest
- headaches or back pains
- anxiety
Sunshine has been suggested as an approach to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. Holick (2004) reported that sun exposure to the arms and legs for five to ten minutes, two or three times per week, may be beneficial for maintaining vitamin D sufficiency. But please keep in mind the risk of skin cancer that is associated with unprotected sun exposure. (5)
To diagnose vitamin D deficiency, your doctor will order a blood test to measure the amount of vitamin D in your blood.
Couple Words from My Personal Experience
I must say, that I am personally NOT a fan of supplements. At least not any longer. I used to buy a lot of different Vitamins and other supplements thinking they will provide all the health I need. But it was not true. And now being greatly connected with my own body, I felt that those supplements do not do any good to me. Actually opposite was true, they were doing more harm than help. So currently I use only B12 in Liquid form to sustain the requirement of this vital vitamin. All other nutrients I am getting from the plant-based diet.
I surely consume enough of Folate from the food and try to exercise outside when the weather permits to get my daily dose of Vitamin D.
Conclusion
Although depression is a very complex disease, if you just started to notice the symptoms, consider the possibility of vitamin deficiency and talk to your doctor to get blood work done.
I have to say, that there are some simple ways to prevent this disease in the first place. A plant-based diet that is full of nutrients, the type of hydration (read more here), also some food planning to ensure that you get all the nutrients needed. Of course if necessary, take supplements when the vitamin deficiency is diagnosed.
And last but not least, exercise. Choose whatever you like. Whether it is yoga, running, weight training, or any kind of sport, it will help to boost your immune system as well as keep your depression in check.
Stay healthy and happy!
Wow, I had no idea this could contribute to depression. Makes me think there’s probably a connection between the lack of vitamins and rising rate of depression in America. Thank you for this info!
Thank you for stopping by and your comments 🙂
Amazing content! What a great article detailing what symptoms might come with a vitamin deficiency. I recently started eating Paleo, and I have found a huge difference in my energy and mood levels. More greens and fruits is key!
Thank you, Brittany. I was a Paleo person before I became a vegan. It is definitely one of the healthiest diets out there in my opinion. Now I combine Paleo and Vegan, except for beans and gluten-free grains, that are not allowed on Paleo.
I am glad to see you are not a fan of supplements. Although sometimes necessary in some medical situations they are not ideal. Can vegans eat bee pollen? It is a great way to get the Bs you need!
Hi Tricia. Yea… Vegans don’t eat bee pollen. Therefore it is quite a challenge to get vitamin B.
Great post! I struggle with my B and D levels, but I have not suffered from depression, I am lucky! Thank you for sharing your tips!
Thank you, Holly, for reading and commenting!
Lots of information in this article! It makes sense that vitamins have a profound effect on many aspects of our health.
Fascinating. I know that I definitely start to get the blues when I don’t get enough Vitamin D. Which is why I’m just aching for the last of these winter storms to move out so that spring (and the sun!) can officially arrive!
Great tips and great reminders. My nutrition is terrible so I’m sure there are a few deficiencies in me.
I didn’t realize that most Yogis are vegan. The correlation between that and depression makes sense now.
Vitamin D is HUGE for depression and overall mental state. I always joke that’s why people in the South are so much friendlier. We have a lot of family up north who spend months locked up indoors in the winter and they’re so down all the time! I know it’s the lack of sun!
Yes. It is true. People who live in places where there are winter months suffer more from depression than those who live in places like Florida and California. And the reason is the lack of sun. Thank you for stopping by and commenting 🙂
I love to be outside, but we still supplement with vitamin D after we had a few years where we were sick all the time. Since adding D, we have been significantly healthier! I can only imagine if we consumed the correct amount of each vitamin how much better we would feel!
Great info. I realized three years ago I needed B12 and it has made such a difference in my wellbeing!
Vitamins are so important for overall health! After reading this, I wonder if I have a B12 deficiency. Going to have to try to combat that and see if I feel better.
Interesting. I always knew these vitamins were important but didn’t know the specifics.
Great post – I prefer to get all my vitamins from dietary intake vs. supplements but sometimes that just isn’t possible.
I totally agree with this post!! Thanks for sharing!!
Excellent post, really informative! Not everyone can get their vitamins through dietary intake so supplements are super helpful. Thanks so much for another informative topic 🙂
Since moving south, I’m making every point to get out into the sun more often. I have noticed a difference in my demeanor, especially since we used to live in New England, where winter is just toooooo long.
Vitamin D deficiency is huge right now! I am so thankful for the sun coming back!
I know. Me to 🙂
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So right proper nutrtion is the best path to truely survive.