Niacin for Depression?

[Cloudy Days]

Me and my husband watched a documentary called Food Matters last night and they said something about using Niacin for depression. My husband now wants to try it for himself. He won't take other drugs, and I don't blame him really. Has anyone's spouse tried taking Niacin to see if it helps with Depression? They litterally said to take very high doses of it until you start feeling better.

Also has anyone's spouse went on an all natural diet and seen improvement in mood?

[PLEASE - NO RUN MESSAGES]

PLEASE - NO RUN MESSAGES This is a high level discussion board for solving ongoing, day-to-day relationship conflicts. Members may appear frustrated but they are here for constructive solutions to problems. This is not a place for relationship "stay" or "leave" discussions. Please read the specific guidelines for this group.

[slimmiller]

I am not familiar with using niacin for despression. There is no harm in trying it however, I may caution you with 'high doses'  I have heard horror stories of folks taking too much and it can be dangerous. (very high doses)

Be careful

[Cloudy Days]

I found a pretty good aritcle about it and it said the guy that developed AA was a strong beleiver in it and his patients actually were able to stay sober easier while taking it. It also said it helps with impulse control anxiety disorders and mood disorders. It says to work your way up, not because of harmful effects but because of flushing.

[lizzie458]

Cloudy, I've seen those same articles - I don't see how it could hurt as long as you're careful about ramping up slowly to avoid detox shock like you mentioned.

Regarding natural diets, I don't have any personal experience with it, but I do know many people who have seen big improvements in behavior, mood, and energy levels (and focus) by eliminating products with red dye (I think it's red dye #40?), gluten, and MSG.  I would think that just limiting those foods should help and you wouldn't have to do a complete elimination diet to see results, but I really don't know for sure.  If he's open to those types of diet changes, hey at least it would be healthier - and that would probably make him physically feel a bit better!

[lizzie458]

I've also heard limiting/eliminating dairy can help too.