Category Archives: Food

Food, Health, Random

Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

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A yeast infection, also known as Candida, is basically caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast called Candida albicans. It generally affects the vaginal area but can also develop around dentures, under the breasts, lower abdomen, nail beds, and beneath skin folds.

Factors that can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection are pregnancy, stress, chronic health conditions, diabetes, use of oral contraceptives, steroids and antibiotics.

Women can also get yeast infections after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls. Most men and women suffer from a yeast infection at least once.

Some of the signs of a yeast infection are itching, burning or swelling in and around the affected area. If it is a vaginal yeast infection, there will be pain or discomfort in the vagina during sex, a burning feeling when urinating, and odorless vaginal discharge. There are many simple home remedies that can eliminate the infection in a relatively short time.

Continue reading Home Remedies for Yeast Infection →

Food, Health

Powerful Syrup For Melting Kidney Stones

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Anyone who has had problems with kidney stones knows that it one hell of a painful condition, especially if the stone is stuck in the urinary tract, channel leading from the kidney to the bladder.

Even when it is in the bladder, the stone must first pass through the urinary tract. Since men have longer urinary channel, they have a bigger problem with this health condition.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are mineral deposits – usually some form of calcium, such as calcium oxalate – deposited in the kidneys, which form small sand-like stones inside the kidneys.

The stone may remain in the kidney for weeks, months or even years without causing any symptoms. However, if it moves, it may cause big pain in the back, hips and bloody, muddy urine.

In such a situation, it is advisable to drink huge amount of liquid to allow the stone to be kicked out by urinating and take some analgesics in order to relief the pain. But if the stone is too large, it may require surgery for its removal.

There is another option which combines plenty of fluids in order for the stone to be suppressed. We are going to explain this option in the article, below, in order to break the stone and to eject it out of the body.

Continue reading Powerful Syrup For Melting Kidney Stones →

Food, Health, Life, Pakistan

The Hunger Games in Pakistan

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By Murtaza Haider

For many in the West, The Hunger Games is a box-office hit and a bestselling novel. For most Pakistanis, however, hunger games are no work of fiction. While several million Pakistanis are starving where only eight per cent of the children receive minimum acceptable diet, the government in Islamabad is finalising the budget, which if previous budgets are any indication, is unlikely to address hunger and misery that has spread to every nook and cranny in the country.

Read more » DAWN
http://www.dawn.com/news/716973/the-hunger-games-in-pakistan

Food, Health, Life, News, Pakistan, Sindh

Malnutrition in Pakistani children, its causes, consequences and recommendations

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Madam, malnutrition is a pathological condition resulting from deficiency of one or more nutrients and has a wide range of clinical manifestations. Children are amongst the worst-affected groups. In 2001, it was noted that malnutrition caused 54% deaths in children living in developing countries.1 The World Health Organization through the Millennium Development Goal 4 has recognized that improved nutrition is crucial in reducing the under-5-years mortality,especially in the developing countries.2

Laying its special emphasis in our part of the world, the percentage of malnourished children is highest in Asia with 70% of undernourished children living in this part of the world. In South Asia, one out of two preschoolers is underweight and has stunted growth.3 In Pakistan,33.03% (CI= 27.96-38.54)of children under the age of 5 are underweight, 53.38% of the children are stunted and wasting has been reported in 11.52% of the children,4 which clearly shows that the nutritional status in this country is poor.Goiter caused by iodine deficiency is also common with the highest cases reported in Pakistan, India and parts of Indonesia.3
Marasmus, Kwashiorkor or Marasmus Kwashiorkor will probably develop in a child who is malnourished for a prolonged period of time leading to an increased mortality. Children who are undernourished are more susceptible to the effects of infectious diseases compared to children who are adequately nourished.1 Infections can in turn lead to more undernourishment as food intake is decreased during infection and this turns into a vicious cycle.
One of the possible causes of such status could be declined production of food.1 Many landscapes that were once fertile are deemed barren due to environmental pollution caused by mankind. This in turn leads to less land that is available for farming and ultimately food production per acre is insufficient to touch base with other countries. Poverty, unawareness, population growth, political instability, loss of food stock due to poor harvest and natural calamities are some of the important factors causing malnutrition amongst children. Malnutrition in Pakistani children has been directly linked to illiteracy of mothers, low family income and larger family size.5 Maternal undernourishment is also a contributing factor to babies being born with low-birth-weight.1 The increased basal metabolic rate due to acute and chronic illnesses may also precipitate the pre-existing malnutrition.

Read more » JPMA
http://jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=3324

Economy, Food, Health, International, Life

Food poverty now bigger public health concern than diet – expert claims

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Panorama explores claims many turn to food banks due to being penalised when judged to have broken benefit conditions

By Patrick Butler, social policy editor

The prevalence of poverty–stricken families who cannot afford to buy sufficient food is overtaking unhealthy eating as the most pressing public health concern, a public health specialist has claimed.

The claim is made in a BBC Panorama documentary to be broadcast on Monday evening which found that over a third of local authorities in England and Wales were now providing funding for food banks, despite government claims that charity food is not a part of the social security system.

Julie Hirst, public health specialist at Derbyshire county council, told Panorama the authority had invested £126,000 from its public health budget in food banks.

She said: “It’s now become an issue of food poverty and some people in the country are not being able to eat at all – and if people can’t eat at all, what’s the point in trying to get them to eat healthily?”

Elizabeth Dowler, a professor at Warwick University and the co-author of a recent government-commissioned report on food aid provision, told the programme it was shocking so many councils were investing in food banks.

“Food banks are an inadequate plaster over a gaping wound … They do not solve the problems. And that they should be enshrined as an inadequate solution is deeply immoral.”

Read more » theguardian
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/03/food-banks-public-health-benefits-panorama?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite

Economy, Food, Health, International, Life

Britain 2013: children of poor families are still left behind

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By and Taytula Burke

Special report: More than four decades ago a groundbreaking report, Born to Fail?, highlighted the extent of child poverty in Britain. Since then, despite the pledges of successive governments, things have only got worse. Where now for the next generation?

Read more » The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/aug/24/child-poverty-britain-40-years-failure

Food, International

Canadians trimming food budgets in face of higher prices, RBC says

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Bank report suggests as much as 91 per cent of Canadians plan to cut back food spending.

By Allison Brogan, CBC News

Canadian families are planning to cut back on the amount they spend at the grocery store in the face of rising food prices, a new report from one of Canada’s largest banks said Thursday.

The RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index showed Canadians’ are displeased with rising food prices at the grocery store.

As much as 91 per cent of respondents to the survey said they have taken notice of rising food prices and are being more budget oriented as a result.

Read more » CBC
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2013/05/16/business-rbc-food.html

Food, Health, Human Rights, International, Life, Politics

If profits are high, then the system is working just fine — for the 1%. But for us 99%, the profit lust is itself the heart of the problem

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Free-Market Medicine: A Personal Account

by Michael Parenti

When I recently went to Alta Bates hospital for surgery, I discovered that legal procedures take precedence over medical ones. I had to sign intimidating statements about financial counseling, indemnity, patient responsibilities, consent to treatment, use of electronic technologies, and the like. ….

Read more » Common Dreams

Food, Health, Science

What is VAASTU?

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By Pardiep Jain, ROHINI, DELHI

VAASTU shastra is an ancient (old) science which is completely based on nature and helps one to get the natural benefits freely offered by the five basic elements of the universe in which we all are living. These basic elements are Akash (SKY), Prithvi (EARTH), Paani (WATER), Agni (FIRE), and Vayu (WIND). VAASTU Shastra can be applied by keeping in harmony with these basic five elements of nature. VAASTU Shastra is a science that was developed by learned people (Rishi-Muni) thousand of years ago. Today its application is purely architectural and its principles are based on the nature…

Food, Health

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain

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Most people feel depressed and discouraged at some point or other in their life. Sadness, anxiety, grief — we all feel these emotions at various times in our lives. Sadness may be caused by a setback or a loss, while anxiety may be triggered by a threat or a challenge. It is perfectly natural for our emotions to wax and wane with the ups and downs of our lives, but when these feelings present for weeks or months, it could be a sign of DEPRESSION. People with depression may feel like they are losing control. They lose interest in life, feel sad all the time and have difficulty concentrating.

Depression can be happen to anyone. From 10 to 20 per cent of the general population will have to deal with depressing at least once in their life. Depression affects twice as many women as men, and usually occurs between the age 25 and 45. Depression happens in every culture, around the world, and no social or economic class spared.

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a real disease and is characterized by three persistent factors.

1. Major feeling of malaise 2. Marked loss of interest in usual activities 3. Physical symptoms, including memory loss, fatigue, sleep problems, change of appetite, decreased sexual desire.

Depression is not uncommon. Depression is expressed through physical complaints such as persistant headaches, digestive problems, and fatigue.

For temporary feelings of sadness, taking a walk,  or doing a favourite activity can help. But for real depression individual should seek professional help.

People with depression tend to prefer solitude and are likely to with draw from family and friends. It is important to let them know that they  could on you for support. Also, be sure to encourage them to seek professional help. Take Multi-vitamins and multi-minerals daily. Cut sugar and sugar prodocuts, potato and potato products and refine carbohydrates such as: Cake, pastry, cookies etc, exercise half an hour daily, drink 8 to 12 glasses of fresh crystal clear clean water everyday, eat green leafy and colorful vegetables and fruits daily.

Culture, Food, Health, India, Life, News, Pakistan, Personalities, Sindh, Sindhi

Life Bridge

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Life Bridge is a registered nonprofit organization. Life Bridge Pakistan Trust, registered under the social welfare act of Pakistan. Life Bridge’s mission and message is one of peace and a brotherhood bound by humanity.

After having been raised in America, Dr. Geeta Chainani’s identity as a Sindhi brought her back to Pakistan in search of her family history. An unexpected twist of fate brought her face to face with what is now being termed as the “greatest natural disaster of our time” – the massive flooding that began on July 29, 2010.

After witnessing the great burden of disease whose victims mainly consisted of women and children Dr. Chainani decided to dedicate the rest of her trip to providing emergency medical care in two tent cities.

Confronted with the humanitarian crisis of “epic proportions” present following the floods and the Sindhi diaspora’s increasing interest in her work in Pakistan Dr. Chainani realized she was the only one to bridge this divide. Life Bridge was founded as that bridge, hence it’s name.

Since Sept 2, 2010, Dr. Chainani continues to provide life-saving services in the villages of rural Sindh. Together, Team Life Bridge US and Team Life Bridge Pakistan work to bridge the gaps in issues related to: Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Shelter, Food. For more visit » http://www.thelifebridge.us

Food, Health, Life, News, Pakistan, Sindh

LEFT BANK OUTFALL DRAIN CARRYING TOXIC EFFLUENCE FROM PUNJAB TO SINDH – a massive wave of 20,000 cusecs of drain water is approaching

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– Evacuation ordered as new breaches in dykes add to woes

By Hashim Bhurgari, Qamaruddin and Iqbal Khwaja

SINDH – BADIN / MIRPURKHAS / THATTA: The Badin administration issued a warning to people of 12 union councils to vacate their homes and water gushing from breaches in canals and drains entered Mirpurkhas town and several villages in Thatta on Sunday as there appeared no end in sight to devastation caused by heaviest ever rainfall in the province’s history.

In Badin, unhindered upstream water flow continued to increase pressure on the embankments of the overtopping Left Bank Outfall Drain, forcing the administration to issue a warning to the people of 12 union councils, including Shadi Large, Khoski, Pangrio and Malkani Sharif towns, for evacuation. The warning was given after Saturday midnight through loudspeakers.

Thousands of marooned families along the LBOD and Doro Puran faced an acute shortage of food, drinking water and medicines.

According to unofficial reports, more than 30 people have died in the area, because of outbreak of gastroenteritis and other diseases.

A large number of villagers erected tents along roads and on dunes and many others are living in open areas. …

Read more → DAWN.COM

Food, Health, Human Rights, International, Pakistan, Politics, Sindhi

Where did money go, received from all over the world?

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by Dr. Ahmed Makhdoom, Singapore

“Pakistan received $23.4 billion of foreign aid in the last decade.”

Where did this money and other billions of dollars that this country has received from all over the world GO?

Has been spent on schools, education – NO! Has it been spent on alleviating the miseries, deprivations and poverty of millions of poor people – NO! Has the money been spent to provide decent Health Care – certainly, NOT! So, where is the money going?

WB and IMF are gladly dishing out billions to these culprits, thieves, robbers, and leeches who rule this country – just for their own benefits and carrying forward their own nefarious, selfish, self-seeking Agenda!

They show the photographs of Sindh, where there is chronic poverty and desease to beg money from WB and IMF.

Once received this money goes to the security establishment and the ugly animals in the Governments! The photograph shows Sindhi innocent infants, toddlers and children crying for food and milk! Height of Inhumanity! Height of Injustice!

Civilised world should take cognizance of thwart is happening in this country. The Security establishment, the Government and tyrants should be taken to the International Criminal Court and tried for crimes against humanity!

Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups, April 19, 2011.

Food, Health

Nail Fungus

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Soak nails in hydrogen peroxide for 2 minutes twice daily. Or try to dip a cotton swab in bleach and dabbing under nail. Also try dipping nails in water mixed with baking soda or apply mashed Garlic, onion, ginger and termeric (head/ Haldi) paste under the nails. Take vitamin C 250 mg twice daily. Take vitamin B complex 25 mg daily. Eat fresh washed raw leafy green and colorful vegetables and fruits. Drink crystal clean and fresh water 8 to 12 glasses everyday. Add Garlic, onion, ginger and turmeric in your food.

Current Issues, Food, Health, News, Pakistan, Sindh

‘Flood-hit women abandoned by govt, relief agencies

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SINDH: KARACHI – The worst victims of the last year’s flood have been the women of the province as the government and other relief agencies did not give them priority while their issues still remain largely unaddressed.

This was pointed out by speakers at a dialogue held on women rights hosted by women wing of Sindhi Association of North America. SANA vice-president Noor Nisa Ghanghro presided over the session, which was attended by a large number of political and women rights’ activists.

The speakers emphasised that all poverty-alleviation programmes must address the gender poverty issue while particularly focusing on rural women

Expressing grave concern over a recent report from the flood-hit areas of Sindh that over a million rural women were suffering from blood anaemia, they demanded that the authorities concerned should take the issue seriously and immediately help the womenfolk of the province. …

Read more : Pakistan Today

Food, Health

Yogurt, Antibiotics and Chemotherapy

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A common side effect of chemotherapy or antibiotic is diarrhea, which may be caused by the elimination of friendly bacteria found in the colon. Studies have shown that yogurt contain pro-biotic micro-organisms – such as Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobac terium longum which fights with the bad bactaria named candida and helps prevent diarrhea.

Some people who take antibiotics gets an overgrowth of bacterium Clostridium difficile, which causes pseudomembranous colitis. It is necessary to introduce the friendly bacteria to your digestive system and the plain yogurt without sugar is best for it and it prevents from all the above mentioned problems.

Food, Health, Pakistan, Sindh

Let’s give Sindh a helping hand

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Gulf News Editorial: Humanitarian bodies must ensure food and medical aid reach those affected by floods

Time has stopped for the hapless survivors in Sindh whose lives were turned upside down by the severe floods that hit the Pakistani province last year.

Surveys carried out in the wake of that disaster have revealed the extent of acute malnutrition in the region. The issue has been highlighted only recently due to prevailing social conditions and the lack of contact between the people and medical experts. Poverty levels have been at an all-time high for decades as a result of which the lives of thousands of children are also at risk.

Unicef has found that the percentage of those hit by the problem is higher than the 15 per cent emergency threshold set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and on par with the poorest parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been noted that women form a larger part of the overall figure.

While efforts are being made to address this problem, humanitarian organisations must galvanise themselves to ensure that the thousands who have been affected can obtain food and medical relief. …

Read more : Gulfnews

Food, Health

Vitamin C with vitamin E: A good heart medicine

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Several studies show that Lemon (Citrus) or Vitamin C and vitamin E together protect heart muscles and blood vessels from cholesterol damage. Both vitamins are very nice anti-oxidants to fight the free radicals to protect our body from further damage. Therefore, taking vitamin C and vitamin E is good for heart, immune system and general health.

Lemon (Citrus) or Vitamin C is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy. Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories that are only interested in making huge profits that’s why they don’t let you now about benefits lemon or vitamin C. You can now help you family and  friends in need by letting them know that lemon juice or vitamin C is beneficial in preventing the diseases. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy.  Lemon or vitamin C is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. Lemon or vitamin C is a proven remedy against cancers of all types.  Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.

Food, Health

Cold and Flu

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Foods that Fight Infection

Colds and flu get their starts when just a few viruses slip into your system. Once they are inside, they immediately set to work making more viruses. If your immune system doesn’t stop them early on, they multiply to enormous numbers, and that’s when you start feeling sick.

One way to stop this microbial invasion is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables washed by Cyristal clean water. These foods contain a variety of substances that strengthen the immune system. Making it better able to destroy viruses before they make you sick.

Lemons, grapefruit, oranges, cauliflower ad peaches are good for cold and flu. Garlic contains compunds anti- bactaria and anti-virus nutirents has been used throughout history for treating virtually every type of infection. Now there is a increasing evidence that it can help protect against colds and flu as well.

Garlic contains chemically active compounds. Two of them, allicin and allin, have been shown to kill germs directly. Plus, garlic appears to stimulate the immune system to release natural killer cells. Which destroy even more germs. Vitamin C is also very useful against cold and flu. To get the benefits of garlic, however, you have to eat a lot of it to stay healthy with Nutrition. If you get cold take black tea or green tea or herbal tea without milk and sugar. Take vitamin C or lemon juice and lots of clean water every day.

Food, Health

A cup of tea

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According to some research a cup of tea without sugar and milk has potential health benefits. Tea without sugar and milk significantly cuts the risk of heart attack, keeps hydration at a healthy level, improves alertness and mood. Studies show that natural plant antioxidants found in tea – called poly phenols have beneficial effects.

Food, Health

Consuming too much sugar is not a healthy choice

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Sugar Associated Disorders : Obesity, diabetes, depression, Heart disease, High Blood Pressure, Cancer (breast, colon or rectal cancer), Addiction, Allergies, Anxiety, Asthma, yeast infections, digestive problems, difficulty concentrating, colitis, ulcers, eating disorders, mood swings, edema, emotional problems, high triglyceride levels, hormonal dis- balances, insomnia, menstrual problems, vision problems, teeth decay, weakened immunity, acne, eczema, psoriasis, mental illness, liver dysfunction and muscle pain.

Food, Health

Rice, potato & Banana increase the blood glucose level more than sugar

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The glycemic index (GI) is an exciting, new approach to preventing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Sugar makes our blood glucose rise. It’s, but so does a potato and the slice of bread too. Science has proven that all carbohydrates raise the blood glucose levels. Especially, rice and potato increase the blood glucose twice than sugar. The knowledge of glycemic index will help us sort out that how the foods affect our blood glucose levels. 5 grams of potato increase blood sugar level more than the 5 grams of sugar. Rice, potato and corns have properties to increase the body weight. Glycemic index of 100- Sugar, white bread and white bread products, ripe banana’s Glycemic index is greater than 100.

Rice, corn flakes, ice- cream, fried potato – Glycemic index 90 to 99

Continue reading Rice, potato & Banana increase the blood glucose level more than sugar →

Food, Health

Black peppers have anti anxiety properties

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Black pepper (kaaraa merch) have Chromium and Chrysin compounds. Chrysin is a bioflavonoid and it is a natural aromatase-inhibitor that increases free testosterone. Therefore, pepper has libido-enhancing effect and anti anxiety properties. Chromium is trace mineral that balance the sugar in our body. Different levels of sugar/glucose in the body effects the mood, therefore, by balancing the sugar levels in the body black peppers help keep up the good mood.

Food, Health

Turmeric is good for arthritis patients

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Turmeric [(in Sindhi= Head) and (in Hindi= Haldi)] is used from centuries in South Asia (Indian Sub-continent) as yellow spice and common remedy is a powerful anti-oxidant. The new scientific studies revealed that it has Curcumin compound which has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has anti-aging properties and it counter the inflammation in skin and intestine. It heals wounds and helps control or cut ulcer. Even larger amount of Turmeric has showed no signs of side effects. Curcumin found in turmeric is good for arthritis patients. It means the grounded turmeric is efficient medicine for arthritis patients.

Food, Health

Tomatoes and Green Tea Will Keep You Cancer- Free

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Scientific research suggests that who eats tomato products ten or more times a week have a 34% reduction in prostate cancers compared with those who eat tomatoes less than twice a week. Similarly, the risk of developing breast cancer is 30 to 50 percent lower among women who frequently eat foods containing tomato paste. How can tomato be such a wonderful drug? The reason appears to be, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power. Ingredient, lycopene. Lycopene helps retard or reverse the aging of cells and reduce the cancers.

Green tea also appears in the prevention of prostate and breast cancer. Different studies found that those who drink large amounts of green tea with out sugar have lower rates of prostate cancer and women who consume green tea have reduced ratios of breast cancer. Studies shown that flavonoids which are present in Green tea are such a powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory even more than that vitamin C and E combined.

Food, Health

Depression

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Vitamin B complex and magnesium are important factors for the treatment of depression. Patients with depression was low in folic acid and other vitamins causes’ depression. The optimum level of Vitamin B complex and Magnesium are the good treatment of depression. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 reactions in body and it’s shortage in body causes depression and diabetes and many other illnesses. Different seeds, nuts and vegetables are good source of magnesium.