Would have thought most on here get depressed via alcohol consumption?

Absolutely correct.

It just doesn't do it as good as it can for some.

Alcohol is a depressant but not in as you think it is. It doesn't out and out give you depression necessarily, it depresses senses, slows the nervous system etc. That is what is meant by a depressant. Though long term it will cause brain damage/injury.

It might be the gluten in beers that gives some people depression.

Well Rooster, let's compare:

Italians stuffing pasta all day every day are well known depressives.

Unlike those vodka swilling Russians and those gloomy beer drinkers in the North of Britain.

but my northern brethren are cheerful, happy people, content with their lot in life and never whinge about anything.

Although I haven't found any conclusive studies, I am convinced that there is a very real link to the (relatively recent) increase in the numbers of people who show signs of wheat/gluten intolerance and the introduction of the Chorleywood process of industrial breadmaking.

Anyone who has made bread at home, whether totally by hand or with the use of a breadmaker, should notice a couple of things: 1) the bread will last no more than one day. 2) Eating home-baked bread will leave you satisfied without feeling bloated. The Chorleywood process uses massive amounts of yeast, compared to artisanal breadmaking, this yeast then continues to ferment in our gut. This is what leads to feeling bloated and soon afterwards, feeling hungry again. Supermarket bread is also packed with fats and preservatives (often not listed because they are classed as "enhancers" rather than ingredients), this is why industrial bread can last a week and counting. Basically it's shite

Thanks for that. Will look into that a bit more.

There are those amongst us though that get things like bad heartburn as soon as they put any bread into their mouths.

Try a little experiment: Get hold of some naturally ground flour, it doesn't necessarily have to be wholemeal, some live yeast and make yourself a loaf. Don't rush things, it's perfectly OK to let yeast work overnight in the fridge. Bake your loaf (or rolls), let it cool and then try eating it. I'll wager if you do still suffer any bloating or heartburn, it will not be on the same scale

I've read the same theory that Coddy's referring to. I've also heard of people who cannot eat bread in the UK, but fin they're fine eating bread once across the Channel, bought from a little local baker.

No, most here get depressed reading your posts...