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Depression is one of
the most common medical conditions
among adults. Depression is both a
mental and emotional condition, with
much of its origins rooted in
biochemical imbalances and nutrient
deficiencies.
Nutrition plays a
key role in the onset, severity and
duration of depression.
Common causes of
depression are known to result from
chemical imbalances in the brain.
Abnormal brain chemicals include the
neurotransmitters
5-Htp
(5-hydroxytryptamine, known as
serotonin), norepinephrine and
dopamine. In addition, certain
proteins that are responsible for
recognizing these neurochemicals are
known to be abnormal. These receptor
proteins are the target for a number
of drugs that have proven effective
in alleviating the symptoms of
depression, such as Prozac or
Zoloft. These certain chemical
imbalances that result in depression
may occur from
hypoglycemia or other sugar
imbalance, sugar or
alcohol dependency,
food allergies, glandular
imbalance of high levels of copper,
drug abuse,
hypothyroidism, negative
emotions, excessive
stress, or the side effects of
prescribed medications.
The symptoms of depression, as with
any other illness, may differ from
person to person.
The term depression
refers to a persistent melancholy
mood, and/or loss of interest or
pleasure in most activities.
Accompanying the feeling of
depression, there may be changes in
appetite or weight, changes in sleep
patterns, restlessness or decreased
activity that is noticeable to
others, loss of energy or feeling
tired all the time, difficulty in
concentrating or making decisions,
feelings of worthlessness or
inappropriate guilt, physical
problems, chronic aches and pains,
digestive problems, constipation and
recurrent thoughts of death or
suicide.
A diagnosis of
depression is difficult to make.
Usually the symptoms have lasted at
least two weeks, and be present
enough to interfere with work,
social life or daily functioning.
Treatment of depression may include
a combination of antidepressants,
psychotherapy, nutrition and
alternative holistic treatments,
such as acupuncture.
Antidepressant drugs
have been proven effective in
treating depression, however they
may include many side effects
that can be more complicated then
the depression itself.
Currently there is a
wide variety of natural
antidepressants available which may
be an initial alternative to
antidepressant drug use. In
combination with these natural
antidepressants, a psychotherapy
program can be developed to discuss
and resolve a patient's experiences,
relationships, events, and feelings
which may be contributing to the
depression condition.
Many of the same
food patterns that precede
depression are the same food
patterns that occur during
depression. These patterns may
include skipping meals, poor
appetite, and a desire for sweets.
Food plays a key role in maintaining
mental health. Foods to eliminate or
eat in moderation include sugar and
sugary foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
Eat at least three times a day,
including breakfast, to maintain
balanced blood sugar levels. Replace
sweets with fruit and whole grain
carbohydrates, eat lean sources of
protein several times a day, include
a protein drink in your meal plan,
drink plenty of water, and use the
proper supplements, including
additional
B vitamins for nervous system
support.
Lifestyle therapy
to reduce depression:
-
Avoid caffeine
and alcohol. They deplete the
body's supply of
B vitamins. Caffeine
stimulates an adrenal response
in the body which may provoke an
anxiety or nervous response.
-
Avoid sugar.
Avoid all sweet refined foods as
these affect the blood sugar
that can lead to anxiety and
mood swings and also affects how
the brain functions.
-
Stop Smoking! It inhibits
proper blood chemistry and the
flow of blood to the brain!
-
Nutrition is key to brain
chemistry! Make vegetable
protein about 15% of the diet.
Include essential fatty acid
foods, like fish, sea foods, sea
greens, spinach ad legumes.
Avoid cheese, red meat, junk
food, food rich in tyrosine,
food rich in preservatives.
-
Eat tryptophan foods like
turkey, potatoes and bananas or
take an
L-Tryptophan
supplement.
-
Use a
B complex vitamin with extra
vitamin B-6
-
Eat foods rich in calcium,
magnesium and vitamin C to
enhance immune response and
protect the nerves from stress
and
take a calcium supplement to
receive the daily recommended
calcium/magnesium doses.
-
Make a brain tonic consisting of
lecithin granules, brewer's
yeast, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds
and take 2 Tablespoons daily.
-
Receive plenty of exercise and
oxygen. It is a natural
antidepressant
-
Sunlight therapy is a must. Take
20 minutes of moderate sun every
day.
-
Aromatherapy helps! Use
lavender, geranium, jasmine or
rosemary essential oils to lift
mood and relax. Can be used in a
bath or diffuser for maximum
benefits.
-
Yoga stretches or regular
massage can clear the mind and
refresh the body!
Supplements to help
reduce depression:
St. John's Wort
- herbal supplement to promote well
being while relieving anxiety.
B Complex
- strengthen the immune and nervous
systems.
L-Tyrosine
- to promote anti stress and well
being.
You usually can find
the supplements listed
here at Wal-Mart or
your local health food
store. You can also buy
them online.
We recommend
Puritan's Pride for
all your vitamin and
supplement needs. Their
products are always
fresh and of the highest
quality. Their prices
can't be beat, not even
by Wal-Mart. Shipping is
very fast and
inexpensive. |
Digestrin - to encourage proper
digestion and assimilation of
proteins.
We also suggest regular colon
cleansing to keep your whole body
healthy.
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