HEALTH - DEPRESSION

Antidepressants are typically considered the “solution” for depression. Unfortunately, these prescriptions are often repeatedly written without addressing the underlying problem. Unless people are willing to discover and contend with the source and make the necessary adjustments in their diet and lifestyle, another prescription should not be written!

Those suffering with depression frequently have
low levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain
which are vital for maintaining proper memory and mental condition.
Yes, antidepressants can alter these levels;
however, due to the many adverse affects, the physical cost is very high! Instead, proper nutrition, rest and relaxation
can restore normal brain chemistry thus diminishing depression
with favorable physical affects as an added bonus.

Since physicians and counselors rarely address drug alternatives, let’s talk about some of these:

1. PROPER NUTRITION: The brain is made up of and requires fat to properly function. The problem is that we feed it the wrong fats.
A) Trans-fatty acids – Unless the label reads “no trans-fatty acids”, margarine and polyunsaturates contain synthetic fat which makes cell membranes rigid causing interference with the brain’s performance.
B) Saturated Fats - A diet high in animal fats can raise the amino acid, homocysteine, to toxic levels which often leads to depression.
C) Monosaturated Fats – Nut and olive oils are brain-friendly.
D) Omega 3 fatty acids – Low levels have been linked to learning disabilities, depression, irritability, visual problems and Alzheimer’s. The best fat for our brain, DHA levels can be increased by:
• consuming salmon, tuna and sardines
• 300 mg of DHA supplement twice daily.

2. SUPPLEMENTATION:
A) B Vitamins – Homosysteine levels elevated by diet or common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be controlled by daily B-complex supplements:
 B1 (thiamine) - 50mg
 B3 (niacin) - 50 mg
 B6 (pyridoxine) - 50 mg
 Folic acid - 800 mcg
 B12 (cobalamin) - 1000 mcg
B) DHEA – a natural occurring hormone necessary to form testosterone and estrogen which declines with age, often leading to depression and sexual dysfunction.
For those desiring to not alter hormone levels, Keto-7 may have an equal or stronger memory enhancing and stress reducing action.
• With either, begin with 5-25 mg per day and increase slowly according to residual depression. Up to 450 mg per day has been used with no significant side-affects.
C) Relora – a combination of plant extracts has the ability to reduce depression with similar effects on sleep and anxiety as tranquilizers such as Valium & Xanax.
• 600 mg per day in divided doses is recommended.
D) Geranium Essential Oil – relieves anxiety and depression.
• Uses: diffusion, inhalation, topical, baths and cosmetics

3. HYDRATION - Many common ailments, including depression, can be related to dehydration.
• 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily is essential.

4. EXERCISE - 30 minutes - five days weekly can be as effective as prescription antidepressants.

5. SLEEP – sleeplessness is linked to depression, irritability, and anxiety.
• Seven-eight hours of sleep is necessary for healthy mental performance, concentration and memory.

6. RELAXATION – If we choose not to remove ourselves from our stress-filled environment for physical and mental recovery, depression serves to accomplish that for us.
• Regular involvement in uplifting activities is essential to normal mental health.

Because unforgiveness is a leading cause of the estimated 30 millions Americans suffering from depression, we’ll come back to that. Until then, look for some of the best and most reasonably priced products I have found, NOW FOODS supplements at LuckyVitamins.com.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie