then communicate effectively with your adrenals. The result is a calmer, better rested you. To achieve this therapeutic effect, I would suggest a fish oil supplement to provide the essential fatty acids EPA (in amounts of about 1500 mg per day) and DHA (to total about 800-1000 mg daily) taken with meals in 2-3 doses through the day. It is important to take a high-quality fish oil, thor- oughly assayed for toxins and well-protected from oxidation (rancidity). Some good brands available in the marketplace are Barlean’s and Nordic Naturals. I often prescribe 200 mg of Phosphatidyl Serine to be taken at bedtime – the effects may be felt within a few days, or if there is more extensive “repair work” to be done, it may be a month or more before improvement is noted. Note: this is not a sedative, it is heal- ing a specific underlying cause of sleep disturbance.


Address the stress with rhodiola


The herb Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen, which means it has a balancing effect on adrenal function and helps the body respond better to stress. It has been traditionally used in Siberia to increase resistance to the physical stress of that harsh climate, and is thought to have been one of the Vikings’ secrets to success. The focus of research in Russia and the Scandinavian countries for several decades, it has been found to be of benefit in stress-related conditions such as fatigue, poor mental performance, irritability, depression, headaches, and sleep issues. Those who suffer from post-holiday blues may be inter-


ested to know that Rhodiola has been shown in studies to increase brain levels of mood-elevating beta-endorphins and your own, innate anti-depressants, the monoamine class of neurotransmitters. There are a number of species of Rhodiola; it is important to obtain a supplement which has been as- sayed for the level of rosavins, a class of compounds thought to be necessary for therapeutic effect. While in my practice I work with formulations standardized to contain 16% rosa- vins, those available to the public usually contain between 2 and about 5% of these compounds, and about 250 mg per capsule of the herb itself. A conservative dose is 1-2 capsules once or twice during the day - this herb may have a stimulat- ing effect and interfere with sleep if taken too close to bed- time. (Caution is indicated when pregnant or breast-feeding.)


I can’t stop eating sweets It starts in earliest November, when the healthy eating


habits you’ve diligently practiced through the warmer months start to erode as you nibble through the remains of your Hal- loween candy; then gains momentum through Thanksgiving; and by the time the holidays arrive your resistance to the magnetic pull of sweets is so faint that it is drowned out by the roar of the sugar monster which is inhabiting the place where your willpower used to live. Over time, I’ve come to mistrust the idea that weakness


or lack of willpower is responsible when we are eating so far out of balance. There is accumulating scientific support for this other perspective, in which our “willpower” to eat in ways which support our health and well-being is driven not so much by our strength of character but rather by specific


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signals from the foods we eat (or don’t eat) and the nutrients they contain (or lack). I can recommend some nutrient sup- port to help you evict that sugar monster and reinstate your saner, healthier self. First, take that high-potency multi mentioned above – its complex of nutrients will help you manage blood sugar bet- ter. And do take your fish oil, because among its seemingly endless health benefits is the ability to make cells respond more intelligently to insulin, the glucose-regulating hormone. A third very powerful ally in regaining better blood sugar balance (impaired metabolism of sugars is usually behind a strong attraction to sweets and refined carbs) is the trace min- eral chromium. This nutrient improves insulin effectiveness and blood sugar balance. This nutrient form of chromium is not the same as that which is used to plate metal. Taken as chromium picolinate or chromium nicotinate in dosages of up to 200 mcg twice daily, this little micronutrient can make a big difference in your power struggle with sweet cravings. What this means to you is that your cells get the glucose they need to make energy and function as they are supposed to.The sugar monster quiets down, and you get back on track making healthier decisions about what to eat.


Debra Gibson, N.D. practices naturopathic family medicine in her Ridgefield, CT office. She can be reached at 203-431-4443 or at drgibsonsoffice@sbcglobal.net. See ad page 29.


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