Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S. Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)
REMEDIES Natural Remedies for Your Depression
ccording to a World Health Organization study (2000), ap- proximately 17-21 million Americans (roughly 10% of the country) are diagnosed with depression each year. Its many causes include prescription drugs, low/high blood sugar, nutri- ent deficiencies, candidiasis, hypothyroidism, anemia, and sleep deprivation. If you suffer from chronic depression, consider consult- ing with a holistic physician and/or a therapist. However, if you are among the majority with mild-to-moderate depression who prefer not to seek treatment, consider trying the natural remedies discussed below.
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The Neurochemistry of Depression To support its many functions, the brain uses a number of
neurotransmitters, chemical messengers constantly released and received by the brain’s nerve cells (neurons), to communicate with other parts of itself and the nervous system. The entire information transmission cycle occurs in seconds. Any problem that interrupts the smooth functioning of this chain of chemical events can nega- tively impact the brain and nervous system. Studies have linked depression especially to imbalances in the
brain of these neurotransmitters: (1) Dopamine (take L-tyrosine, SAM-e; eat almonds, chocolate, avocados, pumpkin seeds, bananas) - creates a natural high, required for sexual arousal, linked to move- ment disorders (e.g. Parkinsons); (2) Serotonin (take 5HTP, SAM-e; eat carbohydrates, chicken/turkey, nuts, Chia seeds) – controls emo- tions, cognition, blood sugar/insulin, appetite, cardiovascular health, impulse control, and sleep; (3) Norepinephrine/Adrenaline (take L-tyrosine) – involved in fight or flight reaction, arousal, and cortisol production; (4) GABA (take GABA or L-glutamine; eat salmon, nuts, eggs, legumes) – mood stabilizer, relaxant, inhibits other neurotrans- mitters; (5) Glutamate (converts to L-glutamine) (wheat protein is 35% glutamic acid) - high or low levels can cause depression; (6) Opioids (increase endorphins through exercise, yoga, acupuncture) – feeling of well-being, memory/brain motivation, natural morphine; and (7) Acetylcholine (take phosphotydilcholine; eat eggs, salmon, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, wheat germ) – increases excitement, higher mental function/memory, muscle function.
Drugs That Can Cause Depression Medications that cause depression alter brain chemicals in
some way. These are some common drugs that have been reported to cause depression, and the elderly are particularly at risk: alco- hol; Accutane; antibiotics (Zithromax Z Pak, Cipro, tetracyclines, amoxicillin); anti-anxiety, insomnia, and seizure/muscle medica- tions (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, Lib- rium, and Klonipin); beta-blockers (Lopressor, Tenormin, and Coreg) and calcium-channel blockers for heart problems (e.g., Procardia);
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HRT estrogens (e.g., Premarin, Prempro) and birth control drugs (Norplant); opioids for pain (codeine, morphine, Demerol, Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin); and statins for high cholesterol/cardiovascu- lar support (Lipitor, Mevacor, Zocor, Pravachol). To avoid drug-induced depression, research the class a pre- scribed drug is in and whether it has that side effect. Ask the pre- scribing physician whether an alternative drug is available. A holistic practitioner may know a safe natural remedy that can counter the depression or even substitute for the drug altogether.
Safe Natural Remedies
1) Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acids (O3s) Studies have linked depression with low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and suggest that O3s, in combination with anti- depressants, may be more effective than antidepressants alone. Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies,
haddock, halibut, white albacore tuna, and mackerel, are the richest food source of O3s. Molecularly distilled or pharmaceutical grade fish oil capsules are considered a cleaner source of O3s than many consumed fish that can contain mercury, PCBs, and other toxins. Fish oil capsules should ideally be taken with Vitamin E to prevent oxidation, and with a fatty food to maximize absorption.
2) Vitamin D3 & Light Therapy
Sunlight deprivation, which frequently occurs during the dark winter months, can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Ex- posure to sunlight, especially in the morning, increases serotonin production and promotes proper function of the body’s sleep/wake cycle. Another option is to use study-supported special lights that simulate natural daylight.
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