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amyrosa · Tue Aug 22, 2006 2:25 am Natural Tips For Dealing With Depression

Natural Tips For Dealing With Depression
http://www.awalkinnature.com

Like many other chronic illnesses, depression can be caused by a wide variety of factors and is characterized by several out of a long list of symptoms. It affects people of all ages, races and nationalities. It is estimated that 10% of the U.S. population experiences depression severe enough to require medical attention, with women twice as likely as men to develop depression.
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Although it is often normal and healthy to experience sad moods in response to a trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, a major depressive episode is characterized by inappropriate sadness that persists or is out of proportion with its apparent cause. Depression can leave it’s sufferers feeling hopeless, worthless, guilty, irritable or angry. It can also manifest in physical symptoms as well such as fatigue and pain. People with severe cases have constant thoughts of death and suicide. Depression can be deadly, approximately one out of eight people will kill themselves during a depressive episode.
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If you suspect that you are depressed, first consult a doctor to rule out any underlying illnesses. See a psychologist or psychiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is best to work with a doctor who embraces natural therapies and will work with your to find the cause of your depression.
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Symptoms of depression:
* Inability to enjoy things
* Fatigue
* Mood swings, at times characterized by unexplained weeping
* Feelings of apathy, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, irritability, or quilt
* Appetite disturbances(eating too little or too much.)
* Headaches, backaches, and digestive problems
* Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
* Increased anxiety
* Decreased sex drive
*Avoiding social situations
*Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
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Root Causes:
Any of the following causes can cause depression, however it is usually a combination of factors that contribute to depression.
* Tensions and stress
* Unresolved emotional issues
* Chronic illness or pain
* Neurotransmitter imbalance
* Hormonal imbalance, especially after childbirth or as a result of oral contraceptives and other synthetic hormone medications; commonly occurs with PMS and menopause
* Preexisting conditions-most commonly hypoglycemia, anemia, sleep apnea, low adrenal function, and thyroid gland malfunction
* Alcohol and recreational drug use
* Poor diet
* Food allergies
* Nutritional deficiencies(particularly of B-12,, folic acid, B6, B1 tyrosine, and tryptophan)
* Lack of sunlight
* Medications, including corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotics, and some pharmaceutical anti-depressants
* Heavy metal toxicity
* Candidiasis
* Sleep disturbances
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Diet

Recommended food:

Depression is often caused by inadequate nutrition. Eat a diet balanced with complex carbohydrates from sources like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Complex carbohydrates are high in serotonin, a deficiency of which can cause depression and insomnia.
Soy beans, lean poultry, eggs, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of protein, which will boost your energy levels. Have some several times a day.
Consume cold water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and cod, three times a week.
Consume 1 Tablespoon of ground-up flaxseeds daily. This is a good source of fiber and essential fatty acids. Sprinkle on your salad or mix in a shake.
Add 1 Tablespoon of flaxseed oil or an oil blend to your salad daily for healthful essential fatty acids that are essential for proper brain function.
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Food to Avoid:

Many depressed people may have food allergies they may not even be aware of. Consult a nutritionist or wellness counselor to determine which foods you may be allergic too.
Reduce or eliminate hydrogenated and saturated fats, which only increase fatigue and sluggishness.
Caffeine and refined sugar elevates blood sugar to high levels quickly, then quickly plummets, making you experience that “crash” feeling. Leaving you feeling exhausted and irritable. These substances also deplete vital nutrients from your system as well.
Alcohol is a depressant, so avoid wine, beer and liquor.
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Natural Supplements For Depression:

SAMe: This supplement increases the concentration of brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for your mood. Take 50 mg. Of B-Complex to ensure proper SAMe metabolism.
It is recommended to first take 200 mg, if you notice no improvement over two weeks, increase the dosage to 400 mg.

5-HTP: This is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Again take a 50mg.B-Complex supplement to ensure proper metabolism of 5-HTP.
It is recommended to take 50 mg. three times daily on an empty stomach. If no improvement over two weeks, increase the dosage to 100 mg 3 times daily.

Fish Oil: Take 500 to 1,000 mg of EPA/DHA. Essential fatty acids improve neurotransmitter function.

High-Potency Multi-Vitamin:
This provides a base of nutrients involved with brain function.
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Natural Therapies Beneficial For Depression:

The following treatments can be very beneficial in reducing the effects of depression.

Homeopathy
Acupressure
Body work- Massage: Highly effective in releasing stress and built up tension in muscles.
Reflexology
Acupuncture
Hydrotherapy
Aroma therapy
Bach Flower Remedies

Consult a healing practitioner in these fine healing arts.
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Visit Nature’s Sunshine Products, we carry a complete line of natural, quality tested potent natural supplements to help with depression and all of your nutritional needs.
http://www.mynsp.com/awalkinnature

For online consultations: Visit http://www.awalkinnature.com

Amy Quintana, CMT, CHC

pemgirl · Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:35 am

That is great information. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us in depth like that. Many good suggestions.

Breezy · Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:04 pm

Many great tips.

Thank you for posting.

A reminder that although for many the Christmas season is a time of family and fun for some it is a darker, more sad time.

Keep an eye on those you love and help them through it, perhaps they too will be able to rejoice!

B.

hbixler03 · Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:26 pm

What a great article! Thanks for sharing!