CONQUERING DEPRESSION NATURALLY - PART II

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
Thomas Edison

In part one we focused on some of the signs and symptoms of depression. Listed below are natural supplements that aid in the conquering of depression. DO NOT take any of the supplements listed below without the approval of your healthcare practitioner first. DO NOT take the supplements if you are pregnant, nursing or on any MAO inhibitor prescription drugs.

To begin with, find out if you are anemic. An iron deficiency has been known to affect moods and can exacerbate the symptoms of depression. Lack of Vitamin B12 can do the same. Vitamin B6, which is needed for normal brain functioning can be depleted in women who take oral contraceptives and a deficiency in folic acid can also cause a disturbance in ones mood.

Tyrosine: Converts into norepinephrine and dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects moods and acts as a mood elevator. Tyrosine can also be depleted in the system through the use of birth control pills.

Taurine: Necessary for normal neurological functions in the brain.

SAMe: Works in the system as a natural antidepressant. DO NOT take if you have been diagnosed as manic depressive or are on other antidepressant drugs.

5-HTP: Increases the bodies serotonin levels naturally.

GABA: Has tranquilizing effects to counteract anxiety and nervousness.

Kava Kava: Relieves anxiety and depression and promotes a calmness. Aids in physical and mental relaxation.
St. Johns Wort: Acts as a MAO inhibitor. Helps to control stress levels. Large amounts can cause sensitivity to sunlight in some people.

Essential Fatty Acids: Needed in the body for the transmission of nerve impulses and for normal functioning of the brain.

Liquid Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D: Soothes and calms the nervous system.

Selenium: Known to elevate mood and decrease anxiety.

Rescue Remedy and other Bach Flower Essence: Work on emotional clearing.

One should avoid alcohol and smoking and eliminate refined sugars, processed foods, caffeine, chemicals and preservatives from the diet. Artificial sweetners such as aspartame, equal and nutrisweet all block the formation of serotonin in the brain. Choose the natural sweetner Stevia instead. Add Braggs Amino’s to your diet. Include fatty acid foods, vegetable proteins and foods rich in tryptophan such as bananas, potatoes and organic turkey. Avoid wheat gluten which has been linked to depressive disorders. Drink pure water to flush the system of stored toxins and cleanse your liver bi-annually. Good nutrition is a MUST for healthy brain activity.

Incorporate exercise, sunlight, deep breathing and stress management into your life and work on emotional issues and old baggage that needs to be cleared from your psyche. You can begin to do this by expressing yourself through journaling, music, art, prayer, meditation, dance, hypnotherapy, emotional release therapy, joining healing groups or friendship sharing groups and counseling just to name a few. You CAN overcome depression, you just need to take that first step towardsDISCOVERING WELLNESS.

This topic was chosen as a request from a reader. If there is a topic that you would like addressed in the future, please call or send your request to the phone number or address listed below.
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*Always consult your natural health care practitioner or medical doctor before self-medicating*