Re: Re: Help for Mild Depression

[Guest guest]

DEPRESSION REALLY SUCKS! It needlessly sucks happiness and joy out of a person and may even suck the life out too if it can't be brought under control. I believe that curing stress- and/or diet-

induced depression is extremely simple and quick using magnesium rather than drugs for many people - fortunately! Read my story and check out the facts in the links. Many links are directly to medical articles in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and other authoritative sources. You may find my story to be important to you. Remember my point of view that depression, and particularly stress- and/or diet-induced depression, and many other "diseases" discussed below are often symptoms of magnesium deficiency (either directly or indirectly through excess stress) and not diseases. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that a sign of magnesium deficiency is depression. NIH defined magnesium deficiency symptoms have three categories:

Early symptoms include (one or more) irritability, anxiety (including Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome), anorexia, fatigue, insomnia, and muscle twitching. Other symptoms include apathy, confusion, poor memory, poor attention and the reduced ability to learn. (NOTE: If this essay appears difficult to understand, consider your magnesium status.) Moderate deficiency symptoms can consist of the above and possibly rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular changes (some being lethal). Severe deficiency symptoms can include the one or more of the above symptoms and one or more severe symptom including full body tingling, numbness, and a sustained contraction of the muscles, along with hallucinations and delirium (including depression) and finally dementia (Alzheimer's Disease).

If the NIH knows this, why don't doctors use magnesium to treat depression and other mental (and physical) disorders??? In 1989, C. Norman Shealy M.D., Ph.D. demonstrated that 99% of depressed patients have one or more neurochemical abnormalities; and that depression is a chemical disease as is diabetes, not a psychiatric disease. It seems to me that not using magnesium to treat depression is pure malpractice! We could rebuild and save lives! Magnesium ions are shown involved at the very heart of neural synaptic activity in this figure. Are you magnesium depleted or deficient? See this wonderful quick quiz by Dr. Pricilla Slagle, M.D., a magnesium expert very interested in helping people with magnesium problems. Also, visit Dr. Hertert C.Mansmann, Jr., MD at THE MAGNESIUM RESEARCH LABORATORY, another very interested magnesium expert.

Magnesium deficiency is a major risk factor for heart problems and diabetes and many other heatlh issues, including sudden death. "The Magnesium Factor" by Mildred S. Seelig, MD, MPH and noff, PhD is an outstanding new book by the world's leading magnesium researcher and is highly recommended reading for learning how to prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Many of today's "diseases" are actually "symptoms" of magnesium deficiency, and are not diseases. For another eye opener, see this amazing list and thorough documentation of hundreds of "diseases" that are often nothing more than magnesium deficiencies. What would happen to "medicine", pharmaceutical company income, and public health if these "diseases" were treated with magnesium before trying side-effect laden drugs? Wouldn't this approach to improving public health be more ethical? Unfortunately, for space reasons, this essay is restricted to mental health issues reasonably related to depression, but the health risks resulting from magnesium deficiency are very broad and need much exploration.

Depression Defined Depression is an extremely common condition that affects more than 1 in 20 people in any one year in Western society. It is one of several hyperemotional states. A sudden loss of interest in life combined with a feeling of worthlessness may be associated with depression. Normally joy, sadness and grief are parts of everyday life. While a short period of depression in our response to daily problems is normal, a long period of depression and sadness is abnormal and is called "clinical depression". Depression can run in families, partly because families tend to eat the same foods and pass from one generation to the next similar eating patterns, and partly through genetics. Concerning genetics, I have found no evidence in the medical literature of a "depression" gene, but much evidence for a search for one. I suspect that the strong genetic component will be found to involve improper or inadequate magnesium metabolism.

Depression may be associated with a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to:

Persistent sadness and pessimism Feelings of loneliness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness Loss of interest or enjoyment in nearly every aspect of life Diminished ability to think or lack of concentration Insomnia or oversleeping Poor appetite associated with either weight gain or loss Fatigue, lack of energy Physical hyperactivity or inactivity Loss of interest in sex Physical symptoms such as headache, backaches, stomach troubles, constipation and blurred vision Anxiety, agitation, irritability Thoughts of suicide or death (90% of suicides result from depression) Slow speech; slow movements Drug or alcohol abuse A drop in school performance

Most depressive episodes are triggered by stressful personal event such as loss of a loved one or change of circumstances, and depression over a short period is a normal coping mechanism. Long-

term stress-induced depression often, if not always, results when magnesium levels fall to dangerously low levels in the body by biochemical stress reactions discussed below. Magnesium deficiency related depression is a fixable biochemical problem and not necessarily a physiological problem.

Depression can also be due to many other factors such as underlying disease (particularly hepatitis C), brain chemical imbalances requiring antidepressant drugs of one type or another, hormonal imbalance (particularly hypothyroidism and low testosterone), low cholesterol, 's Disease, food allergy (particularly gluten intolerance), and adverse reaction to medications, each of which requires professional care. Magnesium deficiency is not necessarily the only cause of depression, but it can be very useful in recovering from depression because the blood and body often become depleted of magnesium in depression, particularly stress-induced or diet-induced depression. Often, depression that does not respond to SSRI's (classical antidepressants) will respond best to treatment with magnesium.

Symptoms listed for paying for magnesium serum level tests to detect hypomagnesemia (low blood levels of magnesium) by a major United States insurance carrier include depression. However, magnesium is an intracellular cation, and its only valid measurement is through Intracellular spectroscopy testing, or red blood cell (not whole blood or serum) testing.

Becky Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

[Guest guest]

Depression? - The importance of adequate nutrition! JoAnn Guest

Jul 12, 2004 15:49 PDT

Before You decide to take An Anti-Depressant... Part 1: Depression? - The importance of adequate nutrition!

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com./before.htm

Why use a harmful prescription drug if you can battle depression with the right food?

Since the earliest civilisations, the link between mental health, emotional states and diet, food and drink have been recognised, yet this is seldom taken into consideration by conventional medical practitioners today as prescriptions for psychotropic drugs are often issued as a first line of treatment, without taking into account the wide range of alternative options that are available and often more appropriate.

Normal everyday life can cause ups and downs bringing about feelings which include happiness/sadness, euphoria/despondency and laughing/weeping.

Sometimes one can understand and relate to why they are feeling this way. For example, it is normal for one to feel sad following a bereavement, just as it is normal for one to feel euphoric when they have passed an exam that they worked hard for or been offered a job which they really wanted.

However, people's experiences of depression vary from person to person and it is often very difficult for an outsider who has not been there to understand exactly what that person is going through for depression is more than simply feeling down; it can incapacitate sufferers to such a degree that they feel totally isolated, imprisoned and immobilised. It can affect anyone, at any time, of any age - nobody is immune.

Around 25% of the population may experience some form of depression at some point in their lives and statistics show that women are slightly more susceptible than men.

There are many contributing factors to depression which include lifestyle, behaviour and relationships.

Depression frequently follows some life shattering event such as bereavement, serious illness in the family, redundancy, divorce, bankruptcy or other financial difficulties and in many situations all that is needed is good support.

Symptoms include changes in appetite leading to weight gain or loss; changes in sleeping habits, ie. insomnia or constant sleeping; feelings of being out of control; hyperactivity or total lethargy; loss of interest and sex drive; reduced energy and fatigue or listlessness; feelings of worthlessness or guilt, lack of concentration and finally, thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is likely to be diagnosed if any five of these symptoms are experienced and last for a period of one month.

Poor diet can have a disastrous effect on memory, co-ordination, concentration, powers of reason, behaviour and mood although this is very rarely recognised or looked into by medical professionals in the UK.

Mental distress is linked to a deficiency of iron, magnesium and B-complex vitamins.

Zinc deficiency can also be a major factor in causing depression and leads to loss of appetite, subsequent poor nutrition, inevitable chronic fatigue and finally, depression.

Many people who go to their doctor complaining of fatigue are often wrongly assumed to be suffering from depression and prescribed anti- depressant drugs which doctors in the UK often use as a first line of treatment. Unfortunately, many of these drugs can interfere with zinc absorption.

Low levels of zinc in the body can not only lead to a loss of appetite and fatigue (which can be exacerbated by anti- depressants) but can also be a factor in the cause of depression itself.

It is therefore important to get adequate amounts of zinc in your diet in order to prevent a downward spiral from forming. Sources of zinc include: pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, non-gmo soya beans, organic wheat products (especially wheatgerm and wheat bran), sesame seeds, organic wholemeal bread, oats, legumes (especially aduki beans), peas, barley, nuts (especially almonds), natural nut butters, organic wholegrain flours, buckwheat and brown rice.

The majority of women and many children have diets that are deficient in iron, and zinc levels appear to be falling as the consumption of 'convenience' foods rises. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that depression is becoming more common.

Excessive consumption of caffeine which can be found in coffee, fizzy drinks or chocolate interferes with mineral 'absorption' and can therefore trigger the onset of depression. Overstimulation of the central nervous system by caffeine can cause 'extreme' mood swings.

A diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars is a common factor in depressive illness and alcohol can also have a severe depressant effect. Vitamin deficiencies may have specific effects on mental states.

These are detailed below:

Vitamin C: generalised depression, extreme tiredness, outbursts of hysterical behaviour.

Vitamin C can be found in oranges, kiwi fruits, broccoli, black currants and potatoes, red pepper, parsley, green leafy vegetables (especially kale), green pepper, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage (especially savoy),

strawberries, watercress, spinach, grapefruit, melon (all types), peas, raspberries, spring onions, swede and turnip.

Vitamin B12: general mental deterioration; psychotic behaviour, depression, loss of memory and paranoia. Vitamin B12 can be found in organic cheeses (especially cheddar, parmesan and edam), fortified yeast extract such as marmite and organic milk.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): depression, irritability, loss of memory, loss of concentration and exhaustion. Sources of Vitamin B1 include organic breakfast cereals, peas, sunflower seeds, millet, wheat germ, sesame seeds, organic soy beans, nuts (especially brazil, cashew nuts, almonds and walnuts), legumes (especially split peas, blackeye beans, kidney beans, lentils, chick peas), organic whole grains (especially brown rice and oatmeal), rye and organic potatoes.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):

Psychosis, mental deterioration and depression. Sources of Vitamin B6 include wheat products (especially wheatgerm and oatmeal), nuts (especially walnuts), legumes, (especially organic soy beans, lentils, butter beans, haricot beans), barley, bananas, avocados, buckwheat, organic wheat and rye, organic raisins and brussels sprouts.

Folic Acid: fatigue, irritability, insomnia, forgetfulness and confusion. Folic Acid can be found in dried baker's yeast, fortified yeast extract such as marmite, blackeye beans, kidney beans, endive, broccoli, legumes (especially chickpeas), organic soy beans, vegetables (especially spinach, brussels sprouts, spring greens, okra, cabbage), almonds, beetroot, parsnips, walnuts, oatmeal, brown rice.

Vitamin B3 (niacin; niacinamide): loss of memory, mood swings, depression and anxiety. Sources of Vitamin B3 include fortified yeast extract (such as marmite), brewer's yeast, sesame seeds, brown rice, wholemeal flour, wheatgerm, wholemeal spaghetti, organic wholemeal bread, barley, legumes (especially split peas).

Biotin: severe lethargy, depression and constant sleeping. Biotin can be found in organic eggs.

Pantothenic Acid: insomnia, fatigue, depression and psychosis. Sources include broad beans (fava and azduki), legumes (especially split peas and organic soy beans), buckwheat, mushrooms, nuts (especially cashews and hazelnuts), avocados, broccoli and oatmeal.

Some commonly prescribed drugs can lead to depression too, examples of which include antibiotics; barbiturates; amphetamines; corticosteroids and the long term use of steroids, pain killers; ulcer drugs; drugs used in the treatment of arthritis; drugs used to treat slipped discs; anticonvulsants; beta-blockers; medicines used for the treatment of high blood pressure, drugs used to treat heart conditions, especially if they contain resperine;

drugs used to treat cardiac arrhythmias; the contraceptive pill; antiparkinsonian drugs; psychotropic drugs and drugs used to treat alcoholism.

Although many people claim that they smoke to relieve tension, nicotine is another chemical which combined with raised blood levels of carbon monoxide, can have a detrimental effect on mood and brain function.

Improved nutrition can be used to relieve depression and enhance overall mental health, mental ability and performance.

Key nutrients can be obtained from a variety of sources which include eating a wide variety of organic vegetables, fruit and salads, plenty of wholegrain organic cereals, all types of dried beans, pasta and brown rice.

Grapes, millet,wheatgerm, brewer's yeast, oats, buckwheat, blackstrap molasses, berries, figs (fresh or dried), unsalted seeds and nuts, shellfish, nutmeg, ginger, basil, and rosemary all have a key role to play in eating to beat depression.

.. In order to function properly, the brain needs a constant regular supply of natural unrefined sugar but when the level plunges from hyper (too much) to hypo (too little), the effects on mood and behaviour can be devastating.

Consequently, eating too many chocolates can cause one's mood to plummet as the high sugar content plays havoc with the blood-sugar levels. Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine which triggers the release of endorphins in the brain.

Of all the potential triggers, attention to nutrition is the easiest and most basic first step to recovery. Ideally, investigating the nutritional aspect of one's diet should be the first step that is taken by any medical practitioner when someone presents with such conditions but in practice, this is very rarely the case.

Keeping blood-sugar levels on an even keel is a primary requirement in order to avoid hypoglycaemia, as well as eating the vitamin B-rich foods previously mentioned. An adequate supply of good calories, healthy plant proteins and the essential minerals are all essential in maintaining a good mental state.

However, it can sometimes be very difficult to persuade someone who is feeling extremely depressed to eat or to dissuade them from binging on high-fat, high-sugar foods of poor nutritional quality.

Frequent small meals that are appealing, attractive and nourishing for example home made soups, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices and plenty of good organic wholegrain cereals could help to form the ideal basic menu.

Becky Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

[Guest guest]

Subject: [sSRI-Research] File - Depression & Mood DisordersDepression and Mood Disordershttp://www.gsdl.com/assessments/finddisease/depression/Feelings of hopelessness, chronic apathy, and low energy levels are some ofthe crippling symptoms of depression. Depression can appear as a consequenceof a life change such as divorce, death of a family member, or loss ofwork‹or it may insidiously unfold without a clear cause. For this disorder,the well-known adage, "sound body-sound mind" reveals a simple basic truth.That's because depression is commonly intertwined with a vast number ofdiverse conditions and illnesses--and uncovering potential imbalances can bea powerful tool for an effective natural and holistic approach to emotionalhealing.Depression and Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids arecrucial source material for the production of important brainneurotransmitters. Imbalances can result in several major dysfunctions ofthe central nervous system linked to depression.Depression and Thyroid Function: A substantial portion of patients withdepression suffer from thyroid hormone imbalances that may make them moretreatment-resistant.Depression and Allergy: Depression seems to predispose individuals toincreased immune hypersensitivity to a wide range of food and environmentalallergens.Depression and Melatonin: Imbalances of the pineal hormone melatonin arelinked to Seasonal Affective Disorder and other mood and behavior problems.Disrupted secretion patterns of melatonin can also seriously interfere withsleep, worsening existing symptoms of depression.Depression and Adrenal Hormones: Overly high levels of the adrenal hormonecortisol often underlie the biochemical pattern characteristic ofdepression, particularly when stress and obesity are also part of theclinical picture.Depression and Digestive Function: A faulty digestive process can result inthe malabsorption of key nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy moodpatterns and overall feeling of well-being. Overgrowth of certain intestinalyeasts such as Candida albicans can also trigger mood swings.Depression and Toxins and Nutrients: Overexposure to heavy metal toxins likelead and mercury have been clinically shown to induce a psychiatric symptomssuch as anxiety and depression. Mineral nutrient imbalances can also causeresistance to treatment.Depression and Glucose and Insulin Tolerance: Fluctuating blood sugarlevels, particularly in diabetic patients, can result in increaseddepression, tension, and fatigue.Depression and Vitamins: The B-vitamins play an important role in the propermetabolism of important brain neurotransmitters linked to mood and behavior.Depression and Fatty Acids: Fatty acid deficiencies could significantlycontribute to symptoms of depression, particularly in those at high risk ofomega-3 deficiencies, such as alcoholics and post partum women.Depression and Female Hormones: Female hormone imbalances may help explainwhy women are much more prone to certain types of depression than men.Becky Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

[Guest guest]

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is a direct precursor to Thyroxine, a primary thyroid hormone, as well as Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline. Thyroxine has been found to increase metabolic rate and control growth rate. L-Tyrosine is a necessary amino acid in the production of neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. L-Tyrosine also appears to have a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous system.

People with Thyroxine deficiency have symptoms including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism. L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and productivity.

L-Tyrosine is used to treat conditions including depression or mood disorder, poor coping ability, fatigue, low sex drive, low metabolism, and drug abuse (when combined with Tryptophan). It can also improve endurance under stress and is effective as an appetite suppressant. When taken properly, L-Tyrosine can assist a sluggish thyroid and aid the dieter in losing excess, unwanted pounds.

Becky Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.