MOOD DISORDER
(DEPRESSION / ANXIETY / STRESS)
Depression and anxiety are two terms used
to describe a variety of mood disorders. Although these two moods seem
like opposites, depression and anxiety often occur together. Symptoms of
depression and anxiety can include any of the following: chronic fatigue,
insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite or increased appetite,
headaches, backaches, inability to concentrate, memory loss,
constipation or diarrhea, disinterest in sex, inability to make
decisions, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, feeling “blue,”
suicidal thoughts. In fact, a mood disorder can cause symptoms in
virtually any part of the body. (I recommend my
Body/Mind Connection
video for a full discussion on this).
Nearly everyone suffers from some of these difficulties some time.
External events can cause a person to feel depressed or anxious. Loss
of a loved one is an example of a “trigger” event that can cause these
symptoms. In mood disorders, there may not be identifiable “triggers”
for the anxiety or depression. Even where there is an identifiable
“trigger” event, the feelings of anxiety or depression are often
overwhelming and persistent.
There are as many causes of the disorder as there are symptoms.
Nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances (hypoglycemia or
diabetes), poor diet, hormone imbalances, physical inactivity,
prescription or over-the-counter drugs, allergies, and serious
illnesses can all trigger anxiety/depression. Mood disorder is also a
symptom of age-related memory change. In addition, there may be mental
patterns (habits and behaviors) that magnify the problem.
Because there are many physical imbalances that can cause or
contribute to mood disorder, it is important to get a thorough medical
evaluation. The physician who performs your physical exam may
recommend evaluation by a psychiatrist who can give your disorder a
diagnostic name and advise you of conventional medical and counseling
options available. You may also want to consult an holistic medical
practitioner who can help you explore the various causes of mood
disorder and offer you options to conventional drug treatment.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
-
Don’t smoke! Smoke contains carbon monoxide which is toxic to the
brain.
-
Eat a nutritious diet. Nutrient deficiencies cause decreases in
brain chemicals (neurohormones).
-
Be sure that you are evaluated for hypoglycemia and food allergy.
Both are common causes of mood disorder. The Super Fast Diet, a low
carbohydrate diet, corrects hypoglycemia quickly and reliably.
-
Exercise regularly. Exercise stimulates the production of the body’s
natural “feel good” hormones called endorphins. Exercise also helps
normalize blood sugar levels.
-
Practice stress reduction techniques and emotional re-education.
Negative thought habits can cause or aggravate anxiety and depression.
-
Do not use stimulants: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or recreational
drugs.
PRIMARY SUPPORT
-
Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per
day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamin B complex
vitamins and the minerals calcium and magnesium are particularly
important, but a deficiency of any nutrient can cause alterations in
neurotransmitter (brain chemical) production and mood.
-
Omega 3 fatty acids:
Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with
food
OR
Flax seed capsules: 2-4 caps, 3 times per
day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
OR
Flax seed oil: 1 tablespoon per day
OR
Max EPA (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3
times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
-
Melatonin: this hormone decreases with
age. It is a potent antioxidant and one of the only ones to cross the
blood-brain barrier. It should be used in almost all cases of mood
disorder and is an important part of longevity and anti-aging
programs. Melatonin helps to regulate Circadian rhythms and is an
“anti stress” hormone.
-
L-5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan) 100 mg: 1
cap, 3 times per day with meals. Dosage may be increased to 2 caps, 3
times per day after 2 weeks if response is inadequate. L-5-HTP is a
neurotransmitter precursor and antidepressant.
AND/OR
-
Hypericum (St. John’s Wort): 1 cap
(300mg), 2-3 times per day. (target dose 900mg per day)
[NOTE: Do not take Hypericum or 5-HTP if you are on a prescription
drug for mood disorder and DO NOT discontinue prescription
antidepressants without the advice of a physician. Some
antidepressants can cause serious side effects if suddenly
discontinued].
-
L-5-HTP and
St.
John's Wort can be taken together in more resistant depressions,
but this should be done with the help of an
holistic physician. I am available for
telephone consultations.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
For anxiety:
-
Magnesium:
1 tab, 3-5 times per day (target dose: 300-500 mg per day.) NOTE: Maxi
Multi contains 500mg of magnesium. If taking Muaxi Multi as your
multiple, additional magnesium supplementation is unnecessary.
For depression:
-
SAMe: 400mg, 4 times daily.
-
Chromalux® Full-Spectrum Light Bulbs: Full-spectrum light has been found
useful for depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), hormone
imbalances to name a few. Especially helpful for those who feel better
on sunny days.
For depression in the elderly:
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