Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition
Newsletter #27
------ Natural approach to Depression
One of the most common cause of depression is prescription drugs like beta blockers, diuretics, synthetic hormones, narcotics, analgesics, tagamet, zantac, steroids, cholesterol lowering drugs, sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Your diet can also induce depression--especially excess sugar or refined carbohydrates, alcohol, tobacco, or nutrient deficiencies. Check your thyroid function. Depression is a hallmark of hormonal disorders, especially hypothyrodism. Be sure to check all of these factors before taking antidepressant drugs. Depression is largely biochemical, not psychological. People with chronic depression have a biochemical imbalance that can be corrected-safely and naturally. This imbalance occurs when the brain's level of circulating Serotonin (the key neurotransmitter for mood regulation) becomes abnormally low.
Natural approach to Depression
Take a high quality multivitamin/mineral such as 'My favorite multiple Vitamin / Mineral' with emphasize on Magnesium and potassium. The anti-fatigue properties of these minerals encourage physical activity and exercise is a potent antidepressant.
B vitamin deficiencies is a major cause of Depression. Boost your levels with B-100 complex Vitamin. Vitamin B-12 has a particularly potent effect on mood and best known for its ability to combat depression Since B12 is poorly absorpted orally, take additional B12 1,000 mcg sublingually.
It s essential to supplement with Omega 3 Fatty Acid daily. A Canada study found that elderly people suffering from Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairment had lower DHA levels than elderly people with normal cognitive function. Low levels of DHA have also been linked to psychological disorders including depression. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at the Harvard Medical School found that patients with manic-depression that were taking omega-3 supplements had no symptoms for a longer period of time versus the patients taking the placebo.
5 HTP is a brain serotonin precursor. A natural and safe alternative to tryptophan. 5-HTP is used by the body to synthesize serotonin, a neurohormone needed for melatonin production, appetite regulation, and mood regulation. For depression, 300 mg per day is often effective. 5-HTP is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Depression and Migraine headaches. It is safe, effective in appetite reduction and weight loss.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) affects serotonin metabolism and alters brain chemistry much like Prozac. This herb has been tested in many double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and has been found over and over again to be as effective as the prescription drugs SSRI in treating depression. St. John's wort eased depression and insomnia without the side effects of prescription drugs. You need to take it for few weeks before it starts taking effect. Unfortunately, it has many side effects and too many reported interaction between St. John's Wort, herbs and drugs. Please read Newsletter #43 St. John's Wort - Side effect & herb-drug interaction. Warning: Don't take St. John's Wort if you are taking MAO inhibitor such as Nardil or SSRI (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft). This combination may lead to malignant Serotonin syndrome. Avoid taking high doses of kava over a long period of time because skin irritation and inflammation in the eyes will occur. There are many drug interaction reported with St. John's wort.
Exercise is perhaps the single most effective mood elevator. Exercise increases not only the brain's dopamine but also endorphins--neurotransmitters that create a sense of well-being. Many researchers feel that lack of physical exercise may be one of the major reasons for the increasing amount of depression in our society today. Exercise regularly at least four times a week for a half-hour each time is essential.
Be outdoor at least an hour a day in the sun especially in winter. Put a full-spectrum light in rooms where you spend the most time in winter is advisable.
The Amino Acids: Tyrosine and phenylalanine are both effective remedy for depression. They are the precursor to some of the neurotransmitters. Caution: Tyrosine can trigger migraine headache and should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. Phenylalanine should not be used in people with PKU (phenylketonuria), hypertension, cancer or during pregnancy. Phenylalanine can raise blood pressure and cause headache. It may promote the growth of cancerous tumor. NutraSweet - the artificial sweetener aspartame is the most common source of phenylalanine.
If your depression is severe, seek medical help immediately. These suggestions on mood elevation are not meant to take the place of medical therapy for depression. If you are currently on Prozac or another prescription drug for depression and wish to stop taking it, it's essential that you work with your health care provider to gradually wean yourself off the drug and replace it with one of the natural agents.
For anxiety and Insomnia please read Newsletter #26
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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. He is not in any way try to replace your physician. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.
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