Major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 9.9 million American adults, or approximately 5 percent of the adult population in a given year. Many people suffering from depression are not aware that there are natural remedies for depression that are a safe and effective alternative to psychiatric medication. Lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, stress reduction and exercise can also have a positive effect on depression symptoms.

Common symptoms of depression are: * Feeling sad, blue, incapable of feeling pleasure. * Change in appetite. Eating too much or not enough. * Sleep disturbance, sleeping too much or too little. * Feeling hopeless, worthless, guilty, low self esteem. * Loss of energy, no motivation, no interest or pleasure in activities. * Persistent physical symptoms such as aches, pains, headaches, stomach aches, and pain which no physical cause can be found can also be a form of depression. * Thoughts of death and suicide.

Causes of Depression Depression can be triggered by traumatic life events, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, allergies, medical illness, lack of exercise, drug and alcohol use, and digestive difficulties. These triggers are known to cause or contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances and depletion.

Finding the cause of depression means addressing the biochemistry of the brain. This can require testing such as Neurotransmitter testing, blood chemistry panels, thyroid and hormone testing. Proven Natural Depression Remedies

Targeted Amino Acid Therapy (TAAT)

Targeted Amino Acid Therapy or TAAT is designed to address neurotransmitter deficiencies or imbalances. Neurotransmitters are synthesized from various amino acid precursors. Serotonin, for example, is synthesized from 5-HTP, and oral doses of 5-HTP have been shown to significantly elevate serotonin levels.

A non-invasive neurotransmitter lab test is available to measure your neurotransmitter and hormones levels. This test will determine which neurotransmitters are too high or to low. If an imbalance is present targeted amino acid therapy can help bring them back into balance thereby reducing or eliminating symptoms such as anxiety or depression. The program uses a combination of specific amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that will increase your body’s production of neurotransmitters. These formulas can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies your practitioner may prescribe. The right balance of these chemicals can set the stage for restoring your health. You brain and nervous system will once again send strong signals to the rest of your body.

5HTP 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid. It is found in high concentrations in the brain and acts as a building block for the brain to make serotonin. Under the proper stimulus the brain will turn 5-HTP into serotonin and/or melatonin. Because of this mechanism, 5-HTP is a very gentle yet powerful product to support mood. 5-HTP may work synergistically with certain nutritional supplements to support mood. This nutritive amino acid may also support a healthy sleep cycle. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite control.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that has been reported to safely alleviate depression in some people in doses of 1000 mg twice a day. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of carnitine that has shown superior absorption effects to regular L-carnitine.

L-Tryptophan L-Tryptophan is the precursor to Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which is deficient in depression. L-Tryptophan is a natural relaxant and helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep. L-Tryptophan reduces anxiety & depression; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches; helps the immune system; helps reduce the risk of artery & heart spasms.

SAM-e SAM-e is involved in more than 35 biochemical reactions involving enzymatic transmethylation. Methylation is the process by which the body rids itself of compounds, synthesizes neurotransmitters, makes components of cartilage, regulates enzyme activity within the cell, and maintains the flexibility of cell membranes. Serotonin and other brain chemicals require methylation to be synthesized. SAM-e promotes healthy joint function and comfort , boosts mood and emotional well-being. The suggested dose of SAMe to treat depression ranges from 400-1600 mg a day.

St. John’s Wort Numerous scientific studies have addressed the effectiveness and safety of standardized St. John’s Wort extract. There are many biologically active components in St. John’s Wort, including: naphthodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin), xanthones, phloroglucinols, and various flavonoids, including flavonols and proanthocyanidins. It is thought to work by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA. Hypericin extract appears to inhibit serotonin uptake by postsynaptic receptors and increase synaptic dopamine concentration. Recommended dosage 300 mg three times a day.

Natural remedies for depression can provide persons suffering with depression a safe and effective alternative to taking pharmaceutical medications or enable them to reduce the dose. If you are taking an antidepressant, don’t stop taking it on your own. Supplements can be used to reduce dosages of prescription medication or provide an alternative, but this should be done under medical supervision.

Dietary Remedies

Folic acid

Folic acid is needed to make the neurotransmitter group called the catecholamines including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Research suggests that folic acid depletion may help contribute to depression, anxiety and panic. Sources: Asparagus, Beets, Brussels sprouts, Bok choy, Peas, fresh, Beans, dried, Chick-peas, Soybeans, Lentils, Oranges, Turkey, Cabbage, Savoy, Spinach, Broccoli, Avocados

Magnesium

Magnesium may be beneficial for depression by helping in the formation if certain neurotransmitters and because it helps muscles to relax. Sources : Spinach, Avocados, Chocolate, Pumpkin seeds, Oysters, Sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, Buckwheat, Amaranth, Quinoa, Almonds, Barley.

Niacin

Niacin is needed for nerve cell function. Niacin helps the body to release energy from carbohydrates, control blood sugar, and maintain proper nervous system function. Sources: Rice, brown, Lamb, Pomegranates, Tuna, Chicken, Turkey, Wheat

Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in the cell signaling, and compose part of the cell membrane making it fluid. It reduces inflammatory processes, and is involved in several aspects of neurotransmitter function. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been found the diet and cell membranes of depressed individuals. Sources: Salmon, Trout, Tuna.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a cofactor vitamin required for the manufacture of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that promotes feelings of wellbeing. Vitamin B6 may also help boost the immune system during times of depression and anxiety. Sources: Sweet potatoes, Avocados, Bananas, Mangoes, Sunflower seeds, Tuna, Chick-peas, Salmon, Pork, fresh, Potatoes, Turkey, Chicken, Bok choy, Rice, brown, and Barely.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. It works in concert with other B vitamins. B12 supports the nervous system and assists the body in converting food into energy. Sources: Beef, Yogurt, Tuna, Lamb, Oysters, Trout, Crab, Clams

Lifestyle Changes

Have a home environment that provides natural light Use as much natural lighting in your home as possible. Unnatural florescent lighting can be especially aggravating. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression caused by insufficient natural light. People who live in areas with a prolonged winter are prone to this type of depression. If you are not getting at least 15 minutes of exposure to natural sunlight consider purchasing full spectrum lighting for the rooms you spend most of your time.

Physical Exercise

Exercise can be one of the safest and most effective methods of decreasing depression. Cardiovascular exercise combined with calming exercise such as walking several times per week can be very beneficial. Try walking, swimming, bicycling, jogging, yoga, tai-chi, skiing, and tennis; even golf burns calories.

Sufficient sleep Many people cannot sleep with depression. A restful night is a key ingredient to help many deal with the daily stresses of life. If you have depression and anxiety getting a good night’s sleep is very important. Avoid stimulating activities before going to bed, like reading a book, or exercising. Some dietary supplements that are helpful in establishing sleep are melatonin and kava kava. Alcohol is a depressant, and it can greatly interfere with your sleep patterns. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes before going to bed.

Stress-Reduction Techniques Stress depletes neurotransmitter levels. Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, massage, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for depression. Listening to music, relaxation CD’s, and visual imagery are also effective stress reducers. Meditation is a great tool to prevent those negative thoughts from taking over.

About the author

Valerie Balandra ARNP, BC is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and holistic health practitioner. Her Integrative Psychiatry practice and website focuses on ways to identify causes of bio-chemical imbalances and provides natural treatments for depression and anxiety.

One of the more common cleansing diets available is a detox (detoxification) diet. This type of diet releases the toxins that have stored up in the fat cells of the body and allows the body to remove them and cleanse them out of the body’s systems.

But why do people use a cleansing or detox diet. It is really simple really, they use a cleansing/detox diet to eliminate the toxins and other contaminants from their bodies and they do this to for the following reasons:-

1. It helps to improve their health. 2. It makes them feel more energetic. 3. It helps to improve their immunity system. 4. Many people have found that it improves their mental processes. 5. It aides their body’s digestive system. 6. Has helped with weight loss.

There are many ways in which you can carry out a cleansing diet and below are a few you could try.

Firstly there is the complete fast. This would mean that you do not eat or drink at all; in fact all you do is drink just water. Or if you want you could just drink water and juice There are various ways to do this.

Then there are other diets where you only eat certain foods, but it will have to consist of fresh fruit and vegetables and then there are some that will consist of you just drinking liquids. There seems to be a number of variations on these sorts of detox diets around.

Another way of carrying out a detox diet is to use herbs. In fact herbal cleansing has been around since ancient times and there are certain herbs that can be used to help release and excrete the toxins from our bodies.

There are other detox diets that you can use which are known as reduction calorie diets as they specifically designed for reducing calories and so aid weight loss.

But the most common sort of detox diets that are available is those that are composed mainly of fruit and vegetables, and preferably they should be eaten raw and unmodified or processed. It is also recommended that you drink more water and you should abstain from drinking alcohol.

But you must be careful as a detox diet can cause some side effects. For example if you use a diet where the toxins are rapidly released into the bloodstream, this could result that your body is more likely to have problems getting rid of them and this is known as the Herxheimer reaction.

Some of the symptoms you will feel if this occurs are headaches, pains in your muscles, weakness, difficulty sleeping (insomnia) and irritability.

This name is given to the body’s condition when detoxification occurs quickly and your body does not have enough time to actually release the toxins and you will find that some detox diets will produce this effect. Very often a lot of people will stop such detox diets as they think it is making them worse rather than better, when in fact if they continue with the diet the symptoms they are feeling will soon reduce and they will start to feel healthier.

There are a number of ways that people have used which seem to help lessen the symptoms of this reaction and they are:-

1. They drink as much pure water as they can as this helps to flush out the toxins. 2. They start taking more exercise as this will help to improve the circulation of the body and to help it work more efficiently. Because the body is able to work for efficiently it is able to remove the toxins faster. 3. Ensure that they get as much natural sunlight as they can. 4. Look at taking a detox bath. 5. Look at using saunas, baths and various herbs to increase sweating. 6. Always where possible avoid refined processed foods and toxic environmental chemicals. 7. Use aromatherapy oils that are used by many to help with the relief of aches and pains which can be brought on by rapid detoxification.

As previously mentionedon reduce and they will start experience a when in fact that detox diets have been used since ancient times and they can regularly help to improve your health and make you feel better. Although some people will do a detox diet on a regular basis there are others will only use them seldomly. However, if you should wish to use a detox diet, you should always exercise with care and if you need to consult your doctor before starting one as occasionally the side effects can be severe. You should especially consult your doctor if you suffer from any metabolic disease such as diabetes.

About the author

Kerris Samson has set up this site on all matters relating to detox diets, including the types that can be used and information on when they should be used and why they should be used. It also provides you with information on any of the side effects etc., that are associated with using detox diets.

If you have depression, it affects everything, from the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. Practically, you draw back from your old routine. During the period of depression, people with this condition tend to have a hard time going about their lives purposely and sensibly. Even the tiniest things seem to be beyond your control and therefore get set aside. If this happens to you, you are actually moving away from normal life. By restoring your routine, it can somehow help get back on the right track and lead you to your normal life, which is in some way fighting depression.

The most devastating effect of depression is a feeling of losing control of our lives. Don’t you agree with me? You begin to feel that everything is happening irrationally, which is not the result of your choice or something that you could have made yourself. To be able to regain control, which actually fighting depression, try to re-establish your routines. Maybe both your eye brows are on the highest level they can ever get - wanting to shout: that’s easy for you to say! But, as the old saying goes, “no pain, no gain”, which means that if you want to be in control of your life over again, you should start doing some restoring some of you usual routine no matter hard it can be.

Who says fighting depression is a piece-of-cake? But then again, if you don’t do anything to get on your feet and start fighting, you’ll get worse and worse. Other people and doctors can’t help you get better if you, yourself don’t even have the guts to do it. With that in mind, one way and much easier way to start your fight in regaining control over your life is to write a list of your everyday activities that you may no longer or avoided to participate in. The following is some of the helpful tips that you might need in your quest for taking control over your life.

With confidence when confronted with people, make sure you have maintained proper hygiene and keep well-groomed, which include keeping yourself presentable and pleasant. These things are important if you want other people to socialize with you as much as you want to them.

Go out as much as you can as it helps you adjust more quickly.

Staying healthy is one thing in fighting depression since loss of appetite is one of the issues with depression.

Keeping in touch with your family and friends greatly help avert your attention away from your condition, especially if you feel their love and care for you. You might pull out some strength from them.

Engage yourself in some house chores to improve your environment, which affects your healing process and is also a level form of exercise.

Don’t keep idle time! Because if you do you’ll get bored, and when you get bored, you’ll go back feeling depress again. The purpose of fighting depression with which you may have started with great efforts will be defeated. Did you get everything? If not, start reading from the top until the words register in your mind. And get your sorry butt up and get going. There’s more to life to celebrate the mope around!

About the author
Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Overcome Depression blog.

by Rene Graeber

Allergy is a health condition that arises when you inhale/eat or touch certain substances your immune system is oversensitive to. Allergy may develop relatively quickly, for example you may have eaten shellfish for years with no negative effects, you try it today and oops! You discover that you’re allergic to it.

The things that cause allergy are called allergens. Virtually everything might be an allergen, though there are some things that cause it much more often than others.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Runny nose Watery eyes Itching (anywhere) Stuffy nose, pressure in the nose and ears and headaches Deep bags under the eyes Hives Temperature

The Causes of Allergy Symptoms

The mechanism of becoming allergic is still unclear. There are studies pointing that allergies may have some genetic background, but this certainly is not a decisive factor. Other scientists argue that allergy is just a health condition that develops and disappears over time, with little regard to people’s genes. The one thing that is certain is that there are certain specific factors which, if found in the environment, will trigger the body to develop allergy symptoms.

The list of common allergen is opened by pollen. If you’re a pollen allergic, you can expect the symptoms to occur in the spring and sometimes late in the summer (late May to July). If you’re unlucky enough to be allergic to Ragweed, you can expect the symptoms to show also in the fall (up to the first frost).

Another important allergen is contracted by touching the skin. Wherever water collects (shower curtains, window moldings or basements), you can expect molds to show up. The worst times for all molds allergy victims are those with high humidity, especially during rains.

The third most popular allergen (or a group of allergens) is animal dander - the proteins from the skin, saliva and urine of our furry friends. The allergy symptoms may develop after handling an animal or after contacting the house dust in a place where the pet lives or lived..

The unending source of allergens is the house dust. The most notable of all is dust mites - tiny living creatures found everywhere - in mattresses, not vacuumed carpets or upholstered furniture. Dust mites allergy is something you suffer 24/7 and the only way to fight it is to constantly clean the house you live in.

Controlling Allergy Symptoms?

Normally you’re not allergic to everything, but even if you suffer from numerous allergies, you can still manage it and effectively reduce the occurrence of allergy symptoms. The first thing you should do is keeping you and your environment clear. Remember to have a shower everyday and/or bathe before bedtime. This washes off most of pollen and other allergens hiding in your hair or skin. Frequently cleaning the house is just another method of getting rid of allergens, this gets especially effective against dust mites, but also about all other allergic threats.

Advice: do not go out during dry, windy days, it will only make things worse. Remember to shut the windows and doors; you will have to rely on air conditioning both at home and in the car. Using air filtration systems will also help a lot.