Depression is a type of mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, helplessness, and hopelessness. Other symptoms include weight loss or weight gain, too much or too little sleep, lack of interest in day-to-day activities, as well as loss of libido, or thoughts of death or suicide.
The conventional treatment for depression is the use of antidepressant medication, such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Effexor. The side effect for these medications includes headache, agitation, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. With prolonged use, these medications become less and less effective and may require for their dose to be increased or for an additional of other antidepressant medications.
Also, the FDA has issued warning that these medications may increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers. Depression can be caused by psychological issues, such as a negative life situation, or feelings of being overwhelmed or having a negative self-esteem. It can also be caused by physiological issues, such as neurotransmitter imbalances, hormone imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.
When someone with depression comes to see me, I want to find out when their depression first started, what their stressors are, what their diet is, and to have them fully explain their depression to me. I will order a blood test to check for blood sugar, iron levels, and B12 levels. and to check for thyroid function. because an under-active or an overactive thyroid can mimic the symptoms of depression.
I will also do a blood or salivary test for hormones and cortisol levels. Sometimes I will also test for urinary neurotransmitters and heavy metal toxicities. Treating someone with depression requires a multifaceted approach.
The first thing I am going to do is have them eliminate processed foods and to eat a whole foods organic based diet, so they can get the nutrition they need. I will prescribe an exercise program, because exercise increases the body's levels of endorphins, which are the feel good chemicals that elevate mood.
I will also prescribe appropriate nutritional supplements, such as calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, because these increase the body's neurotransmitter level.
I will have them take fish oil and flax oil for the Omega-3 fatty acid content, and will prescribe amino acids, such as 5-HTP L-Tyrosine, and GABA to build neurotransmitter levels. This is in contrast to antidepressant drugs that deplete the body of neurotransmitters.
And finally, I will use a homeopathic remedy based on the sensation of the depression expressed by the patient.
Depression is a complex condition to treat, and it is important to address both the psychological and physiological components. When patients follow my protocol, they notice a significant reduction in their depression within three to six months.
If someone would like to reduce or reverse their depression, I recommend that they adopt a natural living lifestyle. This includes eating an organic whole foods diet, eliminating processed foods, adopting a regular exercise program, taking a nutritional supplement, such as flax oil, and visiting a naturopathic doctor.
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