Every year, 230 million prescriptions for antidepressants are filled, making them one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. The use of antidepressant drugs—medicine's answer for depression—doubled in just one decade, from 13.3 million in 1996 to 27 million in 2005.
Despite all of these prescriptions, more than one in 20 Americans is depressed, according to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A recent study in the JAMA concludes that there is little evidence that SSRIs (a popular group of antidepressants that includes Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and others) have any benefit to people with mild to moderate depression, and they work no better than a placebo. If these drugs are so extensively prescribed, then why are so many people feeling so low?
Antidepressants were actually originally designed to treat stress, rather than depression—which is one reason they are so ineffective. Chemicals in the brain associated with stress are totally a different set of chemicals than those connected with depression. Also antidepressants focus on the effect of depression and completely miss the cause… yet another reason why they are so ineffective for most people.
To achieve mood balance it is crucial to look deeper at the basic needs and functions of the body. Depression is linked to acidic pH (deficient mineral status, thus poor oxygenation to the brain), brain infection, weak adrenals, vitamin B deficiency, toxic liver, digestive dysfunction, heavy metal toxicity.
Calcium has an crucial role in "neurotransmitter reuptake," the way the neurons reabsorb the neurotransmitters after they have been used for communication. The neurotransmitters used in the brain for communication have everything to do with great mood. You can read more on ideal PH: The First Step To Great Health!
Poor digestion and poor diet lead to a build-up of toxicity and improperly digested food which drastically affects brain chemistry, energy levels and function. If we are now or have eaten a poor diet our digestive system will not absorb our nutrients well. You can read more about digestion: The 2nd Step to Quality Health!
Have you heard that old phrase “he is full of bile” to describe a person who is angry and moody most of the time? This is due to a plugged up gallbladder creating a lot of irritation and irritability. Get that bile flowing and sleep better and get free of that “quick to anger” mood: Liver & GallBladder Support
One study conducted by Duke University in the late 1990’s divided depressed patients into three treatment groups:
- Exercise only
- Exercise plus antidepressant
- Antidepressant drug only
After six weeks, the drug-only group was doing slightly better than the other two groups. However, after 10 months of follow-up, it was the exercise-only group that had the highest remission and stay-well rate. Exercise (especially walking in nature) for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week proved to be enough to diminish depression symptoms in 67% of the people studied!
Other studies conducted in Europe showed that B vitamin supplementation proved to be extremely supportive for treatment of depression. Some countries are taking these types of research findings seriously, and are starting to base their treatments on the evidence at hand. For example in Germany with socialist healthcare all people complaining of depression must try vitamin Bs for a certain period of time before they are allowed to be given anti depression medication. 80% of the time B Vitamin supplementation alone works!
We use Max Stress B Vitamin, which we consider a first line anti-depressive complex. It is also known for maximum stress Support, anti aging, instantaneous energy boost, brain rejuvenation, heart health, liver health and mood balance.
Some people choose to add in extra B12 in particular: B12 ND 2oz
Often Folic acid deficiency is an issue: Folic Acid-ND B9 2oz
Achieving hormonal balance in the endocrine glands especially those within the brain such as the hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands is extremely helpful.
A top product incorporating an array of rejuventive herbals for achieving such balance is Gold 360.
Depression can often be triggered by consuming toxic food chemicals (aspartame, “natural flavors” [MSG], etc.), toxic foods, esp, white sugar, soft drinks, processed foods, hydrogenated oils. Also many medical drugs can interfere with brain function and cause depression.
Balanced oils are essential for brain function. Depression is a common symptom of not eating daily EFA oils. Check out EFA Oil Blend, Q. 120 Vcap or EFA Oil Blend, Q. 8oz Liquid
Neurotransmitters are made of quality living proteins. To have good brain function and a feeling of fullness one needs to consume living and vibrant proteins. Cooked and dead proteins offer little help.
A great step to improving mood is to drop meat consumption. Meat is incredibly high in Acids and Toxins (rancidity and putrefaction that takes place as flesh decays) that weaken and sicken the brain. The risk of parasites is very high from meat consumption and the worst part of meat on mood is the “death hormones.” The surges of stress, fear and anxiety that animals suffer when being slaughtered are all hormones that get passed to the consumer. Have you ever felt like an anxious chicken?
If a person still feels depressed after a traumatic event (i.e., death of a loved one) and cannot function normally even after a period of adjustment (6 weeks or more), professional counseling or support groups may help. Meditation is also great medicine. |
