Something I'd like to share with everyone

[CMF]

Hi,

I have been actively using the forums for a few weeks now.  as I feel a little better I read other threads and try to help others. I have suggested a few things to others but feel I need to share this with as many people as possible who are suffering anxiety and/or depression.  I understand some cases are more sever and require medication so you may need to check with your doctor but for anyone wanting to try a natural therapy I have two things to recommend which work for me. I would love for people to read up and find out more to see if it may work for them. Please note that I do not take any medications for my anxiety/depression.  I try and walk regularly but the I use the 2 things below and they seem to help me.  I hope they can help others in particluar the first one

1. Inositol - this is a natural 'sugar' found in foods such as cantaloupe and oranges.  it can be purchased at health food stores or from "my chemist"  It can treat depression and mood swings. The way inositol benefits depression, mood swings and to a lesser extent, bipolar disorder is very promising as well. Research has shown that those with low levels of inositol in their body have a higher chance of suffering any of these mental illnesses. Also, inositol is known to participate in the action of serotonin production in the brain and nerve systems that responds well to mood stabilizers. Put these together and you have a pretty great, natural antidepressant.

2.Dandelion tea The B vitamin family in particular helps stabilize moods and is often recommended to those suffering from depression.  Dandelion root is a high source of B complex vitamins.

[SubduedBlues]

Hi CMF

Like yourself, I too have refrained from taking on AD medications. Though my reasoning is due to the fact that I am already engaged in a long term pharmaceutical regime for the treatment of Tourettes Syndrome. A regime that took a long time to identify the correct medication and dosages to control the manifestations of motor tics and inhibit their adverse affects on my professional life. Thus, I really don't want to risk upsetting the regime by introducing the AD factor into the mix. 

Therefore, I have chosen to initially forego the introduction of AD's into my daily regime in favour of a non-medicinal management process. Presently, in addition to meeting with the psychologist, I am using a combination of hypnotherapy and acupuncture.

I have developed my own set of multi-track subliminal hypnosis and suggestion tracks for use in my meditation sessions that I undertake in combination with acupuncture to induce meditative trance. (note: the acupuncture is performed by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner).

I am, of course, presuming that the triggers of my depressive state are psychological in nature and not neurological. If my presumptions prove correct, then just as we are able to reprogram our minds to alter personality and speech patterns, and break psychological addictive behaviours, I should also be able to reprogram (or minimise) the affect and response to the depressive trigger/s. Or at least that is my theory.

--

Interesting what you have mentioned about the oranges though. Over the past few weeks I have had a strong desire for, and thus a larger than normal intake of, oranges and OJ in general. I wonder if this is assisting in the stability of my current low to nominal depressive state.

D'

[CMF]

Hi D'

I like your theory re the triggers of your depression.  you could be onto something.

If you are having a strong desire for oranges your body is telling you something, its needing something that the oranges provide.  it could very well be the inositol.  it is also found in canteloupe, beans and other citrus fruits (not lemon).  Increasing your intake of any of these will boost your inositol intake and should help. dandelion tea is also a good anti depressant, however it is a cleanser/detoxifier and may make your body rid itself of other medications to quickly. I'm not big on oranges, however during my first pregnancy I craved them like there was no tomorrow.  I was the healthiest I had ever been physically and mentally. sometimes things MAY be easier than we realise.

[Sea-n-sky]

Hi there Can't move forward,

Thanks for the posting about the inositol and Vitamin B theory relating to depression.

I am sure you are right, at least about the Vitamin B link.

As I understand it B12 is required for an adequate supply of healthy red blood cells, the ones which carry oxygen around the body to muscles AND the brain.

I  think you have posted a very good post. Worth thinking about, that's for sure.

Cheers.

[CMF]

Thank you,

I hope it will be of some benefit to others. It's important we listen to our bodies, when something is lacking our bodies let us know.

Thanks again for your reply.

CMF

[SubduedBlues]

Hi CMF

It's been over two years since we've chatted about how our diets affect our treatments. Where today, I manage myself well though medication and dietary control, I am wondering if your regime still works for you?

One food product I found that really helps as a (sort of) natural AD treatment is Farmer's Union Iced Coffee. Not just any iced coffee, it has to be the FUIC from SA, but the downside is it weighs very heavy on the gut (i.e. makes the gut bigger) but it always makes me feel better. The FUIC, mind you, is probably just a psychosomatic "treat" to my brain, but it works.

SB