Posted by Lao Tzu on November 17, 2010, at 13:14:10 [reposted on November 24, 2010, at 0:39:55 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Optimax / tryptophan anyone?, posted by bleauberry on November 11, 2010, at 20:23:31
I agree with bleauberry. Psych drugs may miss the target, while other supplements that are, in fact, not antidepressants actually do help with depression. The most basic are the nutrients that your body needs to run properly and to make neurotransmitters or to facilitate proper metabolism. Basic nutrients that will help depression include the B vitamins, specifically, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid. Minerals needed include zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, and manganese. Vitamins E and C are very helpful. Polyunsaturated fatty acids like fish oil and Evening Primrose Oil will help as well. These will all help metabolic processes run more smoothly, but the big question is, what specifically, is the problem? Is it more psychological than biochemical? Is it both? Do you exercise? That's a big one! Do you have stable, satisfying relationships in your life? Do you feel passionate about anybody or any type of activity?
Tryptophan alone probably won't address the problem. You will have to add a high-potency multivitamin with all the essential nutrients as well as tyrosine or perhaps, DL-phenylalanine for some people. Try reading Patricia Slagel's The Way Up from Down. It is a good book with a detailed plan of what supplements to use, including tryptophan and tyrosine as the main amino acids to use. She stresses the use of high-potency multivitamins and B-complex vitamins as part of the regimen in addition to the amino acids.
My input is that tryptophan alone may not be enough. You need to look at depression as a multi-faceted phenomenon, with many psychological causes as well as organic causes (disease states). Have blood tests done to check thyroid, liver, kidney, blood count, etc. Do you have any gastrointestinal problems? I do think there is a link between mind and gut because my IBS resolved when I was placed on antidepressants. And I have heard a story of someone's social anxiety being resolved on a probiotic regimen, but I can't validate it. It is possible that probiotics can resolve some psychological symptoms, but again, more research is needed.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:969029
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101117/msgs/971168.html