Posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 0:43:25
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by LynneDa on June 8, 2004, at 14:10:05
> If you have time, I'd love to know what natural remedies you've tried and how you feel they compare to the pharmaceuticals. I've tried 5-htp & Sam-E plus a bunch of herbal combos. I don't think I gave any of them a good enough go to assess whether they would've worked. Thanks!
> ~ LynneLynne,
I have been struggling for over an hour now on a good response to your post. I wish I had a blanket answer for you, but there are so many, many factors to be considered. First of all, I would like to recommend the books "Depression Free, Naturally" and "The Mood Cure". They are both excellent. They talk of the brain chemicals and how to determine if or which we are deficient in. They also talk of other possible causes of depression/anxiety such as hormones, thyroid, and adrenal exhaustion, just to name a few. The books cover supplements that would be helpful, as well as those that should be avoided. They cover vitamins, minerals, amino acids, Omega oils, herbs, etc. They also cover diet and lifestyle. They have references for what testing can be done and who can do it. These books are such a wealth of information. The one thing I have found out is that our situations are each so unique, and that our bodies can be out of balance for so many reasons.
As far as taking 5htp on a SSRI, you have to be careful because the 5htp is the precursor to serotonin production and you could be in danger of serotonin syndrome (worst case is coma or death). But I don't think it is a problem for those not on any psychiatric meds - not sure. I think SAM-e should be taken with caution while on a SSRI also.
In my own situation, from information in the books I have learned of and have tested positive for a genetic blood disorder that causes a depletion of vitamin B6 and zinc, both critical to proper brain function. This disorder also causes adrenal exhaustion, and I do fit the profile. So I am not only adding extra B6 and zinc to my standard supplements, but I am also treating the adrenal exhaustion. I have come a LONG way, but I am still trying to get the right balance of supplements and proper lifestyle changes to treat the adrenal exhaustion. The books are clear that although there is some immediate improvement, recovery may take up to a year. Since it is a genetic disorder, I will probably have to treat it to some degree my whole life. But it sure beats facing a lifetime of drugs or sickness.
There are some things that I think I could safely recommend to everyone though. Gingko biloba is a great herb. It improves blood flow to the brain, elevates the mood in people prone to depression, and is a powerful anti-oxidant. Ginger root (I use it in tea form) is an adaptogen, which means it helps normalize many body functions. Green tea (in tea form), even though it has a small amount of caffeine, it contains anti-oxidants and other nutrients. Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha Root) and Siberian ginseng root are excellent for many, many reasons. Indian ginseng is an adaptogen (like ginger). Siberian ginseng has the unique quality of both increasing energy levels and calming anxiety (do not use though if your blood pressure is very high). Of course, all of these should be taken in moderation. I make a cup of tea every day that has one green tea bag, one ginger tea bag, and one ginseng tea bag. It clears my mind, lifts my mood, calms anxiety, and just makes me "feel good".Some things that should definitely be avoided are street drugs (needless to say), alcohol, tobacco, coffee/black tea, sugar, white flour, "bad fats" and highly processed foods. Well, I think everybody knows these things, but actually cutting them all out does make a huge difference.
Gee, I sure hope this helped some.
God bless.
Simus
poster:simus
thread:323847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040602/msgs/354974.html