Depression and Mood Disorders
Feelings of hopelessness, chronic apathy, and low energy levels are some of the crippling symptoms of depression. Depression can appear as a consequence of a life change such as divorce, death of a family ember, or loss of work‹or it may insidiously unfold without a clear cause. For this disorder, the well-known adage, "sound body-sound mind" reveals a simple basic truth. That's because depression is commonly intertwined with a vast number of diverse conditions and illnesses--and uncovering potential imbalances can be a powerful tool for an effective natural and holistic approach to emotional healing.
Depression and Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids are crucial source material for the production of important brain neurotransmitters. Imbalances can result in several major dysfunctions
of the central nervous system linked to depression.
Depression and Thyroid Function: A substantial portion of patients with depression suffer from thyroid hormone imbalances that may make them more treatment-resistant.
Depression and Allergy: Depression seems to predispose individuals to increased immune hypersensitivity to a wide range of food and environmental allergens.
Depression and Melatonin: Imbalances of the pineal hormone melatonin are linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder and other mood and behavior problems. Disrupted secretion patterns of melatonin can also seriously interfere with sleep, worsening existing symptoms of depression.
Depression and Adrenal Hormones: Overly high levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol often underlie the biochemical pattern characteristic of depression, particularly when stress and obesity are also part of the clinical picture.
Depression and Digestive Function: A faulty digestive process can result in the malabsorption of key nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy mood patterns and overall feeling of well-being. Overgrowth of certain intestinal yeasts such as Candida albicans can also trigger mood swings.
Depression and Toxins and Nutrients: Overexposure to heavy metal toxins like lead and mercury have been clinically shown to induce a psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Mineral nutrient imbalances can also cause resistance to treatment.
Depression and Glucose and Insulin Tolerance: Fluctuating blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetic patients, can result in increased
depression, tension, and fatigue.
Depression and Vitamins: The B-vitamins play an important role in the proper metabolism of important brain neurotransmitters linked to mood and behavior.
Depression and Fatty Acids: Fatty acid deficiencies could significantly contribute to symptoms of depression, particularly in those at high risk of omega-3 deficiencies, such as alcoholics and post partum women.
Depression and Female Hormones: Female hormone imbalances may help explain why women are much more prone to certain types of depression than men.
