Depression/anxiety

[Mari]

Article from DrClarkStore.com newsletter

Treating Depression

If the pharmaceutical industry had its way, wed all be popping an anti-depressant at the first sign of a dark cloud on the horizon. This is not to say that anti-depressants are not good and necessary for those with biologically induced depression (only about 10 percent of all sufferers). Unfortunately, although anti-depressants may give us a sense of control over our symptoms, they do not cure depression. Instead they mask the underlying emotions rather than resolve them.

Diet is Important

Its important to realize that there are other approaches to the treatment of depression. One of these is food. If you suffer from depression you will benefit if you eat whole foods with a low GI and GL diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean meat and chicken, fish and eggs. Switch from white bread, white rice and white pasta to whole grain varieties.

Avoid Caffeine

Avoid or reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine can increase anxiety and anxiety can lead to depression. Instead, enjoy herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint. Lavender tea has a wonderful aromatic scent and is used as a calming tea to relieve stress. Passionflower has long been used as a folk remedy to treat anxiety. Studies confirm that passionflower extracts have anti-anxiety properties. Ashwagandha tea can be taken to relieve nervous exhaustion and stress and is a good tea for calming.

Avoid or Reduce Alcohol Intake

While often used as an emotional crutch, alcohol can severely exacerbate depression and anxiety and can delete important nutrients, including B vitamins, that are vital in maintaining a sense of wellbeing. An occasional glass of wine with meals or with friends is fine, but keep it to a minimum. The last thing you need if you are depressed is a hangover.

Reduce Saturated Fats

Avoid deep fried food and fast food. Turn instead to home cooked lean meats and vegetables. Snack on seeds and nuts rather than fast-food treats.

Specific Nutrients

Finally, here are some specific nutrients that are recommended for alleviating anxiety and depression. B vitamins take a good multiple B vitamin Inositol effective in combating panic attacks. Fish oil high in omega-3 fatty acids. Sam-e particularly good for post natal depression. St. Johns Wort natural anti-depressant and tonic for the nervous system. Oats long used to combat nervous exhaustion, debility and depression. Valerian induces calming sleep and doesnt leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Zizyphus eases anxiety naturally. In Chinese medicine, zizyphus is thought to nourish the heart and calm the spirit.

[conniebky]

Oh wow, thank you SO much for posting this. I'm going to print it out now, thanks so much!

[GlutenFreeManna]

This is great advice, except for the whole grain bread and pasta thing. Switching to whole wheat pasta and bread was one of the many clues that I had a problem with gluten. I reacted much faster to them and got much more sick when I ate them. I think the advice should be avoid bread and pasta and eat more fibrous veggies instead.