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Natural Remedies to Reduce Symptoms of Depression
The crazy pace of life in today’s society can take its toll on our health. Add to that the very stressful economic times we are all struggling with and it is no surprise that stress related health problems are increasing.
The most common of these include headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, trouble sleeping, digestive disorders and mild to moderate depression. It is the symptoms of mild to moderate depression that we will be addressing in this article.
Depression affects approximately one out of every ten adults in the U.S. The most common symptoms of depression include loss of interest or pleasure, a sense of overwhelming sadness, changes in appetite, sleep patterns and activity level, fatigue and muscle pain. The method of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. For many years the use of antidepressants has increased greatly, however there is some debate over their efficacy in treating the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Despite a 253% increase in the use of antidepressants in the last 10 years, leading mental health experts writing in the British Medical Journal find recent studies show antidepressants to be no more effective than placebo.
There have been great strides in identifying and rectifying some of the physical causes of depression utilizing natural alternatives. Some of the physical sources found to cause depression include nutritional deficiencies in certain B vitamins, certain amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and specific minerals. These deficiencies can lead to a reduced capacity to handle stress causing hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances.
Often these imbalances can have adverse effects on the adrenal glands. The stress handling glands can become fatigued and depression is almost always a symptom of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal hormones are the vitality hormones which provide us with a sense of well being and help maintain healthy mood and emotion. Treating adrenal fatigue is essential to feeling better. These glands can be tested using saliva testing or urine analysis. Adrenal function can usually be restored through diet and supplements in about 12 weeks.
Neurotransmitter balance is also very important for reducing the symptoms of depression. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells. They are present throughout the body and are required for proper brain and body function. Serious health problems, including depression, can occur when neurotransmitter levels are too high or too low. A urine sample is used to test the levels of neurotransmitters. Imbalances can be corrected and supported using specific amino acid therapy.
Natural remedies to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate depression are a good choice. There are virtually no side effects and positive results are often felt in as little as 2-3 weeks. Healthy diet choices and moderate cardiovascular exercise should be included in any plan.
Dr. Karla Parkhurst, DC
For more information about depression please watch our website for upcoming seminars or call for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Karla to discuss treatment.
www.parkhurstchiropractic.com
Set aside a special time each day for complete mental and physical relaxation. This is important in the restoration-as well as maintenance-of normal health.
- When sitting, choose a chair that has adequate firmness to hold your weight comfortably, and then sit straight. Avoid too soft, overstuffed chairs. Recliner chairs are acceptable if they are constructed so that when you are reclining your back is in a normal, straight position.
- Cross your legs only at the ankles, not at the knees. Crossing your legs at the knees could aggravate an existing back condition as well as interfere with the circulation to the lower limbs.
- Be sure to get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recuperate and repair.
- Sleep on a firm mattress, preferably one which is neither too hard nor too soft, but just firm enough to hold your body level while at the same time soft enough so that your shoulder, buttocks, etc., will depress into the mattress.
- Your pillow should be neither too high nor too low. The ideal pillow is one which supports your head so that your neck vertebrae will be level with the rest of your spine. Avoid sleeping on two pillows; never lie on a couch with your head on the arm rest.
- Sleep on your back or on your side with your legs flexed slightly, not drawn up tightly. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Raise your head off the pillow when changing positions.
- Rise from your bed by turning on your side and swinging your legs off the bed, then push yourself into a sitting position with your arms, thus minimizing the amount of strain on your back.
- Do not read or watch TV in bed, particularly with your head propped at a sharp or strained angle.
- Do not sleep sitting in a chair or in cramped quarters. Lie down in bed when it is time to sleep.
Article taken from 2005 Parker Share Products
If you have any questions about any phase of your health care…Feel free to ask your doctor.
Read what Kathy W. of Holland had to say about back pain.
I had Olympic aspirations. However a fall from a balance beam and an injury to my back left muscles not working correctly for the next 35 years. I came to Parkhurst looking for a more holistic way to treat my reoccurring back problems. My back would stop working about once a year, and I was starting to have nerve pain in my hips. I would typically have to use muscle relaxants, bed rest and heat for 4-5 days then wait for however long to feel no pain.
This cycle just kept repeating itself year after year. Having a job that requires me to bend, lift, push, pull and walk, (I’m a nurse); I decided I needed a treatment plan aimed at prevention before my back totally gave out. So here I am; knowing I have a place to turn to, people who care, and an approach that keeps me out of bed and off of pills.
Parkhurst has offered lots of choices in how I want to manage my back health. It was important after so many years of non-treatment that I give different things a try, and realize there is no instant fix.
After taking the time to investigate; I now have a good idea of what works for my situation. I like that they don’t operate on an “everyone is the same concept.” I do think it is important to try the different options.
It all seemed to have a good effect for me, but there were certain things that were better suited to my situation. Decompression really helped with my nerve pain. The air back pillow has been a great help on car rides.
I am grateful for a new outlook on my situation and a plan to prevent those crisis times; that were physically bringing me to my knees.
Thank-you to everyone at Parkhurst; who showed compassion, helped me with the paperwork and appointments, put up with my questions and uncertainties and helped me through the set backs. This is what the art of healing is all about.
Stop in our office for a free decompression therapy DVD or call for a complimentary consultation to find out if this method of treatment is right for you.
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