DEPRESSION: A SIGN OF OUR
TIMES
Article by herbalist Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
On the news program 20/20,
there was a segment on depression and the use of the herb
St. Johns Wort. This program
went in great detail about this one herb product and how it
is helpful in mild to moderate cases of depression.
It also detailed how
St. John’s Wort
is an alternative to the use of Prozac and other
anti-depressant medications.
The statistics are staggering
as to how many Americans are subjected to depression
(approximately 18 million people). The drug Prozac had
annual sales of over $1.3 billion in 1996.
The medical communities in many countries are
calling the
U.S.
the Prozac nation. I wanted to address
an issue that concerns me when we just see or read reports
of one herb that can do it all.
Let me explain in this
article the numerous concerns that need to be looked at in
a treatment protocol for depression. It
is not as simple as taking St. John’s
Wort alone, but a multifaceted approach needs to be
looked at that will address the body’s ability to correct
itself when given the nutrients and the proper environment
for healing to take place.
When we hear the word
“depression,” what does it mean?
Depression is a whole body illness. It
involves the nervous system, moods, thoughts, and behavior.
It affects the way we eat, sleep, and feel about
ourselves. It can last anywhere from a
few days to weeks, months, or years.
Many people suffering form depression withdraw from society
and friends and lose interest in their present
circumstances. Of course, there are
many types of depression. This article
will deal with the overview.
Let’s look into some of the
causes that can be factors in depression:
1.
Nutritional deficiencies – Vitamin C, B Complex vitamins
(folic acid, B12, naicin, B6,
B1)calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and potassium,
essential fatty acids and protein deficiency
2.
Nutritional influences – Excess caffeine, refined sugars,
alcohol, high fat intake, excessive use of aspartame (Nutrisweet)
3.
Low
stomach acid and food sensitivity
4.
Low
thyroid and adrenal function
5.
Parasites, viruses, and bacteria
6.
Heavy metal and environmental toxins
7.
Allergies
8.
Oral
contraceptives and other common drugs (beta blockers,
corticosteroids and blood pressure medication)
9.
Anxiety and chronic stress
Serotonin deficiency
Chemical imbalance in the brain
Because this disorder is
very complex, it is believed that a poor diet greatly
influences proper brain behavior. The level of brain
chemicals called neurotransmitters, which regulate our
behavior, are controlled by what we eat. The
neurotransmitters most commonly associated with mood are
dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine. Dopamine and
norepinephrine are produced from the amino acids
tyrosine and phenylalanine. These substances help us think
and act quickly to stimuli and keep us alert.
Serotonin is
the neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of
wellbeing, calmness, relaxation, confidence and
concentration. It is made from the
amino acid tryptophane. In
many
cases of depression and other serotonin deficiency
disorders the brain is not producing enough serotonin.
When you look at the
biochemistry of the brain and how nutrients get into the
brain, it is quite fascinating. It has
been shown in research that a high protein diet is
detrimental for people with this deficiency. The brain has
a barrier called the blood brain barrier.
Only certain
substances can get through this barrier, and the only way
for that to occur is by a system that is analogous to a
bus. Nutrients attach to this bus system and are carried
through the barrier. Tryptophane
is one of six amino acids that all use the same bus system.
If there is too much protein competing for seats,
tryptophane gets left out,
therefore, a potential for deficiency.
Once inside the brain
tryptophane
in converted into a substance call 5 HTP (l-5
hydroxytryptophane) and is then
used to produce serotonin. Many years
ago we sold a product called free form amino acid
tryptophane. Many of you might
have used it. Because I don’t have space to go into detail,
it is believed there was a conspiracy to get it taken off
the market. A bad batch was imported from
Japan and resulted in some
deaths, and the FDA pulled all
tryptophane off the market except in baby food, etc.
It is ironic that it happened in the same year that
Prozac hit the market. Needless to say,
reducing heavy animal protein and going with a high complex
carbohydrate diet has shown benefits.
Lets
look at some of the nutrients that can be supplemented:
·
Tyrosine Amino Acids – Taken in tablet form 500 mg 2-3 x
day
·
B
Complex – 50-100 mg works with
essential fatty acids and amino acids and minerals for
proper brain nerve function.
·
Triple Strength Lecithin – Provides the brain with
nutrients needed for neurotransmitter production
·
Multi Minerals – Containing calcium, magnesium, chromium,
potassium and zinc (found to be deficient in depressed
people)
·
5
HTP – Now available on the market 50-300 mg daily. Must be
used with caution (It will potentate
SSRI [Prozac] and MAO [valium, elavil,
paxol] drugs)
·
Melatonin – Due to its serotonin connection
Dietary consideration would
be:
·
Eat
plenty of raw fruits and vegetables
·
Increase whole grains, beans (soybeans)
·
More
white fish and salmon
·
Reduce red meat particularly fast food burger and fries.
They will cause sluggishness.
In dealing with depression
there are many botanicals that work well with the nervous
system. We call them nervines
and antispasmodic. The following list has all been shown to
be helpful in calming and toning the nervous system:
·
St. John’s
Wort – Used to treat mild to
moderate depression. Is a nerve tonic with
hypericin and other
constituents that work with mono amine oxidation
inhibition. This helps to
increase certain nerve transmission and elevate mood and
emotional stability.
·
Gingko Biloba – Increases
circulation to brain providing nutrient and oxygen.
·
Kava
Kava – Is used for anxiety and
induces calmness.
·
Siberian Ginseng – Works to aid adrenal function and
elevate mood works with neurotransmitters.
·
Gota
Kola – Aids thyroid and neurotransmitters
·
Lemon Balm – Useful for seasonal affective disorder. Great
nervine for stress.
·
Rosemary – Has shown to increase acetylcholine in the brain
which aids alertness.
·
Wild
oats – Helps to nourish all nerve activity.
As you can see, there is a
whole lot more to depression than looking at one substance
for relief. It is important to study and make lifestyle
adjustment when treating any disorder of the body.
I did
not address the detrimental effects of medication used for
depression in the article but hopefully gave some insight
as to how you can approach this without reliance on drugs.
There are always situations where the need for medication
is necessary. Consult with your healthcare practitioner if
dealing with these circumstances.
Some good reading material
is Natural Alternative To
Prozac by Michael Murray, and Depression And Natural
Medicine by Rita Elkins.
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