Healthnotes Newswire (October 11, 2007)—People who exercise strenuously lose critical nutrients in their sweat, most notably sodium. New research shows that women might also lose enough calcium during strenuous exercise to warrant taking extra to compensate.
Healthnotes Newswire (October 4, 2007)—If you become depressed in the dark winter months, a daily dose of light may help. New research suggests that easing seasonal depression through light therapy could be easier than previously thought, thanks to smaller and more efficient light-producing devices.
Healthnotes Newswire (September 20, 2007)—You may have heard the rumors that taking fish oil can help you avoid depression. A new review of the research found that it may indeed be a key to a better mood.
Healthnotes Newswire (July 19, 2007)—The thought of cod liver oil may not make you smile—but taking it might, as a new study suggests that it can prevent depression.
A new study out of Norway shows that omega 3 from cod liver oil eases the symptoms of depression.
Q: I was on antidepressants (SSRIs) for a few years, but I feel like I am ready to go off of them. This is my idea, and I haven’t spoken to my doctor about this yet. Throughout my time taking the antidepressants I have gained weight. I think this is a side effect of the pills I was taking. Along with the weight gain, my most bothersome side effects were abdominal pain and loss of sexual interest. What do you recommend I do when weaning of the pills to ensure that I will balance back to my weight prior to taking these drugs?
A: Congratulations on your progress! This is definitely something that you will want to discuss with your doctor and do under his supervision. As you have discovered, SSRIs have some tough side effects including weight gain, apathy, low sex drive and insomnia. Some of the side effects may be more difficult to deal with than the initial mood disorder.
More evidence that yoga helps ward off the blues. A new study concludes that Yoga may significantly help those experiencing anxiety and depression. The study reported in the May issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was performed by Boston scientists who used MRIs to gauge levels of GABA in the brains of both yoga practitioners and non-practitioners.
A new study concludes that Yoga may significantly help those experiencing anxiety and depression. The study reported in the May issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was performed by Boston scientists who used MRIs to gauge levels of GABA in the brains of both yoga practitioners and non-practitioners.
Brain scans of yoga practitioners who participated in the study showed an average of a 27% increase in levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) immediately after a one-hour yoga session. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety and depression.
According to researchers, this is the first study to show that yoga may correlate with a significant change in the level of a major neurotransmitter. If substantiated, yoga could become a useful tool to help those battling anxiety disorder and depression.
Brain scans were taken before the beginning of the experiment. Then, the yoga group was asked to engage in the meditative practice for 60 minutes, while the non-yoga group simply read.
Information on anxiety disorders and depression illustrate that both illnesses have known causes and are highly treatable -- including with a variety of natural and integrative health approaches. A survey of the available information on anxiety disorders and depression demonstrates that these illnesses manifest differently in each individual and that personalized care and treatment routines are necessary for best results.
The lack of reliable information on anxiety disorders and depression can contribute to the feeling of hopelessness in a suffering individual and their loved ones. Anxiety disorders manifest as reoccuring feelings of dread, worry, panic, and fear, uncontrollable obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, heart pounding, sweating, and sleep disorders. Depression can be a serious medical illness that fundamentally affects every aspect of thought, feelings and behavior.
When you think of Herbs and Brain, take your mind out of the visions of a smoky cannabis club and think cognitive support. The brain is our most important organ and, like other organs, responds to herbs to heal and restore it.
Brain expert Daniel Amen, Author of Making a Good Brain Great, concludes what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Aside from taking herbs for your brain, general wellness measures, such as regular exercise, sleep, stress-reduction and a diet rich in antioxidants and moderate in saturated fats will help improve cognitive and other functions. You’ll also find that improvements in brain function will improve other areas of your life, such as athletic and sexual performance.
