Homeopathy, Nutrition, Yoga, Change
★★★★★
Homeopathy worked first and best for immediate relief, Nutrition worked second best to heal my body and make it better able to deal with stress (I eat at least 1 salad a day, and live food, hydrating vegetables or food), Yoga was miraculous and an instant success-after years of resistance to first try, I loved it and it has given me so much strength during the tough times- which are very infrequent now!!! Change was throughout my recovery, getting away from negative people, jobs, places, thoughts, things and replacing them with more positive, lively, lush, uplifting, happy alternatives. I focus on the good and only acknowledge the not so good as a learning point.
Hormone Related
When I started my downward spiral with depression, I never made the association of possibly being hormone related. After 5 yrs. of psychiatrists putting me on almost every drug combo to see if it would help, the next suggestion was ECT treatments.... I had 9. That may work for some people, but all it did for me was take away my memory recall.
My husband was the one who got me to go back and figure out where my depression started. I figured out it was hormone related. I called my GP... Got back on plant based hormone and within 2 weeks began to see the "fog" lifting. When I told my psychiatrist that I wanted her help to slowly get off the meds and get a regime of eating healthy, exercise and concentrated therapy, she became furious and refused to help me. She said that I would end up back in the hospital within 2 months and be worse off than I originally was. Well.... that has been 7 years ago and I feel great.
So.... I would suggest bloodwork, diet, exercise, and research, research. Everyone of us is different in what works for our bodies. Postings here on EC was lifesaving for me. Daniel Ahem's books are invaluable for educationing yourself about what you need to do when you start noticing a problem. Dr. Mercola just had an article on him a couple of days ago on his website. Please read his research.
I slowly weened myself off my meds. I would have loved to have had the support of my psychiatrist. All the drugs were taking away my life and I knew I had to take my health back into my own hands and not rely on someone else telling me they knew what was "best" for me. It was terrifying for me to take that step, but I'm so glad I did. I really hope this helps someone. I believe we're all guardian angels here on this site.....")
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
10/29/2012
Hi Sue, I just wanted to say congratulations to you for being brave enough to take a stand for yourself in spite of how your psychiatrist reacted! And how wonderful you have a husband who has been there for you throughout all your experience. I too am fortunate to have a husband who has steadfastly been there for me through all of my disability and then recovery. Thanks for sharing your story with everyone, for it gives strength to all when someone is able to forge a path on their own and find answers which are perhaps, not of the mainstream information. I always feel fortunate to have found Earth Clinic as I have learned so much info here to maintain/ restore my health. And funny, it was 7 years ago for me too when I took my spiral and can look back on that path and see all I've learned through that experience mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. So, in the end, we grow and expand... and come out on the other end more able to reach back a hand to help others up.
I hope the Chinese herbs are still working well for you. I know mine are. Did you ever have a look at the Chinese Herbs book I recommended? Also, you refer to Daniel Ahem, did you mean Dr. Daniel Amen? Anyway, once again congratulations for overcoming your own terror and stepping forward to achieve your health again! Best to you always, Lisa
(Worden, Il, Usa)
10/30/2012
Thank you Lisa.... Yes, I meant to type Dr. Daniel Amen, but typed Ahem instead. ") I realized my error when I was watching TV last night. And thank you for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.
As of now, my reading has been only on Dragon Herbs website. I plan to order his book very soon. I decided to switch up what I'm ordering from them after doing my reading. The senior consultant can only go by what I tell her I'm looking for and then make a recommendation. I decided to go by what I thought I needed. I'm going to continue with the Rehmannia Six Combo, but also the Goji & Schizandra. The Duanwood Reishi helped tremendously with my stress level, but don't think I'll be re-ordering. I'll continue with the 8 Immortals and determine when I'm almost out if I want to continue using.
I wanted to add this footnote: My psychiatrist had me on so many anti-depressants (and combos of said drugs) and when they weren't working, she starting mixing it up with meds for bi-polar, schizophrenia and manic depressive. I felt like I was literally in a black hole and just wanted help out. I was very fortunate to recover, but I know there are so many people who aren't that fortunate. My heart aches for you. Don't give up, tho. Just ask for guidance.... I prayed everyday.... When I switched off listening to the Dr.'s and really listened to my husband and inner voice, I knew it would be okay.
Lisa...Mom passed away last Friday afternoon. Very peacefully. Thank you for all your help.
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
10/30/2012
Hi Sue, Sorry to hear of your loss. It's nice she went peacefully. Were you able to be with her? Sounds like you handled it with grace. I hope the herbs helped you as well. I'm so happy to hear that you have continued to read about the herbs on the site. It's a very informative site. I use it often as a reference in spite of the fact that I have the book! It's just so convenient and well- written. I too, have added the Goji and Schizandra on recommendation from one of the consultants when I went in to their tonic bar. He told me it would build my jing and according to my pulses, I needed that.
I also went in to my acupuncture last week as I hadn't been for quite awhile. He worked on me for my stomach and also my low back has really been bothering me. It's been very stiff and making it difficult to move. He said there was a lot of stagnation and did cupping on me. Within 5 minutes I could feel it calm down and literally feel the inflammation going down! It hasn't bothered me since.
I wanted to ask you if you meant Dr. Daniel Amen because I wanted to tell you I got to hear him speak at the Longevity Now conference which I attended in the spring. He's quite dynamic and funny. I too have read his books and have learned so much from them. He has a lot of fascinating information and is doing ground-breaking work. Have you heard him speak at all? I have received audio iterviews of him in the past so if I receive more, I'll be sure to post so you can hear him too.
Anyway, blessings to you and may peace prevail. It is always wonderful to hear from you. Lisa
Iboga Root Bark, Metta Meditation
★★★★★
I found amazing temporary benefits from low dose iboga root bark for my depression. Low dose ayahuasca was also great.
But taking any substance isn't a long-term solution. A better approach that works instantly and costs nothing is metta (loving kindness) meditation. You imagine sending love to your inner child, then to someone you love, then to someone you like, then to a stranger, then to someone you dislike, then to someone you hate. Or you can do it impersonally and just send love in all directions. Ajahn Brahm has good guided metta meditation vids on youtube.
Inositol
★★★★★
I am elated to report that after taking inositol for about 2 months I do not have the big, black, depression I've had for the last 2 years! I had read about inositol for depression while researching Pyroluria and Histadelia and decided to try it. I ordered the powdered product, and began taking 1/4 teaspoon 4 times a day. After about a week I started going up on the dose until I was taking 1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. That dose works out to 1200 mg 4 times a day. There was very little change at first but gradually I found that if I hadn't taked a dose that the depressive thoughts would start. After about 2 months I noticed that my mood had smoothed out so I waited about a week and cut my dose in half. That has worked just fine so far.
The powder is relatively inexpensive, and easy to take. The label says there is nothing in the powder but inositol. It is very sweet and I found I like it just fine dumped as a powder into my mouth from the measuring spoon. It would be fine to mix into anything that you drink as it has no taste except for being very sweet. I will try to remember to update if I have any changes in dose. I've never had anything for depression that didn't have really bad side effects so saying I'm very pleased would be an understatement.
L-Methylfolate
★★★★★
My daughter suffered from severe deppression with signs starting at the age of 3!!! For years helped her work thru the bad episodes until she was ready for therapy then she went on meds around the age of 11 they helped but the need to increase them or change them every 2-6 months was getting very scary! She was on pretty high doses by the time she was 16 we were thinking about trying natural remedies last summer while she was out of school. I started talking to my MD who believes in pharmicalogical and homopathic med and he suggested Methyl folate, which is available by rx only even though it is a vitamin. It is a type of folic acid that crosses the blood brain barrier it then reteaches the brain how to produce the right amounts seretonin neroephneprine ect.... needed.
You start to take it while on your antidepresents then slowly decrease the amounts of the antidepresents until you are off of them then you continue the Methylfolate for 6 months then stop them. WOW, she is a different person! She has not taken anything since the begining of December 2012 she has 1 sometimes 2 bad days a month (around the time of menstruation) but so far is able to work thru those without meds!!! We all have bad days!!! Hers are just more intense.
This is not well known in the med field or the phyc Drs are somehow for some reason not going with natural cures. This is really sad so many people young and old can have a normal state of mind again!!! We were lucky my MD gave us samples for her. Rx policies will not cover vit's it is almost $400 over the counter but the company that makes it has a web site pharm were it is only $48 for a three month supply they have no patient asst program were it is free if you finacialy qualify. You still have to get an Rx from a DR if you have to go to your pcp for it just do it!!! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!! It comes in 7.5 and 14mg she took the 14mg. dose once a day. REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO GRADUALY DECRESE YOUR PHYC MEDS!!! YOU ALL KNOW THAT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO STOP THEM ALL AT ONCE!!! REPEAT DON'T DO THAT!!! GOD bless and be with you all!!!
(New England)
04/27/2016
Methylfolate is especially helpful if someone has mutations on the MTHFR gene. You can find out by getting your DNA sequenced by 23andMe, and then uploading your results to a number of good online apps, like geneticgenie or nutrahacker. See the work of Amy Yasko. SNPedia is also helpful...search for MTHFR.
(Melbourne Beach, Florida)
11/20/2016
It's important to confirm the MTHFR mutation for many reasons including the methylation process. GeneSight is a company that offers reasonably priced testing for both MTHFR mutations. (https://assurexhealth.com) I've been taking Thorne Research Methyl-Guard after testing positive for both mutations and I am starting to feel better after about 2 weeks. It's been a long road of fatigue, anxiety, and frustration for not understanding my symptoms and being dismissed by my PCP.
L-Theanine
★★★★★
L-THEANINE is the best for a mild anxiety. also i tried before playing golf and the results are a four or five better score.this site of yours is the most informative and serious that i have found. thank you.
L-Tyrosine
★★★★★
For immediate relief of mild depression, take the amino L-Tyrosine plus the herb St Johnswort. The supplement SAMe is also good for mild depression and also boosts detox systems.
Lamp Therapy
★★★★★
Day light lamp not only helps to relieve the symptoms of SAD, but it, also, works great for depression. Make sure the lamp has a filter that blocks UV rays.
Lemon Juice
★★★★★
I didn't know lemons treat the blues, but I found out accidentally one day when I was bummed out that I cannot live without lemons.
Low BCAA Protein Diet
★★★★★
I am tremendously helped with my chronic depression by a diet that cuts way down on Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's). That is because BCAA'S lower the serotonin and the dopamine in the brain. And you need serotonin and dopamine to feel good. Do your own research. Google "Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Depression."
To experiment with this, try this diet for a few days to a week and see if it works for you:
Vegan + no or very limited nuts, beans, & seeds. Simple.
Explained in more detail:
Vegan means no beef, chicken, lamb, pork, ham, cold cuts, turkey, eggs, dairy (no yogurt, cheese, milk, etc.) IN OTHER WORDS NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS OF ANY KIND EXCEPT HONEY AND GHEE ARE OKAY.
AS WELL, cut way down on these plant proteins: legumes, beans, lentils, peas, all nuts, all seeds. I remember the diet this way:
Vegan plus nuts, beans, seeds. So simple.
It's a limited diet, yes. But you may see good results, as I do. You will have more serotonin and dopamine, which will free your mind. It works for me.
Plus I uploaded my DNA results from 23andMe to Nutrahacker, and now I know what supplements/foods are good for me and which to avoid. For example I'm positive for the MTHFR mutation, so I take folate. Usually one with the MTHFR mutation takes methylfolate, but Nutrahacker tells me I don't tolerate methyl groups well, so It take folinic acid instead. Nutrahacker told me lots else, too. For example I have the CBS mutation, which means I must follow a low-protein, low thiols sulfur diet. No time to go into it all here. It will cost you around $199.00 for 23andMe plus around $35.00 for Nutrahacker. You will never regret it.
For me, my Nutrahacker results plus the low BCAA diet and low sulfur diet is great. Take it from someone who has searched high and low to cure my dysthymia, and doesn't like pharmaceuticals.
(New England)
04/28/2016
Tyrosine increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Those neurotransmitters speed up the brain and make one more alert. For some that may be good, while for others who are low on serotonin, it could be harmful. Tyrosine is found in protein foods, so eating more protein, especially animal-source, will increase this alert, speeded-up mentality. But if one is worrying and sad and angry and obsessive, it's more likely serotonin in short supply, in which case complex carbohydrates are better.
I've tried Tyrosine from time to time. It does make me more alert, but not in a good way, more in a "wired" way.
Anyone wanting to increase their serotonin can try Tryptophan or 5HTP. Again, don't take them with any other protein. Sometimes I take Tryptophan or 5HTP before bed, as they cause drowsiness. My experience is that a diet low in protein and high in complex carbohydrates, NOT TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME AS PROTEIN OR WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF PROTEIN works just as well to raise serotonin. Fruit and vegetables don't have much effect either way. By complex carbohydrates I refer to whole grains, potatoes (white & sweet), and winter squashes. Take without added oils/fats for quickest effect, and watch out for white potatoes as you may be sensitive to nightshades.
Remember to take ANY amino acid supplements on an empty stomach or at least not with within an hour or so of any other protein, since the amino acids in the protein will compete with the amino acid(s) in the supplement. Taking amino acid supplements with fruit should be fine.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Lowering Homocysteine and Copper Levels
★★★★★
High Homocysteine and high copper = depression
After reading the book Nutrient Power by Wm Walsh and meeting with a holistic psychiatrist I was able to lower my homocysteine level from 11.9 to 8.5 and my copper from 150 to 115, resulting in improved mood and no anxiety. I was taking TMG 3000 mg and zinc 80 mg per day. I got my blood levels done thru www.lifeextention.com at a decent cost (about $125.00 for homocysteine, copper, copper protein, and zinc). It took about 2.5 months and I did go thru a detox for about 3 weeks. Now I balancing my overall supplements with my Lic. Accupuncture doc who also has training in the Walsh application. More info can be found on www.walshinstitute.com and also www.samanthagilbert.com. I would suggest getting the book thru Amazon and reading it. It is hard reading but understandable. You can find a list of practictioners thru the book also. The levels of the three components need to be in balance and it important to work with a medical professional. Samantha Gilbert provides online assistance.
Glad to see you have found a real cure and shared it with others as depression is quite common and conventional treatment option are limited and come with negative side -effects.
I would like to note that I find it unusual that Molybdenum was not recommended to reduce the Copper, and Vit-B-6 was not recommended to reduce homocysteine as well as a metabolic enhancer of Zinc. And also why B-12 & Folic Acid was not recommended along with the TMG as methyl donors in reducing homocysteine, or simply taking SAM-e as the ultimate methyl donor as well as a great mood booster.
Seems most folks have their own angle and pinpoint problems & solutions from their reference points, maybe it's most profitable for themselves this way, I don't know; but in many cases and especially extreme cases of disease, one's best approach is as broad and holistic as possible (which you have done with a your approach here).
Magnesium
★★★★★
I have a relative who was so depressed, he tried to hurt himself badly. I had read that magnesium is amazing for depression and works rather quickly. I convinced him to try it. One tablet each day of the daily recommended dosage and he was unbelievably back to his old happy self in two days! However, when he forgets to take this, he sinks back into depression very quickly.
I truly truly believe that depression is a chemical imbalance and not necessarily a psychological problem. I really hope this helps others out there who are suffering with this!
Magnesium
★★★★★
I would like to share my wonderful discovery of the power of simple magnesium to alleviate depression. I had been taking a powdered form of magnesium every night before bed, which made me feel Calm and relaxed. Then I stopped taking it. I began to suffer a lot of mood problems when stopping it, and when I resumed the powdered magnesium citrate, I couldn't believe how much better I felt the next day.
I also use a combination herbal therapy for Mood Support, which works well. And every day I take vitamin D at 4000 mg, fish oil, and something called lithium orotate, a safe, commonly found supplement for brain and mood health. (Don't let the word lithium scare you. Unlike the drug lithium, lithium orotate is safe to take and you don't need to have your blood tested. Please look up lithium orotate online for more info.)
But to me, the most important missing link in the puzzle was magnesium. You can buy it at the drugstore, but I do suggest taking at least 700 mg a day to begin to see results. I stagger the dose, taking 200 mg magnesium citrate tablets twice a day at work, and then taking the wonderful fizzy magnesium drink at night as a hot tea, which makes me feel very sleepy and Calm.
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
08/18/2011
Hi Celia - I like your message about being calm while taking... Calm! I, too, use it nightly - although I only take a teaspoon (about 200 mg) so I probably should increase it. I use it to help me with restless legs and it works. I do get rather vivid dreams, though. I'll gradually up my dose and see what happens. Cheers, Bess
(Melbourne, Australia)
08/18/2011
I read yesterday that the best way to get magnesium into you is to take it transdermally... Through the skin. A great way is to use magnesium oil and rub it on the skin but the best way is to swin in the ocean.. it is a veritable magnesium bath. The reason racehorses swim in the ocean after a race to relieve their muscles.
So if you live near the ocean go for a swim every day to relieve your depression or aches and pains. Or grab a bucket of sea water and soak your feet!
Magnesium
★★★★★
Feeling extremely depressed, anxious, panicky, I first stsrted taking Magenesium Glycinate, which I thought worked well until I ran out read a little more about different types of Magnesium and went to my local health food store and bought Magnesium Citrate, 200 mg. I started taking 400 mg. in the morning and 400 mg. at night before I go to bed and I can't believe how much better I sleep on Magnesium Citrate! I just wanted to highly recommend it for depression and/or anxiety, it seems to relax your body and take you in to a deep sleep throughout the night.
(Jerusalem)
05/21/2014
I will try the magnesium I tried liquid mag, no luck yet tastes horrible. My chiro put me on homeopathic lithium, and also a combo of bacopa, for brain fog and a few other herbs. I am unbelievabley moody, rage attacks, deep frustration often cannot stop crying and terrible depression. I was on 300 mg of gabapentin for moods, about 3+ weeks ago went down to 250 with drs ok, and feel nuts. Am also on 100mg trazodone for sleep.
I will not go up again, but wonder why I feel so much worse on such a small dose change. My holistic md friend says they make it so that when you withdraw you feel awful and want to go back on it for relief.
I am alos on high doses of valerian, cal poppy, but sleep is awful.
Any ideas? Serach
(Hotspot, Texas)
05/22/2014
Hi Serach, I'm not sure, but I think that Gabapentin is a drug that works by enhancing the effects of the GABA that you do have. The problem I see with this is that it doesn't give you more GABA so what happens when the GABA deficiency becomes so bad that it can't be "pushed" anymore? Suicidal tendency is also a side effect of this drug.(! )
I took Xanax for a short time for anxiety and felt that it did make the anxiety worse, kind of like a rebound effect.
There is a good book called The Mood Cure that discusses neurotransmitters and depression, anxiety, etc. The author gives detailed instructions as to what nt to take for what condition.
I found that my anxiety and insomnia went away as I supplemented with large dose vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, vitamin C seemed to add to my problems of anxiety.
At night, I take zinc, magnesium, copper, and niacin, as well as tart cherry juice and sauerkraut and have minor sleep issues, if any.
(Hotspot, Texas)
05/22/2014
Hi Serach, I'm not sure, but I think that Gabapentin is a drug that works by enhancing the effects of the GABA that you do have. The problem I see with this is that it doesn't give you more GABA so what happens when the GABA deficiency becomes so bad that it can't be "pushed" anymore? Suicidal tendency is also a side effect of this drug.(! ) I took Xanax for a short time for anxiety and felt that it did make the anxiety worse, kind of like a rebound effect.
There is a good book called The Mood Cure that discusses neurotransmitters and depression, anxiety, etc. The author gives detailed instructions as to what not to take for what condition. I found that my anxiety and insomnia went away as I supplemented with large dose vitamins and minerals. Interestingly, vitamin C seemed to add to my problems of anxiety.
At night, I take zinc, magnesium, copper, and niacin, as well as tart cherry juice and sauerkraut and have minor sleep issues, if any.
(Fort Wayne, In)
05/23/2014
Serach from Jerusalem, I want to suggest a website for help with your anger. It is orthomolecular.org. On the home page hit Library and then click on the article Nutritional influences on Aggressive Behavior. Please read the complete article as it has much information. The site has helped a lot with our bipolar son. I wish you the best.
Magnesium
★★★★★
My son suffered from anxiety and depression after his divorce. I read an article by George Eby about Magnesium Glycinate for depression. I bought my son some of the magnesium and after a few days he started feeling better and talked about having more energy and concentration. He took 800-1000 mgs. for a few days to build it up in his system, then backed down to 400 mgs. The Magnesium Glycinate really changed his life.
