5-HTP
★★★★★
5-HTP
★★★★★
5-HTP and Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate
★★★★★
About 2 years ago someone put me on to 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan or 5-HTP as a precursor to serotonin production and I decided to give it a try (the potential for weight loss was an added incentive) and I found the results somewhat hit and miss until after some research and experimentation I hit on the combination of 5-HTP (100mg) combined with Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate (15mg) (the active enzyme version of vitamin B6 and assists in the conversion of the 5-HTP to serotonin) taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (I avoid eating for at least half an hour). The theory from my research into taking it on an empty stomach is that this avoids the 5-htp metabolising into serotonin in the stomach before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Further, I have found that the active version of B6 is more effective than the common variety version (pyridoxine) because I think I struggle to metabolise the pyridoxine variety into the active enzyme and therefore have a natural B6 deficiency (probably why I don't produce enough serotonin).
I haven't had a bout of depression for over 12 months now despite the fact that I have experienced (as many others have over the past 4 months) the most stressful and extreme anxiety creating environment of my professional life.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
★★★★★
Acetyl L-Carnitine
★★★★★
Acetyl L-Carnitine
★★★★★
I think Americans are having to eat such nutrient deficient foods that synthetic supplements can't completely cover as good as Mother Nature can; that whole populations are having subclinical and even clinical deficiencies that are being labeled as 'this or that problem' instead of what it really is!
Anyway, I was taking 500mg/day on empty stomach. Another thing it is good for is the heart. L-carnitine is better, but this other helps some with the pressure on the chest also.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
★★★★★
Then I read somewhere online that there is a set of people whose depression responds to Acetyl L-Carnitine, they said the depression lifted in these people when using 3-4 grams a day, and to take two grams of acetylcarnitine on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
This amino acid is the most amazing substance; I've never been able to take more than 2 grams per day - there is such great mental clarity, there is utter inability to be depressed, but there simultaneously is no euphoria - just calm lucid clarity. I've read that it assists the brain in making many different neurotransmitters - so it is not anything, not anything at all like 5-htp which floods the brain with serotonin - which, if you don't need it, might create severe anxiety.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Well now it is 4 days later and I was feeling pretty hopeless, depressed, and no motivation to do anything. I took a tablespoon of ACV and drank a bottle of water right afterwords. This is truely magical, I can't believe how good I feel, this is not placebo. I'm going to go to the gym and get some work done, and work on some music, something I did not feel like doing all day until I had the 2nd dose of ACV. I reccomend this with all my heart. Who would have known? Be sure to get the raw, unfiltered kind with mother!
(Wisconsin, Usa)
10/18/2011
I am wondering - for those who have suffered a long time with depression (years and years) - and not just the basic 'blues' from time to time - but true depression, if someone can provide me with some advice on how to best proceed. I have a situation where a friend has a child (young adult under 30) that has been depressed and battling it for 10 years. My friend is not open to alternative remedies, but her child is - to a degree. He has been in and out of 'treatment' for depression (at facilities) a few times over the years and always tries to eat healthy, stopped drinking, etc. And still battles with it - he doesn't want to do drugs, and wants to live more simply, with less chaos in his life, but it seems his parents don't agree with that method - (no meds). He is stressed by this as well but would never say so to them. So what my question or need is - do I tell him about these wonderful remedies and offer my personal advice on his situation to him - and risk his parents friendship - or stay out of it. (I have experience with depression in a relative who committed suicide - we didn't know he was depressed until it was too late. ) I was forbidden to tell this friends son about my relative, by his parents.
If those of you who suffered with this depression for years - would let me know - if someone had the sort of info that is offered here and knew it would help you - would you want them to tell you about it - or stay out of it? I am not suffering from depression so I can't know what people who do feel about those who give them advice or tell them what to do - I don't want to be simply 'heard out' and not have it be of benefit because it was unsolicited or unwanted advice.
Let me know how you would want someone in my situation to proceed if you were the one who I wanted to tell about this. I am desparate to know - I feel like time could be short for him - and I want to help this family so much.
Thanks in advance for any help. I'll check back for posts in response to this. I'd also like to hear follow ups on those who have been taking ACV for depression for long periods of time and how it has been going. God bless!
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
10/19/2011
Hi Seekthetruth - It's unfortunate that your friends don't believe in alternative medicine for their son's depression (especially since the conventional methods don't seem to be working for him). However, since he is an adult (you mentioned he was an adult male, under 30), he can decide for himself. By all means, share whatever you can with him. If his parents forbid you to do this, then they don't value your friendship. Their son's health is more important especially since you feel time is running out.
My sister-in-law has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals, had counselling, threatened suicide, took every medication ever made for depression (and endured the serious side effects) for years (she is in her 60s now). What has made a huge difference was cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and a change in her diet. She lived on processed food, artificial sweeteners (didn't want to gain weight) and a host of quick and easy meals that you just pop in the microwave (another evil - microwaved food).
Taking responsibility for what she put in her mouth was a huge challenge (and still is) but as long as she stayed away from junk, ate healthy, nutritious food (as in home cooked and not that frozen stuff with a million additives), NO sweeteners (even natural ones), took fish oil, Vitamin D, Vitamin B Complex (with extra Vitamin B12 - Connie is so right about Vitamin B12), drank enough water, exercised moderately, her depression lessened and her coping skills grew. She was able to be weaned off her pills by her doctor, with help from the cognitive behaviour therapist.
She also went to amazon.com and typed in depression in the search field. She then went through the list of books and read the customer reviews. This is important feedback. When she found a book (tape, whatever) that had overwhelmingly good reviews, she got it from the library (she's on a limited budget). This reinforces for her that she's on the right track. When she cheats and doesn't eat properly, becomes dehydrated and just sits in front of the TV (another depressive - especially the news), she starts sliding back into a depression. It isn't easy for her - she really has to work at it but the outcome is worth it.
A Web site that may give you "ammunition" for a nutrition-based lifestyle for someone who is depressed is www.mercola.com search for antidepressants and you will find many articles on how NOT to get on them in the first place and, if you already on them, how to get off of them. Also of interest are the comments from people who read the article. They have a lot to offer - many of them have suffered from depression.
The young man has a chance when someone like you guides him in the right direction. His desire to "live simply, without the chaos" may help him make that decision. Good luck.
(Melbourne, Australia)
10/20/2011
Seekthetruth, from reading about Earthing, maybe your friend's child could go outside and walk barefoot on the grass. There is science that goes along with this that it has a lot of healthy effects. Youtube has a lot of info on the benefits for the body.
Also vitamin D is good for getting endorphins and also for health, so sitting outside in the sun is very beneficial.
Apple Cider Vinegar
★☆☆☆☆
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★☆
hips was a 40 now they are a 39
leg was a 24 1/2 now they are a 24
waist was a 34 1/2 now they are a 34
I'm still eatting the same food and excerise only thing changes is that I found out about ACV
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★