Natural Depression Therapies

  Due to the wide range of medical issues, it is not prudent to suggest that everyone with depression follow the same plan or protocol. A summary of approaches that have research support are included here. Please consult with a professional to determine which methods are most appropriate for your situation.

Treatment related to these issues may relieve the depression. For example, treating a thyroid problem can result in a decrease in depressive symptoms, if there was a connection between the two disorders.

Diet 

Jonathan Brostoff, MD, author of Food Allergies and Food Intolerances, reports that anxiety and depression are two of the mental symptoms most commonly affected by food.

General recommendations include:

·         Avoid caffeine

·         Adopt a low sugar, low refined carbohydrate diet

·         Eat frequent nutritious snacks, with protein

·         Use an anti-Candida diet if Candida is a factor

·         Avoid of food to which you are allergic or sensitive.

Elimination diets, use of provocation-neutralization therapy, and enzyme potentiated desensitization (in Europe) are methods sometimes use to treat food allergy. Newer energy medicine techniques, such as NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques) are growing in popularity but have not been researched.

Exercise and relaxation 

Numerous studies have shown that exercise is an effective for   preventing and decreasing depression. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and breathing exercises are reported to be helpful. Approaches such as this should be part of a comprehensive plan to address depression.

Detoxification

Detoxification in the body can occur at many levels. Depression can be caused by an excess of heavy metals, from lead to many less well known contaminants. Metal levels can be determined through laboratory testing, consult a professional who is experienced in detoxification methods. Recommended reading Chelation Therapy and other Natural Approaches.

Nutritional and herbal supplements 

Dr. William Walsh is director of the Health Research Institute, outside Chicago. His institute has studied biochemical laboratory testing for more than 3,000 people with depression and suggests there are five distinct subgroups. 

Please see Dr. Walsh’s article for an explanation of these subgroups and recommendations for treatment with nutritional therapy:

	High Histamine (under-methylated)
	Low Histamine (over-methylated)
	Pyroluria
	High Copper (Hypercupremia—most common in females)
	Toxic Overload

 

DHEA

In recent research, DHEA was successful in reducing depression symptoms in about 50% of participants. DHEA is a steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands, and is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. 

DHEA supplements are available over the counter. A vegetarian form, from wild yams, is produced by Natrol. DHEA production dwindles with age, beginning in early adulthood. Look for certified sources. Long term us of DHEA has not been evaluated. It has not been recommended for severe depression. It is suggested that the treatment be considered for those who do not respond to other therapies or who are reluctant to take standard antidepressants.



Vitamins

B-Vitamins

B-vitamins, particularly B6 and folic acid, support the stress hormones. Some doctors recommend a B complex with additional B6 and folate or folic acid (B9) for depression. Those with depression tend to have lowered serum folate levels. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is helps convert L-tryptophan to serotonin, and L-tyrosine to norepinephrine.

A B12 deficiency can also be involved in depression. Choline is also beneficial for some, depending on the biochemical makeup of their depressive disorder.

Vitamin C
This popular antioxidant plays a key role in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and may be useful as a nutritional supplement for depression.

Magnesium is a mood stabilizer, and plasma magnesium levels have been found to be lower in depressed individuals than control subjects. Administration of intravenous magnesium helped relieve depression, as well as pain.

Amino acids

As concerns over the side effects of antidepressants increases, interest in amino acids has also been sparked. Certain amino acids are particularly effective in treating depression because of their role as precursors to neurotransmitters.
 

	L-Tyrosine is the precursor to norepinephrine, and research supports its    use in patients who failed to respond to other treatments.
	D- and L-Phenylalanine  Phenylalanine is converted in the body to L-tyrosine, and studies have linked it to possible use as an antidepressant. Research is needed to understand its potential more fully.
	L-Tryptophan was one of the first successful nutritional supplements for depression, but it was banned when a bad batch was imported. The      problem was traced to faulty manufacturing, but tryptophan is no longer       as easy to obtain as it once was. In its place, 5HTP is often supplemented.
	5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is often used in place of tryptophan, and is a relatively inexpensive treatment that benefits some types of depression.
	SAM-e (S-adenosyl-methionine) has received major attention in the past   decade as a potential remedy for depression. As with all these treatments it can be a valuable help for some, but not everyone.

Essential fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) appear to be helpful for a variety of chronic illnesses, including depression. The exact mechanism involved is not yet known. Achieving a balance among fatty acids in the body is part of the goal of nutritional therapy. However, experts do not yet agree on the ideal balance. Many people have an excess of omega-6 fatty acids due to the prevalence of this item in certain processed foods. High quality omega-6 is healthful, and some people do not need the omega-3s, instead they need omega 6 or other oils. It is recommended that you consult a nutritional specialist before embarking on treatment with essential fatty acids. Evening primrose oil, borage oil, flax seed, and fish oils, and walnuts are good sources of different types of EFAs.

Herbs

St. John's wort has long been used for treating mild depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder. Research supports its use for medium depression as well. While some studies have had conflicting results, the overall picture is positive. This herb should not be taken with certain antidepressant medications, anti-retroviral medications, and a number of other drugs. You should inform your physician if you are taking, or intend to take, St John’s wort. It can also cause sun sensitivity.  

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) extract is sometimes used for patients who are resistant to standard therapies, particularly among the elderly.

Several other herbs may be recommended, with less scientific backing. Herbal therapies are better documented for anxiety than for depression at this time.
 

Copyright ©2007 Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy. All Rights Reserved.

Latitudes is a quarterly online publication of the Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy (ACN). Every issue has information on non-toxic approaches to autism, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety, Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Subscription: $40. To order online click here. Or, fax address and credit card information to (561) 798-9820; checks can be made payable to ACN and sent to Latitudes Subscriptions, P.O. Box 2198, Broken Arrow, OK 74013.

---