Health Care

by Rachel Broune

According to recent research by researchers, most treatments for depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy, diet and antidepressants aren't enough. The only lasting solution is the oldest of all - a supportive relationship.

Antidepressants were hailed in the 80s and 90s as the cure-all for this rapidly growing problem, particularly after the best-selling book Listening to Prozac. To make matters worse, researchers have now discovered that the real culprit in depression is probably not just insufficient levels of serotonin in the brain, which the antidepressants target, but a surfeit of the stress-related hormone, cortisol. We now also know that the brains of depressed people are not only out of balance chemically, they also tend to have a smaller hippocampus, which controls emotions and memory, and a less active frontal cortex.

Natural remedies for depression, which have the advantages of fewer side effects, aren't the answer for everyone either. St John's Wort is only suggested for mild depression, and many other supplements and foods can only help at best, not heal. In a calm, supportive, safe environment, the depressed person has a chance to heal, and to learn new cognitive patterns. But here's the catch: the depressed adult will have sought out or recreated in their life many of the abusive or traumatic elements of childhood. This again is not their fault, or even the result of conscious decisions.

Psychotherapy - Depression may indicate that something isn't right with our relationships, our lifestyle or even our perceptions of ourselves. Consulting with a mental health practitioner can help sort things out in a caring setting. Studies indicate that those taking medication and participating in psychotherapy do better than those that rely only on drugs. Exercise - Scientists have extensively studied the role of exercise in decreasing depressive symptoms. Aerobic and anaerobic exercises have both been found effective in combating depression. Walking, jogging, tennis, weightlifting, etc. are all great ways of counteracting the lethargy and helplessness of depression. Diet - Eating a diet balanced in protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids is important to maintaining healthy brain function. Socialize - Depressed people tend to isolate themselves. This reinforces feelings of hopelessness. A good antidote is to get out and socialize with people you trust. Support Groups - Being in a group helps people to verbalize their emotions, feel connected to others, and give one a new perspective. Sometimes just joining a club or civic organization is sufficient. See a Physician or Naturopath - Depression may be caused by physical illness. If you feel depressed it is important to seek assistance from a physician or holistic medical practitioner.

About the Author
Rachel Broune writes articles for depression. He also writes for anxiety and phobias.

by: Jonathan Higgins

Are you severely or mildly depressed and wondering about acupuncture and depression? According to research and case studies, acupuncture is effective in treating depression. But, did you know that there is a way to treat the depression without the needles? More on that later.

It appears that the most effective treatment for depression is medication. After all it works. I've used medication for both depression and anxiety and have had phenomenal success in both cases. However, I prefer to use natural remedies whenever possible because medications do have side effects and also introduce toxic elements into the body.

So what about acupuncture and depression? The good news is there is some scientific research that supports the effectiveness of acupuncture in decreasing the severity of depression in patients. Remember that medical research doesn't really 'prove' anything, it just supports claims. It is really hard to conclusively prove claims.

Anyway, this study was conducted by the National Institute of Health in 1998. I will not bore you with the design of the study. You can look up the study and read that for yourself. I'll just share the results it found on acupuncture and depression. In this controlled experiment, all the participants that received acupuncture for depression collectively experienced a 43% reduction in their depression symptoms, which was 21% greater than the dummy control group. This suggests that the acupuncture did something for the depression symptoms.

Theory on acupuncture and depression is this. Acupuncture states that there are energy pathways in the body called meridians. Various illnesses occur when these meridians become blocked. The acupuncturist attempts to unblock the clogged up meridians by inserting needles into certain points along these meridians. When the energy is allowed to flow again, the symptoms of the illness subside. And so it is with acupuncture and depression.

If you don't like needles but are interested in the possibilities of acupuncture and depression, there is a form of acupressure that has been found to be equally successful. No needles here. It merely involves correctly tapping certain points on special meridians with your finger tips. The best thing about this approach is you can do it yourself. You don't need to pay a professional to do it for you. Although, that option does exist.

In any event, there is a lot of promise for acupuncture and depression. With the help of a qualified psychologist you can get your symptoms under control.

About the Author:

Rich has put together several informative tips on acupuncture and health in the form of an email newsletter. Sign up at acupuncturetips@aweber.com. Be sure to visit Acupuncture Points.

by: Peter Rapport

Are you gaining weight unexpectedly? Are you not losing weight when you're doing everything right? What if you have hypothyroidism and you don't know it? When your thyroid is working against you, looking and feeling better is like trying to exercise with no energy.

As many as 25 million Americans have hypothyroidism. About half of them have no idea that they do. Millions more suffer this condition around the world. Hypothyroidism is the medical name for when your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.

The thyroid gland controls your entire body's metabolism. That means that your weight, you're hair, your skin, your sex drive, all sorts of things that go on in your body depend on your thyroid to work right.

When your metabolism doesn't work right because you have hypothyroidism, you may find that there's no amount of dieting or exercise that takes the weight off. You may actually gain extra weight, even though you're doing just what you're supposed to.

Your doctor may not recognize that you have hypothyroidism, because it causes such an incredible variety of symptoms that aren't obviously connected. Even blood tests don't always show this condition. People may blame you for what's not your fault.

If you have hypothyroidism, you can start taking control yourself. Hypothyroidism doesn't just lead to weight problems. It can cause anything from depression, headaches, and lack of concentration and memory problems to rough, dry hair and even hair loss.

As well as diarrhoea and loss of appetite to infertility, irregular menstrual periods and loss of interest in sex. and that's not a complete list. Because there are so many kinds of symptoms, and because not all of them appear in everyone, doctors often don't diagnose hypothyroidism.

They may treat you for a problem you don't have. They may even just send you home and tell you to take better care of yourself.

Prescription medications for hypothyroidism have caused many different side effects, including allergic reactions, vomiting, chest pains, headaches, diarrhoea, insomnia, cramps and fevers.

The possible causes of hypothyroidism can include exposure to unnatural toxins in our environment including chemicals, radiation, drugs, pesticides and excessive consumption of saturated fats.

It's especially important that products to treat this are all natural and contain only natural ingredients that have not been found to cause any side effects. That contain Ingredients to help you get your thyroid back in balance and treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Once hypothyroidism starts, it never goes away. Neither do the symptoms if they're left alone. If you don't treat them; they just get worse and worse. You can't beat an under active thyroid with just will power and it won't get better if you just ignore it.

If you have the symptoms of hypothyroidism and they tell you to just take care of yourself, then do it! Act now to work towards looking better and feeling better.

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For more information on THYROMINE FOR YOUR THYROID HEALTH and to subscribe for "Free Health News," Discounts and Savings. Peter Rapport writes on a variety of subjects for http://www.behealthee.com for Your Natural Health Source. The Specialists In Herbal Products To Help You In Different Areas Of Your Life.

source:searchwarp.com