Mayo Clinic on Alternatives for Major Depression

To my surprise, The Mayo Clinic is advising alternative treatments for major depression.  I list their suggestions below:

St. John’s wort – an herb supplement; one site suggested 300 mg per day for mild or moderate depression.

SAMe. (pronounced “sammy”) – a synthetic supplement (not natural); not approved in the U.S., but in Europe.

Omega-3 fatty acids – from food or supplements.

The Mayo Clinic reminds us that supplements are monitored by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) just as medicines are monitored. 

Dr. Oz on Valerian Root for Anxiety

On yesterday’s episode, February 25, 2009, of the Dr. Oz Show, per Gluten Free Carla’s Blog, Dr. Oz stated that Valerian Root works on the brain and is good for anxiety.

Has anyone tried this?  Please let us all know if you have.  If you’re about to try it, please bookmark this page and come back and give us an update!

Fatty Acid Reduces Risk of Progression of Psychiotic Disorder and Prevention in Young

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Published in “General Psychiatry” by the American Medial Association

February 2, 2010

G. Paul Amminger, MD; Miriam R. Schäfer, MD; Konstantinos Papageorgiou, MD; Claudia M. Klier, MD; Sue M. Cotton, PhD; Susan M. Harrigan, MSc; Andrew Mackinnon, PhD; Patrick D. McGorry, MD, PhD; Gregor E. Berger, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67(2):146-154.

Context  The use of antipsychotic medication for the prevention of psychotic disorders is controversial. Long-chain -3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be beneficial in a range of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia. Given that -3 PUFAs are generally beneficial to health and without clinically relevant adverse effects, their preventive use in psychosis merits investigation.

Antidepressants & Psychiatric Drug Side Effects Search Engine

Want to know the side effects of these drugs: antidpressants, anti-psychotics, psychostimulants (ADHD drugs and the like), and more?  Why shoud I tell you about the side effects of psychiatric drugs when experts can tell you this in the brand new, first ever, searchable database.  Check it out!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDdA7WPgeDM or visit
Psychiatric Drug Side Effects Search Engine

Niacin, the Mental Health Alternative

Dr. Abram Hoffer talks about niacin as an alternative to psychiatric medication and  statins (cholesterol medication).

So if you are fed up with the side effects from your drugs and are seeking an alternative to antidepressants, antipsychotics or statins work with the healing professional of your choice and try niacin. In my research I have found that it helps depression, anxiety, lowers cholesterol levels and more.

Please note that in the video when Dr. Hoffer refers to “Bill W.” he is referring to Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

All information posted in this writing is the opinion of the author and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical advice. Only a licensed medical doctor can legally offer medical advice in the United States. Consult the healer of your choice for medical care and advice.

Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition – North America

As we enter the Obama era today, NutraIngredients-USA.com examines the likely effects of the much-awaited Congressional shift on the functional foods and dietary supplements industries. According to industry veteran Loren Israelsen, the road ahead could be less than positive – especially for supplements. Despite a very severe financial crisis and economic recession, there is a palpable sense of hopefulness that he will re-establish America as a global partner that listens, cooperates and understands the role of government to act as a protector and conservator of natural resources, and as a sensible regulator that protects consumers’ interests while not stifling business growth and opportunity.

Acai Berry for Depression – Alternative to Antidepressants

Acai,  a berry found on one of 7 species of the palm, and as seen on Oprah, Rachael Ray and Fox News as what is known as a superfood.

Acai provides such benefits as: 

·     Boosts energy levels

·     Improves digestive function

·     Improves mental clarity/focus

·     Promotes sound sleep

·     Provides all vital vitamins

·     Contains several important minerals…

St John’s Wort Plant as Effective as Prozac for Treating Depression, say Scientists

My regular readers know I think all Prozac should be destroyed.  The article below states that St. John’s Wort is just as effective as Prozac, I would like to change it to a safer treatment for depression, as Prozac is far from safe.

“It has long been a happy alternative for those reluctant to pop pills for depression.

But the herbal extract St John’s Wort now has more than just cheerful converts to testify to its mood-lifting powers.

In what is billed as the most thorough study of the plant, scientists have found it is just as effective as Prozac at treating depression.

Rhodiola Rosea – Natural Alternative to Antidepressants

Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot) is a plant in the Crassulaceae family that grows in cold regions of the world.

Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root)

Uses of Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea may be effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Pilot studies on human subjects showed that it improves physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and minimizes high-altitude sickness.

Rhodiola is included among a class of plant derivatives called adaptogens which differ from chemical stimulants, such as nicotine, and do not have the same physiological effects.

In Russia and Scandinavia, Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful life. Such effects were provided evidence in laboratory models of stress using the nematode, C. elegans, and in rats in which Rhodiola effectively prevented stress-induced changes in appetite, physical activity, weight gain and the estrus cycle.

ADD, ADHD or N.D.D. (Nutritional Deficit Disorder)?

I was watching a television program this morning and there was a specialist who stated that if you think your child has ADD, perhaps they really have N.D.D.  He says it is his own term which stands for Nutritional Deficit Disorder.

There were three ingredients he mentioned to watch out for on all food labels that would help your child’s health.