Central Nervous system

What are the different remedies for Depression? – Part 3

What is Depression?
• Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders.
• It may be manifested in feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection.
• Depression is a very unpleasant malady.
• The mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

Depression Symptoms
• Acute sense of loss
• Inexplicable sadness
• Loss of energy
• Lack of interest
• Loss of appetite
• Giddiness
• Itching
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Impotence or frigidity
• Constipation
• Aches and pains all over the body
• Lack of concentration
• Indecisiveness
• Low body temperature
• Low blood pressure
• Hot flushes
• Shivering

Causes of Depression
• Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension.
• Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs.

Diet for Depression

- Exclude tea and other strong condiments.

- Take three meals a day.
• The diet should be restricted to three meals.
• Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast.
• Take it along with milk and a handful of nuts or seeds.

- Lunch
Steamed vegetables, whole wheat tortilla and a glass of buttermilk

- Dinner
Green vegetable salad and all the available sprouts like alfalfa seeds, green gram beans and cottage cheese, or a glass of buttermilk would be ideal.

- Reduce the intake of sweets
• The intake of sweets boosts sugar levels but worsen the moods later.

- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Caffeine and alcohol both dampen mood.
• Alcohol temporarily relaxes us and caffeine boosts energy.
• Their effects are short-lived.
• Both can worsen mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

- Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B6 is needed to produce the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
• Deficiency of vitamin B6 is rare.
• A borderline deficiency may occur in people taking oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and drugs for tuberculosis.

- Magnesium
• Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets.
• Like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed for serotonin production.
• Stress depletes magnesium.

- Good sources of magnesium are
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Green vegetables

Exercise
• Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mood.
• Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, releases mood-elevating chemicals in the brain.
• They can decrease stress hormones.
• Going for a brisk walk outside each morning for at least 30 minutes and for five days a week is very good to beat the stress.
• Choose something to enjoy.
• Going to the gym, signing up for dance classes, playing tennis, or gardening are some of the activities of recreation to beat the stress.

Light Therapy
• Getting enough sunlight has been shown to be effective for seasonal mood changes.
• These happen in the darker winter months.
• Exposure to light in the morning helps the body’s sleep/wake cycle work properly.
• Production of serotonin, a brain chemical that keys to influencing the mood, is turned on in the morning upon exposure to light.
• During the winter when there is less sunlight, serotonin levels can drop.
• These low levels make us feel tired and prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
• Increase the exposure to light by walking outdoors in the morning.
• Use special lights that simulate natural daylight.

Relaxation and Meditation
• The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation.
• These techniques go a long way in curing depression.
• One must gain control over his nervous system.
• One must channelize both mental and emotional energies into restful activities.
• This can be achieved by ensuring sufficient rest and sleep.
• Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system.
• This will enable the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance.

Other Natural Remedies
• Aroma therapy: Certain aromas can lift up the spirits and lighten the moods.
• Yoga: Regular practice of yoga postures that improve blood circulation to brain and other parts of body are very beneficial in treating depression.
• Acupuncture

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What are the different remedies for Depression? – Part 2

What is Depression?
• Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders.
• It may be manifested in feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection.
• Depression is a very unpleasant malady.
• The mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

Depression Symptoms
• Acute sense of loss
• Inexplicable sadness
• Loss of energy
• Lack of interest
• Loss of appetite
• Giddiness
• Itching
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Impotence or frigidity
• Constipation
• Aches and pains all over the body
• Lack of concentration
• Indecisiveness
• Low body temperature
• Low blood pressure
• Hot flushes
• Shivering

Causes of Depression
• Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension.
• Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs.

Natural Remedies for Depression

5. SAM-e
• SAM-e is short for S-adenosyl-L-methionine.
• It’s a chemical that is found naturally in the human body.
• It is believed to increase levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
• Several studies have found SAM-e is more effective than placebo.
• It should be enteric-coated for maximum absorption.
• It is a popular remedy for depression and osteoarthritis.
• Side effects can include nausea and constipation.

6. Folic Acid
• Folic acid is also called foliate, a B vitamin.
• It is often deficient in people who are depressed.
• It’s one of the most common vitamin deficiencies.
• Various medications such as aspirin and birth control pills can also lead to deficiency.
• Besides food, folic acid is also available as a supplement.
• It is also available as a part of a B-complex vitamin.
• Taking folic acid in supplement form can improve the effectiveness of antidepressants.

Foliate is found in:
• Green leafy vegetables
• Other vegetables
• Fruits
• Beans
• Fortified grains

7. Depression treatment using Apple
The various chemical substances present in apple are
• vitamin B
• phosphorus
• potassium
o Apple is one of the most valuable remedies for mental depression.
o These chemicals help in the synthesis of glutamic acid.
o This acid controls the wear and tear of nerve cells.
o The fruit should be taken with milk and honey.
o This remedy will act as a very effective nerve tonic.
o It will recharge the nerves with new energy and life.

8. Depression treatment using Cashew nut
• The cashew nut is a valuable remedy for general depression and nervous weakness.
• It is rich in vitamins of the B group.
• Thiamine is useful in stimulating the appetite and also the nervous system.
• It is also rich in riboflavin.
• Riboflavin keeps the body active, cheerful, and energetic.

9. Depression treatment using Asparagus
• The root of asparagus has been found beneficial in treating depression.
• It is highly nutritious.
• It is used as an herbal medicine for mental disorders.
• It is a good tonic for the brain and nerves.
• Take one or two grams of the powder of the dry root of asparagus.
• Take it once daily.

10. Depression treatment using Cardamom
• The use of cardamom has proved valuable in depression.
• Powdered seeds should be boiled in water.
• Prepare tea using this water.
• A very pleasing aroma is added to the tea.
• This can be used as a medicine in treating this condition.

11. Depression treatment using Lemon Balm
• The herb lemon balm has been used successfully in treating mental depression.
• It alleviates brain fatigue and lifts the heart from depression.
• A cold infusion of the balm that is taken freely is proved to be excellent.
• It helps in calming influence on the nerves.
• About thirty grams of the herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water.
• Allow it to stand for twelve hours.
• The infusion should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.

12. Depression treatment using Rose
• An infusion of rose petals can be prepared by mixing 15 gm of rose petals in 250 ml of boiling water.
• Instead of the usual tea and coffee, drinking this infusion is beneficial during this condition.
• This will help in overcoming depression.