Tuesday, February 5, 2013

What type of vitamin and mineral deficiencies lead to depression?***?

Q. I've had mild depression for a long long long time...(maybe 10 years). I'm just wondering if perhaps certain deficiencies lead to depression and if there is a way I can be tested for deficiencies. For example, I know a lack of vitamin B can have effect on mood. How do they test vitamin b levels?
And what about hormonal imbalances? Can that lead to depression as well?

A. Deficiencies in the following vitamins and minerals can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain that can cause symptoms of depression -

- B Vitamins (e.g. B1, B6, B12, B9)
- Vitamin D
- Selenium

Clinical research shows that a diet and lifestyle contributing to low levels of these vitamins and minerals may contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue. Unfortunately, many adults do not receive the optimal amount of these vital nutrients.

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to signs and symptoms of depression as well. According to allaboutdepression.com, "The hypothalamus also controls the function of the pituitary gland which in turn regulates key hormones. Other structures within the limbic system that are associated with emotional reaction are the amygdala and hippocampus. The activities of the limbic are so important and complex that disturbances in any part of it, including how neurotransmitters function, could affect your mood and behavior."


what type of vitamin and mineral deficiencies lead to depression?
Q. I've had mild depression for a long long long time...(maybe 10 years). I'm just wondering if perhaps certain deficiencies lead to depression and if there is a way I can be tested for deficiencies. For example, I know a lack of vitamin B can have effect on mood. How do they test vitamin b levels?
And what about hormonal imbalances? Can that lead to depression as well?

A. Deficiencies in the following vitamins and minerals can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain that can cause symptoms of depression -

- B Vitamins (e.g. B1, B6, B12, B9)
- Vitamin D
- Selenium

Clinical research shows that a diet and lifestyle contributing to low levels of these vitamins and minerals may contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue. Unfortunately, many adults do not receive the optimal amount of these vital nutrients.

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to signs and symptoms of depression as well. According to allaboutdepression.com, "The hypothalamus also controls the function of the pituitary gland which in turn regulates key hormones. Other structures within the limbic system that are associated with emotional reaction are the amygdala and hippocampus. The activities of the limbic are so important and complex that disturbances in any part of it, including how neurotransmitters function, could affect your mood and behavior."


What vitamins can I take for fatigue?
Q. I have had symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome for 3 months now. I am very fatigued after any form of exertion. After a good nights sleep, I don't feel my body is refreshed. Are there any vitamins I can take that can give me any sort of energy?

A. Here's what I have for you regarding chronic fatigue"

Possible causes of chronic fatigue:

* Environmental Toxins

If you can't find another source of fatigue, you may be suffering from exposure to indoor pollutants. The usual culprits...

- Benzene - Found in linoleum and degreasers

- Formaldehyde - Found in carpets and drapes

- Lead - Found in tap water and house paint

- Nitrogen Dioxide - Released by kerosene heaters, gas stoves and furnaces

- Mercury - Found in dental fillings and some house paints

- Trichloroethylene - Used in dry-cleaning. Have your home tested for environmental toxins.

Consider having your doctor test your blood and hair. If traces of toxins are found, add the following to your diet; Selenium, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Garlic and Sodium Alginate. They help rid the body of toxic metals. Cilantro and Chlorella also are very effective at removing heavy metals.

Sugar

In many cases, fatigue is the result of eating too much sugar. Sugar and refined carbohydrates make your blood sugar rise. This signals the pancreas to produce insulin. Too much insulin leads to "hypoglycemia" (low blood sugar), which causes extreme fatigue.

Nutritional Approaches

Although there is no known cure for CFS, certain nutrients in foods may help. Doctors stress the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Start with ample starches - Fruits and vegetables help to provide the carbohydrates the body needs for energy. They also supply the vitamins needed to resist infection.

Avoid alcohol - It lowers immunity, so should be avoided, and caffeinated drinks should be used in moderation to minimize sleep problems.

Eat to strengthen your immune system - Foods rich in zinc, such as seafood( especially oysters), meats, poultry, eggs, milk, beans, nuts, and whole grains, as well as foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, melons, kiwis, broccoli, and cauliflower, may help keep the immune system working properly. A sound immune system can help ward off certain viruses, such as flu and colds that may possibly precede the onset of CFS.

Consume more fatty acids - Some of the symptoms of CFS include swollen glands and inflammation of the joints, which may be relieved temporarily by foods rich in essential fatty acids. These include fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, canola oil, wheat germ, and leafy green vegetables.

Take Magnesium - Fully 90-95% of us are deficient in magnesium and fatigue is one of the symptoms associated with magesium deficiency. Magnesium is also associated with the contraction and relaxation of muscles. Getting more of the mineral may help alleviate muscle tenderness in people with CFS. Good food sources include sunflower seeds, avocados, and amaranth.

Supergreen foods, widely available in powder form, couldhelp significantly. I like the Dr. Schulze formula if you can find it.

Blackstrap molasses might be good healthy addition.

To treat hormone-related fatigue, reduce your consumption of alcohol, meat and dairy products. Eat more dietary fiber and less sugar and refined foods. Take supplements of "gamma linolenic acid(GLA). GLA is found in primrose oil, borage oil and black currant seed oil. All are available at health-food stores.

Many people report increased energy when they take plant derived trace minerals, as do people who take a product called OxyGen.

Other helpful supplements include Vitamin B-15 (or Vitamin B complex), L-carnitine, Octacosanol, a wheat germ extract, and ginseng.

Finally, it may be a very good idea to take a comprehensive whole food derived nutritonal product such as intraMAX or Dr. Mercola's Whole Food Multi-Vitamin Plus to insure that you have no deficiencies in any nutrient and get plenty of immune and energy boosting items (intraMAX contains 415 different nutrients).

Good luck!


How long do vitamins take to work?
Q. I'm 18 years old, female, and i have very bad acne and hair thinning ( & hair loss). I also suffer from depression. I started taking more vitamins today to help my hair and skin. What are the best vitamins and how long do they take to show results??

A. Give it a few months to see a difference. That said, if you have an underlying medical condition, your symptoms will persist. Some supplements are not very good with absorption however so check the label (if you live in the US) that is states Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). GMP certification ensures that supplements and vitamins are manufactured safely, with quality and with efficacy. Supplements that absorb more effectively than supplements are sublingual (under the tongue), effervescence tablets or liquids.

Aside from stress and pollution, one of the leading causes of hair loss is vitamin deficiency. Hair loss can also be a symptom of an underlying disease such as thyroid disease or lupus.

Vitamins for hair loss: Biotin (Vitamin-H), Iron, B vitamins, Zinc, Anti-Oxidants - Vitamin A, C and E, Protein, Pantothenic Acid.

The 8 vitamins for hair loss >>>
http://www.hairlosstreatment-s.com/vitamin-and-hair-loss.html

"How To Prevent and Treat Acne:

Eight simple steps will help most overcome their acne problems.

1. Stay away from milk. It is nature�s perfect food�but only if you are a calf.

2. Eat a low glycemic load, low sugar diet. Sugar, liquid calories, and flour products all drive up insulin and cause pimples.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. People who eat more veggies (containing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) have less acne. Make sure you get your 5-9 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.

4. Get more healthy anti-inflammatory fats. Make sure to get omega-3 fats (fish oil) and anti-inflammatory omega-6 fats (evening primrose oil). You will need supplements to get adequate amounts (more on that in a moment).

5. Include foods that correct acne problems. Certain foods have been linked to improvements in many of the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it. These include fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and omega 3-eggs.

6. Take acne-fighting supplements. Some supplements are critical for skin health. Antioxidant levels have been shown to be low in acne sufferers. And healthy fats can make a big difference. Here are the supplements I recommend:

Evening primrose oil: Take 1000 to 1500mg twice a day.
Zinc citrate: Take 30 mg a day.
Vitamin A: Take 25000 IU a day. Only do this for three months. Do not do this if you are pregnant.
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, not alpha tocopherol): Take 400 IU a day.

7. Try probiotics. Probiotics also help reduce inflammation in the gut that may be linked to acne. Taking probiotics (lactobacillus, etc.) can improve acne.

8. Avoid foods you are sensitive to. Delayed food allergies are among the most common causes of acne�foods like gluten, dairy, yeast, and eggs are common culprits and can be a problem if you have a leaky gut.Diet is a big factor for causing acne. Studies now confirm dairy and sugar both can cause acne."

It�s Proven: Sugar and Dairy Cause Acne >>>
http://freshandagelessblog.com/2011/02/16/its-proven-sugar-and-diary-cause-acne/

Depression is from low serotonin levels.

The following factors can cause low serotonin levels:

* Alcohol
* Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
* Caffeine
* Cigarette smoking
* Diabetes
* Dietary deficiencies of nutrient co-factors
* Ecstasy, diet pills, and certain medications
* Genetic predisposition
* Hormone imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, estrogen)
* Hypoglycemia
* Insulin Resistance
* Inflammation
* Infections (eg: lyme's disease)
* Poor diet (also eating disorders)
* Lack of exercise
* Lack of sunlight (lack of vitamin D)
* Problems converting tryptophan to serotonin
* Problems with digestion (low stomach acid is a major issue)
* Stress and anger
* High cortisol levels (stress hormone)

5-htp needs Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C to form Serotonin >>>
http://www.understand-andcure-anxietyattacks-panicattacks-depression.com/5-htp.html





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