First things first!
Whenever I get asked about depression by a client the 1st question I have for them is what is your vitamin D level. Many times their doctors never run a test unless asked. If you are under 50 ng/ml you are deficient plain and simple!
The second question I have for them is how many times a week do they engage in fresh air & sunshine? How often are they exercising? Third question how much of your diet has processed foods in it, like boxed food, unhealthy oils, sugars or artificial sweeteners?
Here is why that is so important! Because of the brain-gut connection.
http://kellybroganmd.com/from-gut-to-brain-the-inflammation-connection/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/11/12/mental-health-gut-flora.aspx?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=facebookmercola_ranart&utm_campaign=20170610_mental-health-gut-flora
All of this greatly affects your mood. Here are some stats from Chris Kresser!
The most widely prescribed drugs in the U.S. are not for pain management, cholesterol-lowering, heartburn or hypertension.
They’re for depression.
Last year doctors wrote $232.7 million prescriptions for antidepressants. That’s an increase of 25 million prescriptions since 2003 and translates into an estimated 30 million patients in the United States who spent $12 billion on antidepressants in 2007.
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STUDIES!!! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505564/

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With numbers like these, a person might make these assumptions:
- Antidepressants are effective treatments for depression
- There are few, if any, effective alternatives to antidepressants
As reasonable as these assumptions would be based on the popularity of antidepressants, they are both wrong.
For the rest of Chris Kresser’s read click in this link below.
https://chriskresser.com/treating-depression-without-drugs-part-i/
For more tips on treating depression naturally, let’s look too dr. Axe!
https://draxe.com/natural-remedies-depression/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786
Why D is so important!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/22/dr-holick-vitamin-d-benefits.aspx
http://kellybroganmd.com/science-suggests-that-turmeric-benefits-depression/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25046624
Mighty Magnesium!
http://realfarmacy.com/magnesium-depression/
https://bebrainfit.com/magnesium-anxiety-stress/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23950577
http://kellybroganmd.com/magnesium-most-important-female-supplement/
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MTHFR MUTATIONS & DEPRESSION (info provided by Melissa McHugh-Garcia)
L-methylfolate is increasingly acknowledged as an effective complementary treatment for major depressive disorder, especially when used alongside traditional antidepressants. It helps improve symptoms in patients who may not respond adequately to standard treatments.
L-methylfolate is the active form of folate (Vitamin B9) that plays a crucial role in mental health, particularly in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It is recognized for its ability to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications, especially in patients who do not respond well to traditional treatments.
Benefits of L-Methylfolate
Role in Depression Treatment
- Adjunctive Therapy: L-methylfolate is often used alongside antidepressants to improve treatment outcomes.
- Improvement in Symptoms: Studies show that patients taking L-methylfolate report better symptom relief and satisfaction with their medication.
- Folate Deficiency: Low folate levels can worsen depression, making supplementation important for those with deficiencies.
Genetic Considerations
- MTHFR Mutations: Some individuals have genetic mutations that impair the conversion of folate to its active form. Testing for these mutations can help identify patients who may benefit from L-methylfolate supplementation.
Dosage and Administration
- Available Dosages: L-methylfolate is typically available in dosages of 7.5 mg and 15 mg.
- Daily Use: It is usually prescribed to be taken once daily, and setting a reminder can help ensure consistent use.
Safety and Precautions
- General Safety: L-methylfolate is considered safe for most individuals, including pregnant women, but it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
- Monitoring: Patients should be monitored for any adverse effects, especially when starting or adjusting dosages.
L-methylfolate is gaining recognition as a valuable tool in managing depression, particularly for those who struggle with traditional treatments.
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https://www.thecut.com/2017/05/chamomile-tea-benefits-reduce-anxiety.html
Note number 7 here:
https://draxe.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom/
Keto diet:
https://draxe.com/hub/keto-diet/ketogenic-diet-treat-depression-anxiety-schizophrenia/?rs_oid_rd=506372349383264&utm_campaign=20180428_newsletter_curated_week17_hlg_keto360&utm_medium=email&utm_source=promo+blast
Gut health & why it is SO important: ***************************************
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/03/gut-and-brain-connection.aspx?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=facebookmercola_ranart&utm_campaign=20181213_gut-and-brain-connection&fbclid=IwAR0OXcZzfiGPZQwHB8VhEBgIdoqOD9mxvxc4t-LtvgPjDnRMtG-3nkdMtNU
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201501/diet-depression-and-the-microbiome
BUDWIG PROTOCOL (NOT JUST FOR CANCER!) BUT DEPRESSION AS WELL!!
https://cancerdoctor.com/article/budwig-protocol-depression-anxiety/
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Meditation:
Exercise:
Pregnancy:
https://avivaromm.com/depression-in-pregnancy/
L-L-theanine:
https://www.thesleepdoctor.com/2017/07/11/understanding-l-theanine-sleep-better-night-feel-relaxed-alert-day/
Curcumin:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21928724
https://kellybroganmd.com/move-over-prozac-how-turmeric-helps-with-depression/
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/6/a-new-way-to-manage-depression-without-drugs
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28236605
Natural Alternative with EXCELLENT results beating PROZAC & less side effects
https://examine.com/supplements/5-htp/
https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/5htp-5hydroxytryptophan-prozac-ssris/ ***
Researchers Reveal Antidepressants Have Side Effects (That No One Talks About)
Budwig diet:
https://selfhacked.com/blog/59-proven-scientific-benefits-ashwagandha-references/
Ashwagandha & cancer:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899165/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3675906/
http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/13/7/2298
When wanting to get off of a prescription drug, always ask the prescribing doctor to help you with this. This is how Dr. Andrew Saul sometimes advises for severe depression.
Kefir:
CREATINE & DEPRESSION/ANXIETY: June 3rd, 2024
Video:
MTHFR & B1 deficiency: 1:45 min mark – 1:55
13:05 – 13:22 Vaccines & B1: video below
For falling to sleep faster or anxiety:
You have to love dr. Kelly Brogan
https://www.naturalnews.com/054150_antidepressants_serotonin_levels_side_effects.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com&fbclid=IwAR1O34wwQDVAKNnhFJp3lakk_uUxiL19_C6ViTKh6FCCiGp_RpendQP3zxM
EFT: What it is, and how to do it yourself for free!!
PANIC ATTACKS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KDEkCWenDU
Also: ashwagandha is great for balancing your thyroid:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/25624699/
https://www.greenhealingnow.com/2015/01/27/5-ways-ashwagandha-improves-energy-and-supports-health/
Tourette’s syndrome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3M4qzxXicA
Bipolar:
https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2014/06/26/Ashwagandha-root-and-leaf-extract-shows-cognitive-benefits-for-people-with-bipolar-disorder
As well as NIR infrared light therapy:
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PTSD:
As of December 2014:
PTSD Found to be Significantly Improved With LDN. A recently published report from Germany details important success in the use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) for treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The illness involves prolonged severe anxiety following a painful ordeal and is associated with repeated re-experiencing of such events as well as general avoidance along with gloomy thoughts and feelings. This problem has affected large numbers of troops returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. An abstract of the published paper can be found here.
[Editor’s Note: Because there has been no specific pharmacotherapy available for PTSD, treatment has focused on psychotherapeutic approaches, and this, in turn, has been hampered by the lack of availability of qualified therapists—which makes this report on the effectiveness of LDN, a simple medication, all the more exciting.] SOURCE: https://lowdosenaltrexone.org/ldn_latest_news.html
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