Nutritional Deficiencies As A Cause of Depression

It is written in the book "Food & Nutrition" by the Prevention Magazine writers that many nutritional deficiencies have depression as a symptom. However, psychiatrists and other physicians treating depression usually do not test for nutritional deficiencies. Natural mental health care oriented physicians who do consider nutritional deficiencies as a factor in depression suggest that nutritional deficiencies should be a consideration with depression especially if you also have fatigue, muscle weakness or irritability. Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and potassium have been associated with depression. Studies have also suggested that cutting down caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can improve mood in some depressed people.
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Iron Deficiency In Kids Is Associated With ADHD Symptoms

Kathi J. Kemper has written in her book "Mental Health, Naturally" that iron deficiency in school aged children is strongly associated with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a French study it was found that 84% of children diagnosed with ADHD had low iron levels, whereas less than 20% of children without ADHD had low iron levels. Iron deficiency generally arises from insufficient dietary iron intake or excessive losses. Good dietary sources of iron are oysters, tofu, meats, fish, raisins, poultry, eggs, peas, beans, tuna, spinach, dandelion greens, whole grain bread, and fortified cereal. 

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Foods Can Enhance Sleep

It is important to sleep well in for your mental health and achieving this without drugs with their myriad of side effects is best. Dr. Robert A. Anderson has written in "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine" that many foods can enhance sleep.  Foods which enhance sleep have high tryptophan/tyrosine and tryptophan/phenylalanine ratios. Such sleep enhancing foods include pumpkins, bananas, potatoes, onions, spinach, brocolli, cauliflower, eggs, fish, liver, milk, peanuts, cheddar cheese, whole grains, beans, and cottage cheese.  

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DHEA For Improved Mood

Kathi J. Kemper has written on DHEA and mood in her book "Mental Health, Naturally". DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a human hormone which is made from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal gland. Production in the human body peaks in the 20s and drops after age 30. DHEA binds to calming and exciting receptors in the brain. Sometimes older adults take DHEA supplements to improve their memory, a sense of vitality, and to promote positive moods. Scientific evidence seems to support the use of DHEA to promote postive moods in adults with depression. There can be adverse side effects with DHEA so it should only be used carefully and discontinued if side effects occur.

How Sunshine Makes Us Happy

Kathi J. Kemper has written on how sunshine makes us happy in her book "Mental Health, Naturally". Daytime melatonin production is suppressed by bright light which also normalizes circadian rhythms. By restoring the internal rhythms of the body, including daily variations in sleepinesss, appetite, activity, temperature, blood pressure, and other physiologic functions, mental and physical health are nurtured. Also variations in light levels are associated with variations in serotonin levels. Serotonin is known as the happiness hormone. During the winter months when light is scacre serotonin levels are scarce.

Alcohol Abuse Devastates Mental Health

Rita Elkins has written in her book "Depression and Natural Medicine" that alcohol may very well be the most devastating substance in our societies repertoire of drugs and chemicals. Alcoholism is the number one health problem in the United States and the third leading cause of death. Alcohol drains our society financially, physically, and emotionally. Alcohol can set off unstable moods. And alcohol consumed in large amounts causes the development of deficiencies of B vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid. Vital minerals such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium are also depleted with excessive use of alcohol. Drinking too much is simply hazardous for your physical and mental health.

Herbs For Anxiety

Dr. Robert. A. Anderson discusses herbal treatments for anxiety in his book "Clinician's Guige to Holistivc Medicine." Anxiety is a universally experienced emotion which is thought to effect 15 million Americans. Kava Kava is an herb which has been used by indigenous people to treat anxiety. Kava kava is an anxiolytic and hypnotic in doses of 250mg t.i.d. Due to possible side effects long-term use is discouraged and treatment with Kava kava should be limited to 4 months at a time. Valerian is a favored herbal remedy for anxiety. However, again long-term effects are not well researched and so short time use is suggested. 150 mg t.i.d. is suggested for daytime anxiety and for sleep 150 mg 45 minutes before going to sleep.