Depression: Nutritional Supplements and You...?
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
This is a realm of healing potential in which many find benefits, and in other cultures, millions have for centuries. However in many Western circles there is still very little known about some of the other effects of preparations people are using to self-medicate without a doctor's supervision, and that is a matter of great concern. Yes, there are several non-prescription nutritional supplements and herbal preparations recommended for depression by responsible and well-informed health care professionals of various disciplines. But just like prescription medications, depending upon the form of depression and many other factors, what is an excellent preparation for one person, may harm another. While some of these supplements and herbals are sold over the counter and may be very helpful, it is essential that we recognize them as active chemical compounds that may indeed produce powerful positive outcomes, but may also carry dangerous side-effects, interactions with foods or other medications, or have contraindications for any individual based upon body chemistry, age, allergic reactions, dosage, etc. (CAUTION: Many may even be labeled "all natural." Remember--so is Poison Ivy. Anyone who gets asthma or itchy eyes from cats...or feathers...or roses...knows how silly it is to think that "all natural" means it is safe for everyone! Some labels call the contents "a food substance". But so is caffeine, which for some can be hazardous, or lactose, which for some can cause great digestive distress.) Dosage is another important question.
One frightening example in the news concerned a prescription medication (pheylpropanolomine) found in many, many decongestants and diet preparations. In some people and in different dosages it has been found to have potentially dangerous side-effects. This drug is closely related to a plant used in some herbals called Ephedra, (Ma-Huang in Chinese medicine), and "Herbal Ecstacy" in pop culture, which has had devastating results in teens thinking it was "just an herb" they took for a recreational high.
I do not mean to discourage use of supplements, vitamins and herbals by any means. I use some of each myself with great success, but always with professional guidance, and careful personal observation of how they effect me. Some pharmacists who are becoming better informed in integrative health care can be helpful in decision-making but it is always adviseable to be fully evaluated by a health care professional who knows your history and whom you trust both before beginning a preparation---and then to monitor its effects over time. Because some countries do not yet have standardization of nutritional supplements' manufacturing and packaging, it is perhaps best to stay with large, well-known brands more likely to use pharmaceautical-quality procedures and conditions, and contain what it says is in each dose on the label, no more/no less.
I imagine you may have been hoping I would be able to recommend specific preparations with anti-depressant properties, but you will be far better-served by a skilled health care professional who can work with you over time based on your own situation. In some areas it is easier than others to find progerssive conventional Western physicians, naturopaths, homeopaths, chiropractors, osteopaths, doctors of oriental medicine (many of whom are also acupuncturists) and master herbalists. If you cannot easily find a doctor working in this arena, perhaps try a large teaching hospital near you. They will likely be doing research (or at least reading the research!)
It is both irresponsible and potentially dangerous to take preparations without professional advise and supervision, but with good health care advice, there are some exciting and very positive outcomes as well. Bottom line: Become an informed health care consumer and ask lots of questions.
(In the meantime, for some possible relief of some stress symptoms, take a look at the tips page on my site for some techniques that may also be helpful: http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips.asp )
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com