| If you suffer with depression, one of | | | | * Get plenty of exercise. This one alone |
| the best things you can do is to find | | | | can fix many cases of depression. |
| ways to serve others. Selfishness is | | | | * Stop smoking. Yes, many Christians |
| definitely a major cause of depression. | | | | smoke regularly. And it can depress your |
| But there are cases of depression that | | | | immune system and your energy levels. |
| are caused by physical problems. A poor | | | | Second, try these supplements: |
| diet, for instance, can make you feel | | | | * Take a good quality multivitamin. Most |
| sluggish. And a mineral deficiency can | | | | of the ones at your local grocery store |
| rob you of your youthful vitality. | | | | don't qualify as "quality." Find one |
| Unfortunately, medical science likes to | | | | that you have to take at least twice a |
| throw drugs at the problem, instead of | | | | day and is rich in nutrients. |
| finding the root cause. Most drugs are | | | | * Take additional vitamin B6 (100-200 |
| designed to treat symptoms. And they can | | | | mg) and magnesium (100-300 mg). Both of |
| have fatal side effects in many people. | | | | these help increase your body's |
| Plus, they're not always effective (NEJM | | | | serotonin levels -- a "feel good" |
| 3-23-2006). | | | | chemical made in your brain. |
| Instead, here a few things you should | | | | * Studies have found that the nutrients |
| try (I'm assuming here that you've dealt | | | | St. John's wort (300-900 mg daily) and |
| with the spiritual aspect of the | | | | selenium (200 mcg daily) can fight |
| problem, which is where you should | | | | depression as well as Prozac, without |
| always start). | | | | the side effects. (Findings reported at |
| First, take care of the obvious: | | | | the 83rd annual meeting of the Endocrine |
| * Make sure you're eating a good clean | | | | Society.) |
| diet with lots of vegetables and | | | | Finally, learn how to deal with |
| protein. A lot of people, especially | | | | conflict. Poor relationships can cause |
| those over 50, don't get enough protein | | | | all kinds of health problems, including |
| (which can lead to sluggishness). | | | | depression, cancer, and heart disease. |
| * Stop eating sugar. Some people say it | | | | (Source: Second Opinion Newsletter; 64th |
| doesn't have any effect on your body, | | | | Annual Scientific Conference of the |
| but I notice a big difference in how I | | | | American Psychosomatic Society in |
| feel when I eat too much sugar. | | | | Denver, March 4, 2006. |