When women’s hormonal and biological needs are not met, they can spiral into depression.
Everyone will experience depression at some point. Women are at a higher risk than men of having a bout of depression that can turn into’major clinical depression.
There is some evidence that hormonal or biological makeup could be partially to blame. Women are more susceptible to depression during certain times in their lives, such as before or after menstruation.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
PMDD can happen a few days or weeks before a woman gets her period.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “PMDD can cause severe symptoms, including irritability and anger, depression, sadness, suicidal ideas, changes in appetite, bloating or breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, and a change in mood.”
Perinatal depression
“Perinatal depression [ocurrs] during or after (postpartum) pregnancy. It’s much more severe than baby blues. Perinatal depression can make it hard to care for a newborn mom or her baby.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is one of most common medical problems during pregnancy and postpartum. One in seven women will experience this condition.
Perimenopausal depression
The transition from perimenopause to menopause is a normal stage in the life of a woman, but it can be difficult at times. According to the NIMH, perimenopause can cause abnormal periods, sleep problems, mood swings and hot flashes.
Changes in hormone levels (such as estrogen) can cause perimenopausal depressive symptoms. Oprah, who is known as the woman that does it all, openedly discussed her menopause with a hormone expert.
The myth that depression is normal persists, despite the fact that it’s very likely. Depression is not normal. You should take depression symptoms seriously and seek help if you experience them. You should also take proactive measures to prevent depression. Nutrition is one way to lower the risk of depression.
Research shows that nutrition plays a crucial role in managing and preventing depression. You must ensure that you are consuming and absorbing the correct nutrients as a woman to improve your chances of avoiding depressive disorders. You should be aware of the following nutrients. These nutrients can be obtained by a proper diet or supplementation under medical supervision.
Magnesium. Magnesium. In several studies, the severity of depression symptoms was reduced when participants received 125-300 mg of magnesium at each meal as well as before bedtime. Spinach, pumpkin seeds and almonds are all good sources of magnesium.
Chromium. Numerous studies have evaluated the benefits of chromium in depression. In one study, 70 percent of people who took 600mcg chromium picolinate showed improvement in depressive symptoms and emotional stability. Foods rich in chromium are broccoli, sweet potatoes and corn.
Iron. Apathy, fatigue, and depression can be caused by low iron levels. Iron is also necessary for oxygenating the brain, and all of its functions. It is important to study how many patients with depression have iron-deficiency. Once corrected, it will be possible to identify which symptoms are improved. If you are feeling chronically depressed, you may want to check your iron level. Remember that many women are at risk of iron deficiency due to menstrual cycle blood loss. Iron-rich food includes red meat, poultry, seafoods and spinach.
Selenium. Five different studies have linked depression to selenium deficiencies. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that may help in situations where depression results from oxidative stresses. Selenium was shown to improve mood and anxiety in a number of studies that examined a range of populations and age-groups suffering from depression. Selenium supplementation improved the mood of those who had a selenium depletion. Brazil nuts, yellowfin, halibut and sardines are foods high in selenium.
Zinc. This essential trace element is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions, primarily in the brain. Numerous clinical studies have confirmed the link between zinc and depression. In general, those who suffer from major depression have low zinc levels. In trials, zinc supplementation in conjunction with antidepressant treatment has been shown to be beneficial. To get more zinc in your diet, you can include lamb, pumpkin seeds and grass-fed beef as well as mushrooms, chickpeas spinach, chickpeas and chicken.
Copper. Copper is needed by the enzymes that metabolize brain chemicals, which help you feel alert, happy and respond to stress. Copper levels have been examined in several studies and a link has been found between copper levels and depression. Too much copper, like iron, can lead to other health problems, but not enough copper is also dangerous. Sunflower seeds, almonds and dark chocolate are all copper-rich foods. Beef liver, asparagus, lentils and sunflower seeds also contain copper.
B Vitamins. The brain is negatively affected by vitamin deficiencies, especially those in the B-complex. You should consume enough of the B vitamins. B vitamins are found in a wide variety of foods. Vegans and vegetarians who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet should be careful to get enough B 12. This vitamin is found mainly in animal products.
Vitamin C. According to various studies, depression can be caused by low vitamin C levels. Various fruits and vegetables, such as oranges and watermelon, red and green peppers, tomatoes, spinach and papaya are good sources.
Strike an equilibrium
Balanced nutrition puts your body in a better position to fight depression or manage it. A nutritionally balanced diet can also help you maintain an active lifestyle.
It is also vital that you regularly assess your nutritional status. A comprehensive nutritional assessment is a good first step. It will give you valuable feedback that you can share with your doctor. A nutritionist who is qualified can guide you to specific foods and supplements that will support your needs.
The article 8 Nutrients that Help Fight Depression first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. The whole person, mind and spirit are treated by naturopathy. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths emphasize lifestyle changes more than prescription drugs.
Naturopathy is sometimes called “complementary” as it works in conjunction with conventional medicine and not to replace it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.
There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- Naturopathic physicians are regulated by provincial licensing boards, whereas CAM practitioners are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
- The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians can be registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The belief that all aspects should be considered in making health decisions is called “holistic”. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Because many medicines have been proved effective against different diseases. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. This is simply not true. Although natural remedies were used by some healers in ancient Egypt and Rome, they were not scientifically backed.
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that medical practitioners began to study anatomy and physiology, which led to the development of surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacology. In the 19th Century, almost all Western countries had public hospitals that could be used by trained doctors to provide medical care.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary or Integrative Health Approaches – NCCIH
- What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
doi.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
How To
How to get a job in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine is growing at an unprecedented rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Many schools offer holistic medicine courses. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. They also have several programs designed specifically for medical professionals who wish to enter the field.
In addition, numerous online universities are offering holistic health classes as well. One such program is called the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.
Another option is to enroll in a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
You should take a nutrition course if you want to pursue a career in holistic medicine. NCCM recommends to students that they study nutrition before embarking upon any professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Holistic medicine is more holistic than traditional medicine because it focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. It requires more skill and knowledge. To be able to assess the nutritional aspects of different illnesses, holistic medicine is a must-know subject.
The NCCM states that nutritionists often work in conjunction with doctors to provide advice on diet to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. It also means identifying nutrient deficiencies and other problems that may be causing them.
It’s important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some focus mainly on herbal treatments, while others concentrate solely on acupuncture. Others combine both approaches to create a single treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They also emphasize eating plenty of fish and seafood. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they recommend eating organic produce whenever possible.
Holistic practitioners agree that a healthy diet can prevent illness. There are some things that they disagree on. They don’t believe gluten is the cause of celiac disease. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.
However, they all agree that certain foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners will use herbs to treat different illnesses. However, they do not recommend using drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Therefore, natural remedies are preferred.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing system.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. One common herb used for this purpose is ginseng.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, is based on the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapy in order to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and stress relief. Massage therapy is said to increase blood flow, improve energy levels, and relieve muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. For example, a practitioner who specializes in nutrition counseling is a good choice. You can also learn more about acupuncture by contacting a practitioner who is certified by the American Association of Oriental Medicine.
If you have any questions regarding holistic health care, ask your doctor before making any decisions. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: 8 Nutrients Helps to Fight Depression
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/anxiety/8-nutrients-helps-to-fight-depression/
Published Date: Sun, 28 May 2023 06:00:22 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. The whole person, mind and spirit are treated by naturopathy. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths emphasize lifestyle changes more than prescription drugs.
Naturopathy is sometimes called “complementary” as it works in conjunction with conventional medicine and not to replace it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.
There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- Naturopathic physicians are regulated by provincial licensing boards, whereas CAM practitioners are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
- The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians can be registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The belief that all aspects should be considered in making health decisions is called “holistic”. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Because many medicines have been proved effective against different diseases. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. This is simply not true. Although natural remedies were used by some healers in ancient Egypt and Rome, they were not scientifically backed.
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that medical practitioners began to study anatomy and physiology, which led to the development of surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacology. In the 19th Century, almost all Western countries had public hospitals that could be used by trained doctors to provide medical care.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary or Integrative Health Approaches – NCCIH
- What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
doi.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
How To
How to get a job in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine is growing at an unprecedented rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Many schools offer holistic medicine courses. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. They also have several programs designed specifically for medical professionals who wish to enter the field.
In addition, numerous online universities are offering holistic health classes as well. One such program is called the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.
Another option is to enroll in a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
You should take a nutrition course if you want to pursue a career in holistic medicine. NCCM recommends to students that they study nutrition before embarking upon any professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Holistic medicine is more holistic than traditional medicine because it focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. It requires more skill and knowledge. To be able to assess the nutritional aspects of different illnesses, holistic medicine is a must-know subject.
The NCCM states that nutritionists often work in conjunction with doctors to provide advice on diet to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
As a result, holistic practitioners must have a firm grasp of basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. It also means identifying nutrient deficiencies and other problems that may be causing them.
It’s important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some focus mainly on herbal treatments, while others concentrate solely on acupuncture. Others combine both approaches to create a single treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They also emphasize eating plenty of fish and seafood. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they recommend eating organic produce whenever possible.
Holistic practitioners agree that a healthy diet can prevent illness. There are some things that they disagree on. They don’t believe gluten is the cause of celiac disease. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.
However, they all agree that certain foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can be caused by peanuts and shellfish, for example. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners will use herbs to treat different illnesses. However, they do not recommend using drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Therefore, natural remedies are preferred.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing system.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. One common herb used for this purpose is ginseng.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, is based on the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapy in order to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and stress relief. Massage therapy is said to increase blood flow, improve energy levels, and relieve muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. For example, a practitioner who specializes in nutrition counseling is a good choice. You can also learn more about acupuncture by contacting a practitioner who is certified by the American Association of Oriental Medicine.
If you have any questions regarding holistic health care, ask your doctor before making any decisions. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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