Unfortunately, some people only achieve a partial response to these anti-depressants and do not achieve complete remission. This can result in a poorer long term prognosis and an increased likelihood of future relapse. It is now thought that some of these partial responders may have low levels of L-methylfolate in the brain and may benefit from L-methylfolate supplementation.

L-methylfolate helps the brain to naturally produce more of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Low brain methylfolate levels could be due to inadequate folic acid intake, certain chronic diseases (i.e. diabetes, hypothyroidism, cancer, Chron’s disease etc.), oral contraceptives and anti-seizure medication use, smoking, excess alcohol, pregnancy, anorexia and/ or poor nutrition. Interestingly, about 70% of those with depression may have a genetic factor that limits the body’s ability to convert folic acid from the diet to L-methylfolate in the brain. L-methylfolate is the only usable form of folic acid that can assist in the production of the neurotransmitters linked to depression.

To best increase the folate levels in the brain, one needs the active form of folate which again is L-methylfolate. Deplin which contains this active form of folate is able to cross the blood brain barrier to assist in the production of the neurotransmitters thought to be low in those suffering from depression. As a result, Deplin often helps your current antidepressant work better. My experience using Deplin with my patients has generally been very positive. I find it not only boosts the antidepressant response one is getting from their current medication, but also helps to increase energy levels as well.

Since Deplin is not a drug, but a medical food, it is extremely well- tolerated and side-effects are generally not an issue. Many patients may notice a beneficial response after only 1-2 weeks with the full effect taking up to several weeks. Even though Deplin is not a drug, it does require a prescription. Talk to your doctor to see if Deplin may be right for you

Coconut Oil may help with weight loss by optimizing thyroid function and improving metabolism. It is also thought to improve digestion and assist in nutrient absorption and may help with irritable bowel symptoms. In addition, it improves immune function and helps the body fight against fungal, bacterial and viral infections. It also improves blood sugar regulation and insulin secretion and is very beneficial to the pancreas. As a result of its ability to improve nutrient absorption, it can help improve and preserve bone strength. Not only does Coconut Oil have excellent anti-oxidant properties, but it is very beneficial for heart health. The high lauric acid content in Coconut Oil may help to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Generally, one teaspoon twice per day would be sufficient. Applied externally to the hair it acts as an excellent conditioner and can help with dry scalp and dandruff. Some even apply it to the skin to moisturize and beatify the skin and help with dry skin and wrinkles. 

I use ACV that is made from organically grown apples and is free of pesticides and preservatives. I take a tablespoon of ACV diluted with several ounces of water and drink it twice a day before lunch and dinner to help with digestion. You can add a bit of honey to help with taste if needed. ACV can also be used as a salad dressing. My salad dressing consists of ACV and olive oil. 

No wonder ACV has been considered to be a wonder food.  

As always the claims in any of these blog posts are for information only and not meant to be constituted as medical advice.

You can simply add the turmeric spice to the foods you naturally eat; but for more potent benefits, I like to supplement with turmeric extract capsules that can be bought in most health foods stores. Most good extracts will have a 95% curcumin content which again is the active ingredient of turmeric. I take 300 mg twice a day and feel great. It is not recommended that people with gallstones or bile obstruction use turmeric. Caution should also be used if you already on a blood thinning medication. As always, consult with you doctor if you have any concerns.

To give your adrenals a fighting chance, consider the following: 

Reduce stress or at least develop coping strategies to better deal with stress.

Get a good night sleep.

Curb caffeine use. Caffeine depletes your adrenals and depletes your body of important B vitamins.

Eat a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids (see post on fish oil).

Eat protein at each meal and reduce intake of junk food & high glycemic carbs (i.e. sugar, white floured breads and pastas, white rice, sweetened fruit juice, etc).

Eat several smaller meals per day as opposed to 2-3 larger ones to avoid blood sugar fluctuations as a drop in blood sugar places additional stress on your adrenals.

Supplement with Vitamin C, magnesium, B-complex, DHEA and l-tyrosine.

Consider any or all of the following herbs to heal your adrenals and help them better deal with the effects of stress- licorice, siberian ginseng, astragalus, cordyceps and/ or rhodiola.

Balance work with exercise, rest and relaxation.

Don't take life so seriously; have some fun.

Others benefits of Oolong tea include its ability to: strengthen teeth & bones, boost immune functioning, increase energy, improve mental functioning, reduce the negative effects of stress, remove free radicals, treat allergies and give your skin a radiant glow. Oolong is also helpful in reducing bad cholesterol. Besides it is endorsed by Oprah.

One of the most important things that can help in dramatically increasing growth hormone production are intense weight training (check with your medical doctor before engaging in intense physical activity). Other things that may help with hgh production are systematic under-eating, limiting carbohydrate intake especially later in the day & before bedtime and insuring sound sleep. Growth hormone production spikes with deep sleep, so taking a power nap in the afternoon (if able) can give an extra hgh boost. 

Depression is a relatively common medical condition. Common symptoms often include impaired sleep, energy, appetite and concentration. Other symptoms may include crying spells, decreased self-esteem, bodily complaints such as headaches, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, indecisiveness, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt and diminished ability to experience pleasure. About two-thirds of those with depression also complain of anxiety. Fortunately, the condition is often very treatable with the combination of medication and therapy.

Many people have become interested in natural, complementary and holistic approaches to treating depression. Below are a number of different nutritional supplements that may be helpful in the treatment of either depression or some of the individual symptoms of depression.

Gingko Biloba is an herbal product that increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain and, in doing so, may help elevate mood, and improve concentration and the ability to process information. Those with depression may have a decreased blood flow to the frontal parts of the brain, which may adversely affect the brain’s ability to produce important neurotransmitters. Gingko has been recommended by some to help improve cognitive functioning in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. In addition, Gingko has anti-oxidant properties and may decrease cortisol, a stress hormone that is often elevated in those with depression. CAUTION: Gingko should not be taken if one is on either blood-thinners or SRI antidepressants, as it may increase the chance of bleeding.

Tyrosine is an amino acid that the brain can use to make the neuro-transmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is considered a “pleasure chemical,” and low levels of dopamine could make it difficult to experience pleasure. Low levels of dopamine in certain parts of the brain are thought to cause attention-deficit or ADHD. Tyrosine, especially if taken on an empty stomach in a dose between 1,000-3,000 mg., may help one think more clearly and lift one’s mood.

Phenylalanine (DLPA), another amino acid, helps prevent the breakdown of endorphins and increases norepinephrine. It may thus help improve mood and decrease fatigue. It also helps our bodies to make tyrosine.

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) increases brain levels ofacetylcholine; a brain chemical needed for memory and that is low in those with Alzheimer’s. DMAE may improve concentration, elevate mood and increase energy.

B-Complex Vitamins include folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B-6 (pyridoxine), B-12 (cobalamin) and others. A deficiency in certain B vitamins may be the result of a poor diet, vegetarianism, smoking, stress and excessive caffeine use, and result in or contribute to the symptoms of depression, anxiety, anemia, premenstrual syndrome and irritability.

St. John’s Wort is a well studied herb that has been shown to help in about half of those with a milder type of depression. It is thought to help increase brain levels of serotonin. It is generally safe and well tolerated when takenalone but should never be taken in combination with a prescriptive antidepressant. To be effective, it needs to be taken in doses of 900-1,200 mg. per day in 2-3 divided doses and requires several weeks to determine its effectiveness. In general, I have not been overly impressed with the compound.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is used by the body to make many other hormones including testosterone. It may help increase energy, sex drive and muscle mass while decreasing body fat levels. It has been suggested in some studies to also have a mood elevating effect, however, this compound may have unwanted side effects such as acne, increased facial hair growth and, in rare cases, mania.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) has been getting a lot of attention lately. It is a metabolite of the amino acid methionine and has been used for some time in Europe to help treat depression and arthritis. It may be helpful, but it is quite expensive to take at the recommended dosage. A more cost acceptable alternative may be to take methionine with B-complex vitamins to assist your body in making its own SAM-e, which may be lower in individuals with depression.

Essential fatty acids (EFA’s), such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, may also be at lower than optimal levels in those with depression, and supplementing your diet with EFA’s has elicited a positive effect in some. It also may reduce risk of coronary heart disease and strokes as well as make your skin and hair look nice. Due to its many health benefits, I recommend that everyone supplement their diet with EFA’s regardless of whether or not a person is depressed.

Melatonin is another hormonal product that many people have found helpful for sleep. Melatonin is made by the pineal gland in the brain. As one ages, the brain’s ability to make this hormone decreases, which may in part account for why many elderly individuals have sleep difficulties. Melatonin is generally taken 1-2 hours before bedtime on an as needed basis. Due to its anti-oxidant effect, this substance may also reduce the risk of certain cancers. Some feel that it also has anti-aging properties.

Kava-Kava is an herb that may have a calming effect and, therefore, be helpful for those with anxiety. It may also reduce muscle tension. Some have suggested that Kava may also help those with inhibited sexual desire. It is not supposed to cause drowsiness or inhibited motor function, but buyers beware.

(The above is to be used for education information and is not a claim or cure for disease.)

* Before using any herbal supplement, please check with your physician.

Nutritional Approaches to Treating Depression by Gary Casaccio, M.D. Dr. Gary Casaccio is general adult psychiatrist with special interests in depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorders and nutrition.