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