Depression - Naturopathic Treatment Strategies, Natural Remedies & Warnings [Part 1]

Depression - Naturopathic Treatment Strategies, Natural Remedies & Warnings [Part 1]

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 350 million people are affected by depression. Untreated depression can lead to suicide, and the WHO estimates that 1 million people commit suicide worldwide every year. They estimate that depression will rise to second place in the global burden of disease by 2020. (Source)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV), outlines the different types of mood episodes and mood disorders. The pedantic details are beyond the scope of this article. I will discuss how naturopathy views and treats depression. In general, all subtypes are simply referred to as “depression.”

According to 2005-2006 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics, more than one in twenty Americans ages 12 and older had current depression. People ages 40 to 59 had higher rates of depression than any other age group. People aged 12 to 17, 18 to 39 and over 60 had similar rates of depression. Depression was more common in women than in men. Non-Hispanic blacks had higher rates of depression than non-Hispanic whites. These rates are similar today. ((link removed))

A conservative estimate is that at least 50% of patients have some type of mood disorder. It may not even be the main reason, but it is on their “problem list.”

Two of the basic rules of naturopathic medicine

1) treating the whole person

2) the therapeutic sequence (namely onleast invasive/aggressive to most invasive aggressive treatments) – give naturopaths a distinct advantage over our allopathic brethren. Our strategies take into account mental, emotional and physical aspects of the person to address their concerns. Although some people do indeed have a “chemical imbalance,” very few have a Prozac or Celexa deficiency. The study confirms this.

In an article titled “Efficacy and effectiveness of antidepressants: current research status” in the journal Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics werefour meta-analyses of antidepressant effectiveness trials and the STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relief Depression) trial were discussed. Their conclusions: Antidepressant trials with favorable results were published sixteen times more often than those with unfavorable results; There are no significant drug/placebo differences. and the effects of antidepressants decrease more quickly than those of placebo. ((link removed))

Investigations by Dr. Irving Kirsch, interviewed on "60 Minutes" a few years ago, also found that antidepressants are no more effective than placebo for mild to moderate depression. ((link removed))

Become thePeople better with antidepressants? Yes, but not because of the chemicals that alter the drugs, except in people with severe depression. The leading theory is that it is nothing more than the placebo effect that allows mental power to treat depression. On the other hand, the side effects that many people experience with these medications often lead them to seek medical attention. The Mayo Clinic reports the following common side effects: nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, sexual side effects, fatigue, sleepiness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, restlessness, agitation, and anxiety. ((Link removed), (Link removed))

Back to the therapeutic principle of the naturopathic treatment approach – least invasive least aggressive first.

Look for causes. Anemias, thyroid disorders, MTHFR polymorphisms, other genetic predispositions, prolonged stress, glucose (blood sugar), adrenal function (DHEA-S), zinc, magnesium, B12 and folate status, vitamin D, to name a few, should all be addressed by blood count and clinical picture. There are many treatment options, but there is only space to mention a few. ((Link removed), Source 2, (Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Remove obstacles to healing

Often depression can be situational. Work, family, area of ​​residence, toxic or bad relationships, negative attitude(s), etc. Some of these cannot be changed, others. For those who can't, behavioral therapy works wonderfully. It can give you better coping skills and the ability to change your perspective and perception of situations. Just as behavioral therapy and medication management produce better results than either alone, so do natural therapies. I always strongly encourage my patients with depression to also be in therapy and find someone they resonate with in the first few minutes of meeting them. If you don't like the person you're working with, the treatment won't work.

Exercise:

We know how good it feels to exercise. This releases some of our feel-good hormones: dopamine and serotonin (not to mention adrenaline). In addition, we will also feel better about how we look, further enhancing the antidepressant effects of the exercises. Even better if we can get outside and be in the great outdoors, get some fresh air and further accelerate the health benefits of exercise. “Earthing” confirmed this. ((Link removed), (Link removed))

Diet:

We know we should eat more whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, less saturated fats, trans fats and processed foods. Now there is some good research showing this to be true. One in the February issue of Canadian Journal of Psychiatrypublished study examined 97 adults diagnosed with mood disorders. Participants completed three-day food diaries and food frequency questionnaires. Their Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale showed improved scores from baseline, and furthermore, the vitamins and minerals in the participants' diets were associated with these improvements. Imagine how you feel eating this McDonald's meal as opposed to baked salmon with lemon, a side of lightly steamed vegetables, brown rice and salad. ((link removed))

Botanical medicine:

Many herbs have a long tradition. There are also many that have research studies behind their effectiveness. One of the most famous is Hypericum perforatumor St. John's wort. Studies comparing St. John's wort with sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and citalopram (Celexa) have shown not only that the herb is superior to placebo, but just as effective as these medications, with far fewer side effects. However, long-term use of St. John's Wort should be monitored as it can cause photosensitivity and interact with many medications. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Our recommendation: (link removed)

Nutrients and amino acids:

Zinc plays a role in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body. Enzymes enable reactions. If there is a zinc deficiency, the reactions do not work optimally. Zinc is important for the maintenance and development of neurological networks and communication. One of the leading theories on the relationship between zinc and depression is that zinc is a necessary cofactor for the production and function of neurotransmitters. ((link removed))

Our recommendation: (link removed)

L-Tryptophan and L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are amino acids that are precursors to serotonin. These amino acids should only be used under the supervision of a licensed physician. When these amino acids are combined with SSRIs, it can result in a condition called serotonin syndrome. This can cause irreversible damage or even death in many organ systems. (Source)

Please also read our article about L-tryptophan: (link removed)

Our recommendation: (link removed)

Essential omega-3 fatty acids:

In an eight-week study of 60 outpatients, 1000 mg of EPA was found to be similar to fluoxetine in its effect on depression (although EPA and fluoxetine in combination performed better either alone). Omega-3 fats benefited the treatment of childhood depression in a controlled double-blind pilot study. Psychological scores were significantly improved after eight weeks in those given 1050 mg EPA/day plus 150 mg DHA versus placebo. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Our recommendation: (link removed)

SAM-e:

S-Adenosylmethionine is a substance that is produced naturally in the body. It has also been shown to be effective for severe depression. It acts as a methyl donor in pathways that form nucleic acids, proteins, phospholipids and neurotransmitters. Two major disadvantages of oral supplementation of this substance are poor oral absorption and cost. In addition, like tryptophan and 5-HTP, it can cause serotonin syndrome. ((Link removed), (Link removed))

No harmless products found on the German market!

Biotherapeutic drainage & biological medicine:

This medicalSystems from Germany, Holland and France have been around since around the 1920s. Biotherapeutic drainage uses system- and organ-specific combinations of herbs and minerals. e.g. central nervous system, endocrine (hormones), cardiovascular, etc. The theory is that the ingredients optimize and correct the function of a particular system. One of my mentors always told me, "It is easier to correct the physiology than the pathology. Correcting the physiology helps correct the pathology. I have been using biotherapeutic drainage in my practice for 4 years and have seen it work wonders.

Homeopathy for depression:

This is the most corrective and permanent solution for the spectrum of mood disorders. The above treatments, in addition to drainage, are essentially “green allopathy” (using a natural substance instead of a drug). Homeopathy uses natural active ingredients instead of medicines. The former can be helpful and effective, but often not long-term.

Patients who may already be taking medications may be concerned about possible interactions. These are logical and legitimate concerns. Homeopathy can play an important role in healthcare here.

Homeopathy is considered an “energetic” medicine that does not interact with other medications, supplements or herbs. Similar to naturopathy, it takes the physical, mental and emotional picture of a person and puts the pieces together like a puzzle to assign them to one of about 5,000 remedies - a seemingly daunting task. Although the science and art behind homeopathy are very challenging, a good alternative practitioner can usually find the right remedy in a timely manner.

Example of treatment for depression:

Dr. Todd Born – Born Naturopathic Associates, Inc. in Alameda, CA:

I have used homeopathy to help many patients not only get off their medications but also lift the cloud of depression from their lives like never before. Here is just one success story:

During my stay in Seattle, I had a 28-year-old male patient who was suffering from fatigue, depression, anxiety, anger issues, and low libido (despite the fact that he had been married for the past year, loved his wife, and was deeply attracted to her).

He described his depression as sometimes feeling like he was living outside of his body; he couldn't think or concentrate; and he had difficulty being motivated. On top of that, he and his wife had just moved to Seattle from a sunny place and were having trouble adjusting to the long, cold, dark days that Seattle is notorious for. He also had trouble making friends and getting a job.

I ran the usual labs looking for organic etiologies: iron deficiency anemia, B vitamin-induced anemias, low vitamin D, hypothyroidism, testosterone, and low cholesterol. All were normal except for his slightly low vitamin D. I encouraged him to see a colleague for consultation. I suggested he try out for a social outlet instead of staying home all day and looking for a job in a tough market. I topped up his vitamin D and put him on a high quality fish oil supplement. This took about 6 weeks with very little improvement.

I decided to give him a homeopathic remedy. Two weeks later, on New Year's Day, I received an email from him telling me that everything was worse than before! He denied any suicidal or homicidal thoughts, but he was certainly not well. I told him that it was not uncommon to experience what is known in homeopathic theory as a “healing crisis.” (I prefer the term “healing response.”) This means that symptoms sometimes get worse before they get better. I asked him to come visit me the next week since I was on vacation.

A few weeks passed with no change. I gave him another homeopathic remedy. At his follow-up visit a month later, it was as if a veil had been lifted from his life. He could think and concentrate and had regained his passion for photography. He reported feeling better than he had in many, many years. His relationship with his wife improved. My colleague who visited him for counseling said he no longer needed his services. Two more weeks passed and he found a job. Life was good again. I spoke to him about 3 months later and his depression was still resolved.