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Depression, anxiety and stress are an all too common part of modern day living. But because of the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues patients can find it difficult to seek the right help. Here we present an at-a-glance guide to these three conditions and the natural remedies which scientists now believe may be able to play a part in aiding recovery. ANXIETYOne in ten of us will suffer from anxiety at some point in our lives, and twice as many women are affected as men. The effects can range from mild feelings of edginess to terrifying panic attacks. Causes can include major life events such as relationship break-ups or a distressing incident from a person’s past that they have not been able to deal with emotionally. Although three quarters of sufferers never seek professional help with the right treatment most patients can make a good recovery. Symptoms • Panic attacks – shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pains, dizziness, shaking, muscle spasms, tingling, nausea, sweating, irritability • Insomnia • Persistent aches and pains • Depression • Low libido • Inability to relax • Hormone imbalances DEPRESSION Although it is one of the most stigmatised conditions in the world depression is also one of the most common: one in five of us is likely to suffer. The condition, which ranges from general low mood to suicidal thoughts, affects people of all backgrounds and ages. Causes can range from a family history of the condition to money worries, a lack of supportive relationships or a traumatic experience. With the right help it is often possible to make a full recovery. Symptoms • Sleep disturbance • Changes in appetite • Headaches • Backache • Tearfulness • Irritability • Digestive disorders • Feelings of anger • Loss of pleasure in daily activities • Inability to concentrate • Suicidal thoughts • Persistent feelings of sadness or emotional detachment STRESSStress is a useful tool because it gives us motivation on a daily basis. But over long periods of time stress can begin to cause health problems including anxiety and depression. Stress causes the body to produce the hormones cortisol and adrenaline and the chemical acetylcholine which all suppress our immune systems and inhibit the efficiency of T cells – designed to protect the body against invaders. The body is anticipating the fact that we might be hurt and therefore suppresses our ability to feel pain. But over a long period of time our lowered immune system makes us vulnerable to many types of illness, particularly flu, colds and viral illnesses. Symptoms • Raised blood pressure • Increased heart beat • Poor digestion • Increased cholesterol levels • Regular infections due to a compromised immune systemTREATMENTIf you suspect you may be suffering from anxiety, depression or stress visit your GP who may prescribe certain medication depending on the severity of your condition or a so-called ‘talking’ therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. An increasing amount of research now shows that there are a number of supplements that may help these conditions significantly - you can also look through both our Sleep/ Relax and Stress/ Mood categories available in the Ailment menu on the left. • 5-HTPThis supplement works to maintain levels of serotonin (the 'feel-good' chemical) in the brain. Depression has been linked to a lack of serotonin. • B50 ComplexThis tablet contains all the B vitamins including the vitamin B6 which again helps in the production of brain chemicals such as serotonin. • MagnesiumGovernment figures suggest that 72 per cent of women and 42 per cent of men in Britain consume less than the recommended daily amount of this important mineral. It is thought to be particularly useful to people suffering from stress and anxiety because it is thought to act as a calming agent on muscles to aid relaxation. • Ginkgo BilobaMuch scientific research now shows that this herb is a powerful circulation enhancer which can increase blood flow to the brain. • St John’s WortThis herb is now prescribed in Germany for mild to moderate depression. Although the mechanism is not fully understood it is assumed that it works in a similar way to prescription anti-depressants, but has minimum side-effects. • Omega-3s (from Fish Oils)Several studies now show that fish oils work on the brain to aid concentration. • Vitamin CThis vitamin is a powerful antioxidant which boosts the immune system. The immune system can be compromised by stressful lifestyles and depression. • Vitamin B12Research shows that mild deficiencies of this important vitamin may cause an increased risk of depression. FREE NUTRITION ADVICE LINEDon't forget, you can call us for Free Nutrition Advice on 024 7669 5115.
