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suicide

  • Depression now affects one in ten adults in the U.S. and is projected to be the second leading cause of disability in the world by the year 2020. Depression is also one of the leading causes of workplace healthcare expense, costing employers and employees billions of dollars in medical costs, absenteeism, and presenteeism. Attempts to find a medication to treat depression have been going on for over 50 years with surprisingly poor results. Some evidence indicates that response rates to the top medications are often as low as 17 percent and about 63 percent of patients experience side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, sexual dysfunction and thoughts of suicide.

    In 2013 there was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing curcumin to Prozac and curcumin was just as effective, but without the potentially harmful side effects. Over time most prescription medications lose their effectiveness while producing ever-increasing negative side effects. Curcumin, on the other hand, has increasingly beneficial side effects including improved attentiveness, better sleep, emotions and learning. It accomplishes this through the increase of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine as well as the reduction of inflammation in the brain.

    It should be noted that the curcumin used in the above mentioned study was a special form of curcumin called BCM-95. The form is seven times more bioavailable than any other form of curcumin.

    There are some even more significant positive side effects or benefits to taking curcumin beyond its ability to improve brain function. Curcumin also suppresses the growth of inflammatory cells in our joints, thus helping to prevent and even reverse many cases of osteoarthritis. By preventing the breakdown of joint-lining cartilage curcumin has even been shown to provide significant relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a genetic and more difficult to treat disease.

    And finally, curcumin may very well be one of the leading natural methods for the prevention and the treatment of cancer. Scientific evidence has shown the ability of curcumin to help in the following types of cancer: breast; uterine; cervical; prostate; brain; lung; throat; bladder; pancreas and gastrointestinal. Curcumin actually has been shown to intervene and disrupt cancer at virtually every stage of its development. It achieves this primarily through the suppression of inflammation, which is one of the major contributors to most forms of cancer. By preventing the proliferation, migration and thus the very survival of cancer, curcumin helps the body's natural defense mechanisms, as well as the conventional and the natural treatments that have been proven to kill cancer cells. This natural compound derived from the spice turmeric deserves serious consideration for the treatment of depression as well as the other chronic diseases mentioned here.

  • Dear Readers,

    You've been programmed to believe that serotonin deficiency causes depression. If SSRI antidepressants actually cured people, we would not see escalating rates of suicide, agitation, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and PTSD.

    The secret sadness that people carry is not always apparent to the rest of the world. For example, I went to lunch with a new friend who has a picture perfect life by most standards. She confided to me that she has tried to kill herself three times and suffers with chronic depression. More than 2 decades has passed and not one psychiatrist or physician has ever suggested magnesium to this lovely lady. Not one! Unbelievable considering the studies that suggest magnesium plays some role in depression, even with suicidal tendencies. The type of magnesium matters though.

    Studies suggest that cardiac problems may occur in the fetus when mothers take SSRI drugs during the first trimester, yet one in four women trying to get pregnant are taking an antidepressant.

    Antidepressants target several neurotransmitters, usually epinephrine, dopamine or serotonin. But there are about 100 different brain chemicals involved in making you feel "happy" so targeting just those three is silly. No wonder there were nearly 37,000 suicides in 2009, and about a million attempts according to the CDC. It's ideal to get information and/or track your progress if you have severe depression. Here's how:

    Interleukin 10 or IL-10. A blood test will measure this cytokine. Reduced IL-10 is seen with depression, feelings of helplessness, insomnia and migraines. Lift your IL-10 with resveratrol, vitamin D and exercise.

    C Reactive protein. You're more likely to be depressed when it's elevated. Vitamin E and C, probiotics and CoQ10 can lower this.

    TNF alpha. This cytokine (measured in the blood) is high in depression, narcolepsy, bowel disease and psoriasis. Reduce TNF (tumor necrosis factor) with probiotics, magnesium, lipoid acid, curcumin, boswellia and essential fatty acids.

    Thyroid hormone. Evaluate your Free T3. If it's low, it's a slam dunk for depression, fatigue and weight gain. I suggest you get this between 3.5 and 4.3 using thyroid medicine or supplements. Read my book, Thyroid Healthy.

    Neopterin and biopterin. It's a urine test and these two compounds are by-products of chemical reactions involving tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) which is required to make epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. This ratio is important if you have depression, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression or autism.

    Healing depression takes time, and requires relaxation. Breathing deeply reduces cortisol, a stress hormone which makes you tired, overweight and sad! Balancing estrogen levels, raising progesterone, thyroid or testosterone can help. Deficiencies of magnesium, vitamin C, B12 or folate are often involved. Methylation difficulties, definitely involved! Your gut is key, yet so overlooked. Probiotics improve your microbiome and positively influence your ability to deal with stress and make neurotransmitters. The cause of depression differs for everyone. Please don't give up on life. You are loved and needed by someone. I love you! I study every day to help you. And finally, don't let anyone dismiss nutrients, that is honestly your best mood food.

  • Dear Readers,

    Welcome to the November 2019 issue of TotalHealth Magazine

    Our cover story this month is, Let’s Rethink Mental Health To Brain Health, by Daniel G. Amen, MD. Erasing the stigma on what we now call mental health issues is a critical component of insuring people are willing to seek treatment. As depression and suicide continues to rise in teenagers it is important how we approach this issue. Dr. Amen discusses how to reimagine the term mental health, as optimizing our brain health to overcome or manage symptoms.

    In, The First Iron-Free Solution For Iron Deficiency, Dr. Sherrill Sellman introduces us to a safer product for those with iron deficiency. IronCatch is an all-natural supplement that does not cause the often-severe side-effects experienced by many who must supplement with iron. If you suffer from leaky gut, IBS, Celiac or ulcers you will want to read about this product.

    Professor Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, Rh(Ahg), informs us of the immune enhancing benefits in two key dietary supplements, in his article on, Echinacea And Shiitake For Immune Health. With cold and flu season approaching, it’s time to remind ourselves how Echinacea can help us shorten the duration of viruses. And, if you aren’t familiar with the benefits of the Shiitake mushroom, Professor Bruno’s informative article will enlighten you on its numerous immune boosting functions.

    Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, continues her series on smart fats with her, Master Formula For Fat Burning. She’ll help you banish all those fake fats that inhibit your metabolism and promote inflammation. Using her lists of Smart Fats you can create a healthy eating plan.

    Natural Solutions to Common Child Health Concerns is Sherry Torkos, BSc Phm, RPh’s, article to help you know when to call your doctor if your child is ill. She offers indicators for children with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems and rashes. You’ll want to keep this article available for reference when illnesses strike.

    Part Two in a Series on the Health Benefits of Coconut Flour is presented by our expert, Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD. In part two she discusses the healthy nutrients found in coconut flour. You’ll want to consider adding this flour to your kitchen when you learn it reduces high blood pressure, is high in digestible fiber, and high in protein.

    If you want help for thinning hair, read Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum’s article. Until now all we could do is optimize nutritional and thyroid function, and watch our iron levels. Dr. Teitelbaum introduces us to a product that tackles the main cause of hair loss, a condition called Telogen Effluvium. Read on for his recommendations.

    Did you remember to take your Gingko? How many times have we all heard that? But, did you know Ginkgo can also be helpful for your pets? Read natural vet, Shawn Messonnier’s article on the conditions that Ginkgo can benefit in your pet.

    Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers. You make TotalHealth Magazine online possible.

    Best in health,

    TWIP—The Wellness Imperative People

    Click here to read the full November 2019 issue.

    Click here to read the full November 2019 issue.