Support for Chronic Fatigue and Seasonal Depression Probiotics and vitamins B and D ease anxiety and depression

Probiotics cut anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome, depressed people may need more B vitamins, and vitamin D eased seasonal depression and improved mood in depressed overweight adults, in four new studies.

Researchers in a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) study explained that most of those with CFS have anxiety, and that many also complain of gut (gastrointestinal) upset. The doctors noted that new research shows gut germs can communicate with the central nervous system and influence emotional behaviors, particularly anxiety. Scientists gave about 40 men and women with CFS, aged 18 to 65, 24 billion colony-forming units of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei per day or a placebo. After two months, those in the probiotics group had much less anxiety compared to the beginning of the study and to placebo.

Doctors in a mood study reviewed how vitamin deficiency and inflammation influence mood disorders. The researchers noted that in depression, deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12 and B6, and omega-3 fatty acids alter the central nervous system, reducing serotonin – the chemical that controls mood – and phospholipids – the fats that cover and protect nerves. Doctors also found about half of those with depression had high blood levels of homocysteine, a sign of inflammation when B vitamins are deficient.

In a small study, nine women with seasonal depression and low blood levels of vitamin D who took 5,000 IU of vitamin D were able to significantly increase vitamin D levels. Three of the women whose vitamin D increased to optimal levels had test scores that showed normal mood with little depression.

Reference: Gut Pathology; 2009, Vol. 1, No. 1,6.

Depression and Anxiety Common in Preschoolers

A large six-year study that tracked children ranging in age from 5 months to 5 years reports that 15% of participants had typically high symptoms of depression and anxiety, and that these children were more likely to have mothers with a history of depression.

The study, published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, also found that difficult temperament at 5 months was the most important predictor of depression and anxiety in children.

Source: Health Insider

How to Deal with Fear and Anxiety

· When fear and anxiety come up – try to recall the thought you were just having.

· Write it down so that you remember the thought.

· Analyze the thought – is it a valid thought or is it simply based on wrong perception or not being prepared?

· Change the thoughts – create thoughts of the opposite and turn them into affirmations. “I don’t know how” – becomes “ I know how.” “I might make a mistake” becomes “I’m doing everything right.”

· Prepare yourself – make sure you are well prepared for every situation.

· Change your actions – break the pattern that leads to anxiety. If you get anxious when you walk in front of a hospital – take a different route, or walk with a friend to break your concentration on the hospital.

· Focus on what you want.

· Acknowledge your success and pat yourself on the back for achieving goals.

· Talk to a Doctor – anxiety can be a medical problem so you should speak with a doctor.

Source: Karim Hajee

L-Tyrosine For Mood Elevation

L-Tyrosine is an important amino acid that can be used to treat allergies, anxiety and depression. It also aids in function of the following glands: adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands.

L-Tyrosine acts as a mood elevator, suppresses the appetite and helps decrease body fat. A lack of tyrosine can cause the body to not produce the hormone norephinephrine. This in turn causes depression, and mood disorders. It has also been used for withdrawal from drugs.

L-Tyrosine is best taken on an empty stomach, and mixed with Vitamin B6. Wait one hour before eating.