that, a supplementation. They cannot take the place of the benefits received from eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, or repair all the wrongs done to your body from bad lifestyle habits. Always check with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.
Try to Maintain Normal Weight Excess body weight may increase the risk for many health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, certain types of cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and pregnancy problems (such as high blood sugar and blood pressure during pregnancy, and increased risk of cesarean delivery). By eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water between meals, and exercising regularly, an individual can usually maintain normal body weight.
St. John’s Wort This herb (Hypericum perforatum) has been used for centuries for mental health conditions and is widely prescribed for depression in Europe. However, it could potentially have serious side effects if taken with other pharmaceutical medications. (Consult your doctor if you have questions about this herb.) It is also important to note that in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has not approved its use as an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for depression
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because it claims its benefits are not yet conclusive.
Stress Management Incorporating healthy stress-management techniques can avoid letting it take control of your life. Keep in mind most things that people worry about seldom happen. Stop worrying about things that you cannot control, especially global events, such as the economy, weather, politics, war, disease, poverty and the environment. If watching news broadcasts or reading the newspaper depresses you, then try avoiding them. Discover what helps you relax or what makes you happy, be it reading, music, exercise, movies, cooking, hobbies, board games, or whatever. Remember, too, that laughter is great medicine! Share jokes, watch comedies or recall events that made you laugh.
“When Life Hands You a Lemon, Make Lemonade” President Abraham Lincoln suffered from bouts of depression during the Civil War. He was quoted as saying, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” A positive outlook on life is great therapy. Make it a habit to dwell upon the positive things in your life, and refuse to let the negative things that we all experience overwhelm you. As bad as things seem, there are always some positives in one’s life. When melancholy, look upon your blessings. Take control over your thoughts, rather than letting them control you!
Religious belief is a “safety net” for millions of people around the globe. Researchers have found that individuals with a sound religious foundation are said to have more inner peace, plus they heal faster and recover more quickly from stressful situations. Faith can be a powerful instrument. A substantial amount of research points to the benefits of faith to mitigate symptoms of depression. In one study, for example, researchers at McLean Hospital, in Belmont, Massachusetts, found that belief in God was associated with better treatment outcomes. They followed 159 individuals over the course of a year to examine the relationship between a person’s level of belief in God, expectations for treatment, and actual treatment results. Individuals with no belief or only a slight belief in God were twice as likely to not respond to treatment than people with stronger beliefs. This article is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. Consult your doctor for all health concerns, including medications, dietary restrictions, exercise, weight-loss advice, and nutritional supplements. A.J. Fleming, ND, author of the books STOP Committing Suicide with a Fork! and Nutrition Made E-Z, has more than 20 years’ experience as a nutritional researcher and author. A naturopathic consultant, he was a former adviser to a vitamin supplement manufacturer, newspaper columnist, and personal health counselor. His articles have appeared in various publications, including Let’s Live Magazine, Bestways Magazine and Christian Living in the Mature Years. An ex-marathon runner, with the Boston Marathon to his credit, he is a Christian by faith, and his hobbies include reading, fitness and vegetarianism.
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Different types of depression exist, with symptoms ranging from relatively minor to severe.
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