There are natural ways to treat depression. I was very intrigued that Bill W., founder of Alchoholics Anonymous, was helped by niacin to relieve depression. Bill conducted his own studies to see if Niacin would help other alcoholics overcome depression. The majority of the participants claimed that Niacin did help them overcome depression and anxiety. A clean diet can play a big role in combatting depression. Consuming two handfuls of cashews can give the same therapeutic benefit as a prescription of Prozac. Cashews contain tryptophan, and the body uses tryptophan to help make niacin. I agree with the idea to use a non-drug treatment for depression first before using prescription medication. The mind can be influenced by good nutrition, vitamin therapy and exercise.

I would love your feedback and see your comments.
Your comfort is in the palm of my hand,
Namaste, Lisa

Talk about a wakeup call. I had an experience recently that landed me in the hospital for a weekend, and it turned out to be a gift that had me contemplate my health, my life, and had me ask “what can I learn from this?” It started with a bad cold that was going around, which my daughter had, and after a few days of caring for her, I ended up pretty sick with it… cough, fever and runny nose seemingly overnight. A week later I was at the hospital emergency room with breathing problems, tight chest, and a racing heart. The doctor on call prescribed prednisone, and a puffer that is used for asthma. I went home, felt crappy, rested, and was in the hospital 5 days later with heart arrhythmia. My resting heart rate was 145, and my heart beat erratically for hours. The doctor had to give me an IV beta blocker to get my heart back into rhythm. I stayed in the hospital 2 nights, and it took 2 weeks to fully recover my health.

            In a follow up appointment with the doctor, I stated that I still had a tight chest, and the doctor said I probably just had sore muscles. I mentioned that I was still experiencing dizziness, and he sent me for blood work for my iron level. I did not feel comfortable that the doctor was going to help improve my health, so I booked in to see Colette Harman the local naturopathic doctor. She asked me over a 100 questions, did a couple of tests, and figured out that my lungs were still not healed from my cold, and she prescribed some homeopaths to help support my lungs. She said the dizziness was from my adrenal glands being compromised from the medication I had been on, and she prescribed an herbal remedy to help my recovery. My health improved after a few days of being on the remedies that the naturopath prescribed.

            My wakeup call had me look at my over-scheduled life, and to choose to cut back on some things so my schedule would not be quite as hectic. I have learned not to push myself so much, and to rest if I feel I need it. I thought I was “superwoman”, who could manage it all. I realize that does not work for me anymore, and it is not worth my health to keep up that crazy pace.

            I am grateful the hospital was there when I needed emergency care. I have been under the care of a doctor and under the care of a naturopathic doctor. I believe that prevention and maintaining wellness is preferable over visits to the doctor. For me the naturopath is a preferable choice. The homeopaths prescribed by the naturopath helps heal my body, and doesn’t just mask the symptoms that western medicine is designed to do.