Seasoning your Turkey? Try some Tumeric. It may have antidepressant or antioxidant effects.

CNS Drugs. 2012 Jun 1;26(6):477-90.

Antioxidants as antidepressants: fact or fiction?

Scapagnini G, Davinelli S, Drago F, De Lorenzo A, Oriani G.

Source

Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy. g.scapagnini@gmail.com

Abstract

Depression is a medical condition with a complex biological pattern of aetiology, involving genetic and epigenetic factors, along with different environmental stressors. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress processes might play a relevant role in the pathogenic mechanism(s) underlying many major psychiatric disorders, including depression. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species have been shown to modulate levels and activity of noradrenaline (norepinephrine), serotonin, dopamine and glutamate, the principal neurotransmitters involved in the neurobiology ofdepression. Major depression has been associated with lowered concentrations of several endogenous antioxidant compounds, such as vitamin E, zinc and coenzyme Q10, or enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase, and with an impairment of the total antioxidant status. These observations introduce new potential targets for the development of therapeutic interventions based on antioxidant compounds. The present review focuses on the possible role of oxidative stress processes in the pathogenesis of depression. The therapeutic potential of antioxidant compounds as a co-adjuvant treatment to conventional antidepressants is discussed. For instance, N-acetyl-cysteine has been shown to have a significant benefit on depressivesymptoms in a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Additionally, curcumin, the yellow pigment of curry, has been shown to strongly interfere with neuronal redox homeostasis in the CNS and to possess antidepressant activity in various animal models of depression, also thanks to its ability to inhibit monoamine oxidases. There is an urgent need to develop better tolerated and more effective treatments for depressive disorders and several antioxidant treatments appear promising and deserve further study.

PMID:

 

22668245

 

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances

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Natural treatment for ADHD symptoms

Natural treatments to remedy ADHD, such as fixing sleep issues or monitoring screen time, may help reduce symptoms of ADHD.

I call it the September phenomenon. My practice fills with children getting ready for school, college students grabbing their last-minute prescriptions and everyone questioning whether they should refill their ADD/ADHD medicine of choice.

It is always interesting to see the diversity amongst my ADD population. Many young children and adolescents love the feeling of being "hyper-focused" and are able to accomplish massive amounts of work in a short period of time. Others stare at me, looking pale and fatigued, wanting off their medications.

Medications for ADD have come under increased scrutiny, with recent statistics showing that use of these medications has increased by 50 percent in the last six years. Abuse of Ritalin, one of the most commonly used ADHD medications is also rampant on college campuses. Research continues to debate the effectiveness of the medications for improving grades and helping students "study."

I am always trying to help my patients understand the cause and options for treating their ADD/ADHD. While some patients do need medication, we have seen attention and hyperactivity improve with alternative regimens. Spending time educating patients about prevention of inattention and hyperactivity has proven to be effective in our practice.

ADD and ADHD are the result of neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine imbalances. The four main imbalances include high norepineprine and cortisol, dopamine dysfunction, serotonin deficiency, and insulin irregularity. Each of these imbalances are rooted in nutritional deficiencies that with correction, improve symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. Food allergies and intolerances also contribute to malabsorption of nutrients.

While my practice goal is to identify each patient's unique ADD/ADHD type, there are general patterns that seem to be consistent for the majority of patients.

Correct Irregular Sleep Cycles

Children with inattention, as well as adolescents, need more sleep than their non-ADD counterparts. Most children require at least 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I have noticed that many children become wired at night, fighting sleep and bedtimes. Creating a calming sleep routine that is consistent helps children with ADD/ADHD relax. Reading, journaling, guided imagery tapes and yoga are great pre-bed activities. Warm baths with Epsom salts may also help.

Keep Insulin Stable

Teaching children and parents tips to keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable improve inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. Many children leave their homes with a high-sugar breakfast, followed by sugary snacks and unhealthy lunches. Emphasizing the importance of protein and decreasing total sugar consumption daily to under 40 grams is critical for children with ADD/ADHD. Small servings of protein should be eaten at regular intervals. Convenient protein sources include nuts, yogurt, hummus, protein bars and protein smoothies.

Correct Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutrition is often underplayed in ADHD management, but there are nutritional deficiencies that appear in my patients repeatedly. These deficiencies are also important in neurotransmitter balance. The most common nutritional deficiencies we see in practice include low B vitamin levels, low magnesium, and low levels of amino acids. If you or your child may have ADD/ADHD, have your physician or nutritionist evaluate your potential nutritional deficiencies, prior to supplementation.

Morning Exercise

For many children, serotonin imbalance is the cause of ADD. Beginning a quick morning workout before heading to class gives the brain a serotonin boost. Try running up and down the stairs five times or 10 jumping jacks. A brisk morning walk may also help "wake up" your serotonin.

Create an Electronic Budget

Children and adults with ADD/ADHD often find their symptoms worsen with constant stimulation from iPhones, iPads and other electronics. Most children should have an "electronic budget" that limits use of TV, video games, phones and other gadgets to one hour per day. Adults need an electronic budget as well. While jobs may force us all on the computer for long periods of time, having "electronic-free" hours can help build focus and attention. Turn off your electronics by 10 p.m. and keep four hours at least one day per week gadget/electronic-free.

Although many patients will still need ADD/ADHD medications, trying natural alternatives can keep us all less medication dependent and living healthier. Focus on alternatives in beating your ADD/ADHD, naturally.

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15 Natural Ways to Treat Migraines

Ever looked for natural remedies for migraine headaches? Many options are listed in this article for helpful migraine pain relief.

If you've ever had a migraine, you know that when the first symptoms strike, it's time to find relief — and fast. And when you find something that works, you stick with it.

For many, migraine relief comes in the form of an over-the-counter or prescription medication. But the relief routine was upended in January, when medication manufacturer Novartis voluntarilyrecalled certain bottles of Excedrin, due to stray and chipped pills.

Today, many in chronic pain are still without their Excedrin — the popular migraine pill has not yet made its way back on to store shelves — and looking for other options.

While there are a host of other drugs that treat and prevent migraines, there are also a number of natural options to ease the pain. In fact, a recent reiteration of the guidelines for treating migraines, developed by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society, highlighted some of the drug-free ways to reduce and prevent the pain, HuffPost's Catherine Pearson reported in April.

So what really works? Click through the slideshow below to see some of the expert-approved ways to ease migraines. Then tell us in the comments what works for you.

Feverfew

One of the oldest herbal remedies for migraines, this plant can be used in many forms, included steeped in tea or even eaten raw, according to Alexander Mauskop, M.D., a board-certified neurologist focused on headaches and the director and founder of the New York Headache Center.

That's because it contains a powerful chemical calledparthenolide, which has been linked to warding off migraines, although Mauskop says science hasn't really offered an answer yet as to how or why,

One of the first studies of the herb came out of Great Britain in the 1980s, and found that 70 percent of people who chewed a couple of feverfew leaves each day saw their symptoms improve and experienced fewer migraines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

In supplement form — as long as it contains at least 0.2 percent parthenolides — 100 to 150 milligrams a day may do the trick, according to a HuffPost blog by Dr. Andrew Weil, because it can help "prevent the release of substances that dilate blood vessels in the head."

Butterbur

Unlike feverfew, this herb is toxic in any form but the processed supplement, says Mauskop.

However, its headache-preventing properties are equally impressive. The chemicals in butterbur are thought to relieve spasms and decrease inflammation, which can cause headaches, according to WebMD.

A small 2004 study found that patients who took 75 milligrams of butterbur twice daily had 48 percent fewer migraines, compared to a 26 percent decrease experienced by people given only a placebo.

While it's been predominantly researched as a preventive measure, there's some preliminary evidence that it can also help beat a migraine as it's happening. Taking 100 milligrams every three hours (up to 300 milligrams in 24 hours) just might do the trick, according to Psychology Today.

Magnesium

Mauskop's own research found that people with migraines and cluster headaches are often deficient in magnesium.

He demonstrated that an infusion of the mineral helped to stop the pain. Of course, an infusion isn't the most practical of treatments when you're struck by a migraine at the office, say, but supplements can also help.

One small study found daily magnesium supplements reduced migraine frequency by nearly 42 percent, compared to only about 16 percent in people given a placebo pill. Some people have trouble absorbing magnesium, says Mauskop, which can lead to the unpleasant side effect of diarrhea, but overall it's considered safe in 200 milligram daily doses, he says.

Riboflavin

This B vitamin — found naturally in foods like milk, meat, nuts and green veggies — was linked to migraine prevention in a small 1998 study, but in a very high dose, writes Weil, one that wouldneed to be prescribed by a doctor.

Riboflavin (and an enzyme that acts similarly called CoQ10) is involved in producing energy inside the cells of the body, Mauskop explains, so it's better to take in the morning to ward off migraines, in case it disrupts sleep.

Acupuncture

There have been mixed results in the research examining this ancient Chinese medicine's effect on migraines. Most recently, a study questioned whether the traditional practice offered much more than a placebo effect, perhaps due to the extra attention lavished by the acupuncturist. Proponents maintain that the needles trigger pain-reducing chemicals, Reuters reported, but all those visits could become time consuming and expensive, points out Mauskop.

A DIY altnerative might be acupressure, he says. Try pressing on the webbed space between your thumb and pointer finger. It may only be temporary, but it can offer relief.

Caffeine

"Caffeine is a double-edged sword," says Mauskop. If you're too dependent on multiple cups of coffee a day (or even frequent doses of certain headache medications formulated with caffeine) you're likely to experience rebound headaches when the jolt starts to wane. However, in small doses, a little bit can help reduce pain.

Regular Exercise

Along with meditation, Mauskrop calls staying active one of his top two most effective ways to prevent and treat migraines. Of course, many people are in too much pain in the middle of a headache to even think about heading to the gym. But a few people have told him when they feel something coming on, they can go out for a jog and avoid the migraine altogether. "It relaxes you, it releases endorphins," he says.

Last year, a small Swedish study attempted to find out just how good exercise is at preventing migraines and discovered a solid sweat session was just as effective as migraine medications at keeping the debilitating headaches at bay.

Meditation

One way to reap the stress-reducing benefits for free is a quiet meditation practice, says Mauskop, who lists meditation as one of his top two natural migraine treatments. There remains little concrete evidence that meditation in particular can ease the pain, Health.com reported, but it is certainly aproven stress reliever.

Drink More

Plenty of headaches are triggered by dehydration — so much so that Mauskop says he has patients who will quickly drink a few glasses of H2O when they feel a migraine coming on, and actually stop it in its tracks. "They know to catch it early," he says, "that definitely can help."

Not a huge water fan? There are plenty of ways to snazz up a glass or trick yourself into sipping more throughout the day here.

Cool Down — And Warm Up

Many people will feel a chill when they get a migraine, explains Mauskop, while at the same time their heads feel "hot and cloudy" he says. For some temporary relief, try reversing the feelings — cool your head with an ice pack while warming the body in the bath, he suggests. Granted, it's not very practical unless you're at home and have plenty of time, he says, but dilating the blood vessels in the body may help blood flow away from the head and reduce some of the pain, he says.

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