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An alternative approach to mental
health care can play an important role in recovery and healing. The brain is
affected by the habits we have, just as much as our body is. Since the brain
requires certain nutrients and blood flow in order to work properly, we need to
understand basically how to provide the proper nutrition and activity.
Even though your brain is about 2% of
your body weight, it uses 25% - 33% of the calories you consume, therefore your
brain is a major energy consumer in your body. Adjusting both diet and
nutrition may help some people with mental illnesses manage their symptoms and
promote recovery. For example, research suggests that eliminating milk and wheat
products can reduce the severity of symptoms for some people who have
schizophrenia and some children with autism. Similarly, some holistic/natural
physicians use herbal treatments, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, magnesium, and
thiamine to treat anxiety, autism, depression, drug-induced psychoses, and
hyperactivity.
Nutritional supplements that may be
helpful:
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Fish oils
- Some studies have also indicated that just by adding
fish oils or supplements like
Omega-3 to the diet can help with ADHD,
OCD, and some other mental disorders.
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SAMe (S-Adenosyl methionine)
is a naturally occurring molecule that is essential for over 100
chemical reactions in the human body. Preliminary research suggests that
SAMe is effective in treating mild to moderate depression.
Studies suggest that people with
Alzheimer's disease have low levels of SAMe in the brain.
Some early research has looked at the relationship
between SAMe and Parkinson's disease, dementia, migraine headaches and attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.
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5-HTP
(5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid. The
body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan (an essential amino acid) and converts it to
an important brain chemical known as serotonin. 5-HTP supplements help
raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on
sleep, mood, anxiety and aggression.
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Brain-Protex with Huperzine is designed to
give the brain protection against free radical damage.
Researchers recently
discovered that huperzine helps improve learning and memory; similar
improvements were observed when the compound was given to humans with
Alzheimer’s disease. Huperzine blocks the enzyme acetylcholinesterase,
thereby slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter
in the brain. Research shows that people with memory trouble have
characteristically low levels of acetylcholine.
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GABA helps
modulate brain
activity and promotes a state of relaxation. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is
the principal neurotransmitter required for this benefit and the key
ingredient in GABA Plus. This unique formula also includes glutamine for
mental energy, taurine to stabilize and protect brain tissue, spirulina for
its abundance of brain nutrients, and passionflower, an herb long used to help
maintain balance in this system and relieve stress.
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Adaptamax
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Studies show adaptogens’ power to help the
body combat stress. Rhodiola, in particular, may help the body overcome
fatigue while eleuthero has been shown to stimulate immune response.
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Mood Elevator is a
Chinese
formula composed of 18 herbs traditionally
used to support and nourish
the liver, the organ (according to Chinese philosophy) that plays an integral
role in mood. Its Chinese name "jie yu" means “relieve depression.”
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Spirulina
naturally contains protein representing all eight essential amino acids, as
well as chelated minerals, natural plant sugars, trace minerals and enzymes.
Herbs that
may be helpful:
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St John's Wort - This herb has been widely
used in Europe for decades as a mood booster.
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Kava Kava helps
reduce normal anxiety without impairing mental function. It may also help
promote more restful sleep in those struggling with occasional restlessness.
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Valerian Root
has been used as a sleep aid for over 1,000 years. Its ability to help relax
the central nervous system, promote feelings of calm, decrease levels of
anxiety and stress, and enhance restful sleep are known to millions the world
over.
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Ginkgo Biloba -
research
suggests that the extract from the leaves of the oldest tree on earth promotes
optimal blood circulation to the brain and supports memory and concentration
functions.
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