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Patient Testimonial:
from J.M.
You were right, and after doing some serious thinking, I'm mad at a lot of doctors. I feel better than I have felt in my whole life, I think due to the diet, supplements, and testosterone injections. I was in bed for 30 years with double depression. In and out of institutions for years. I'm down to 10mg on the Celexa and 750 on the Depakote. If this keeps up, I'm thinking about writing a book, really!
"The missing link"- already have the name picked out. I always was depressed even as a young very sick child. Doctors gave me shots and antibiotics since the day I was born. And never stopped!
I feel great but somewhat confused because I don't know what normal feels like.
God bless and God speed...
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5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, a shrub principally found in West African countries. 5-HTP is an amino acid derivative and the immediate precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced both in the intestinal tract and in the brain and is important for mood, promoting calmness, and sleep. It can also be helpful in reducing carbohydrate cravings and supporting healthy eating patterns. 5-HTP should be taken under medical supervision.
Click above to 'Like' us on Facebook and receive 15% off the supplement of the month! *The product information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment of any disease, nor does it replace professional medical advice. *Warning: Please consult a health care professional before using this product.
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You Asked For It!
Introducing our expert in Botox and Fillers,
Donna Lloyd, RN
Due to constant requests, we've partnered with Donna Lloyd, RN, to offer Botox and Fillers at our facility.
Call 281-298-6742 to learn about our introductory offer and to schedule your free aesthetic consultation with Donna. Also, for Mother's Day we're offering a ONE DAY ONLY special on Thurs, May 8th: $9.00/unit for Botox.
Want to learn more about Botox? Live demonstration
May 15, 2014 5:30pm
Donna has been practicing aesthetics for the last eight years, establishing a proficient foundation and passion for injectables, including Radiesse, Belotero, Juvederm, Botox, Voluma and Artefill.
Also, we are now offering pellet therapy as a testosterone replacement option for our male and female patients.
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Lunch and Learn this Friday. Click here to learn more about lunch and learn and other noteworthy upcoming events!
Also click here for Specials just in time for Mother's Day! |
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Depression is a common disorder. While we all may experience temporary blues or discouraging setbacks in life, when these feelings persist and compromise our daily functioning, it can be a sign of a serious problem. Depression can take a major toll on our lives as well as the lives of those around us.
Depression is much more prevalent today than it was 50 years ago. Ten times more people suffer from major depression today than in 1945. Fifty years ago the average onset of depression was 29 years old and, sadly today, the average onset is just 14.5 years of age! Depression cuts across all ages, genders, every socioeconomic level, and it's estimated that at least 1 in 10 Americans takes anti-depressant medication.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings
- Markedly diminished interest or enjoyment in nearly all activities most of the time
- Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or unworthiness
- Irritability and restlessness
- Persistent fatigue, sleeplessness, or excessive sleeping
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Constant pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not respond to treatment
Every individual may exhibit different signs and symptoms with varying frequency and severity. If five or more of these symptoms apply to you or someone you know - it could signal depression.
Here is a list of possible reasons a person may be experiencing depression that you may not know about:
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Overcoming Depression Is A Balancing Act
We often refer to the Standard American Diet as "SAD" and it really is - it is a very depressing diet! The suggested food plate and previous food pyramid have led Americans into eating a very inflammatory and congesting diet of fast and processed foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, chemical preservatives and dyes, MSG, grains, and grain fed meats. We live fast and don't take time to figure in fresh vegetables, fruits, and undamaged, healthy fats which should make up the largest part of our diet and benefit our overall health more than any other foods.
And layer on top of that the toxic nature of our water, another fundamental aspect of our nutrition, and we are in depression trouble. Eating this SAD diet quickly leads to nutrient depletion and inflammatory diseases. Our body is no longer in balance; it becomes overwhelmed with a lack of nutrients and an excess of inflammation.
Nutrient depletion in and of itself is a known cause of depression.
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The human body needs balance. It is made to function optimally when everything is working in proper balance. Depression occurs when there is an inadequate supply of our "happy" brain chemical called serotonin. Many aspects of our dietary habits can inhibit the successful production of serotonin. Sugar in general and high fructose corn syrup specifically is one such culprit. Fructose and high sugar diets have been shown to degrade the availability of tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin. As a result, there is barely any tryptophan available to the body for the production of serotonin. Sugar, especially fructose has also been shown to suppress activity of a key growth hormone called BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) that promotes healthy brain neurons. BDNF levels are consistently low in depressed individuals.
A more complex issue arises with aspartame (eg. Nutrasweet and Equal) and monosodium glutamate. These neurotoxins interrupt the balance between neurotransmitters in the brain, thus promoting depression.
There is something out of balance about 6-11 servings a day of grain. At a minimum, if you happen to be able to make time to eat three times a day, you'd need to eat two servings of grain at every meal in order to meet the minimum recommendation. Gluten, found in the grains wheat, rye and spelt, is another food that can block the production of critical brain neurotransmitters including serotonin and has been demonstrated to be especially problematic for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.
More recent research into the balance of healthy bacteria in the small and large intestines has also revealed that in truth, more of our serotonin is made in the gut lining than in the brain. This critical neurotransmitter, which we usually call a "brain chemical" is actually a "gut chemical"! But this fact reveals that having a healthy gut full of favorable bacteria and not overcome by yeast, parasites or pathogens is mission critical to resolving depression. The gut is the human body's second brain and its health is highly correlated to brain health. A healthy gut is a healthy brain. Balancing gut flora, sealing a leaky gut and addressing unwelcomed inhabitants is a primary step in resolving depression. Unwelcome gut inhabitants prosper and grow well on processed and sugary foods, but are not especially fond of fresh vegetables and healthy fats!
Click here to read about nutritional recommendations to help avoid and overcome depression..
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In Good Health,
Mila McManus MD 26110 Oakridge Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness |
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