Depression as a symptom of underlying disease

More Americans are being diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressant medication now than ever before.

The top two prescription antidepressant medications reached nearly 4.5 billion in sales in 2006 and have only grown. Both are used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder.

So where does this modern epidemic stem from? Some experts believe that it may be a misdiagnosis.

Generally speaking, depression is considered an ailment in itself, but if we consider mental and physical health in a holistic manner we might discover that depression is many times a symptom of disease rather than an isolated condition.

Finding the cause of depression can require some serious detective work since it is a symptom of a number of ailments as we will see below:

Depression linked to vitamin deficiency: According to numerous studies, mood disorders such as depression are one of the symptoms of vitamin B deficiency.

Foods such as spinach and broccoli are high in B vitamins and can help reverse these symptoms.

Depression, anxiety and thyroid function: The pituitary gland is responsible for releasing numerous hormones essential for health. One of the most the essential functions it performs is increasing the basal metabolic rate.

It also regulates protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as vitamin metabolism.

Hypothyroid is a condition where not enough t-hormones are produced. Depression is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Thyroid Assist™ naturally supports healthy thyroid functioning.

When hyperthyroidism is present, the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of t-hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heart palpitations and anxiety.

Thyroid disorders are relatively easy to diagnose with simple tests that measure the amounts of T-hormones present in the blood stream. ThyroSoothe™ is a natural remedy to support systemic health of the endocrine system.

Depression and allergies: According to experts, depression can be a symptom of certain allergies such as food and environmental allergies. AllergiClear™ is an all natural herbal remedy that promotes optimal immune system health, and helps to maintain clear eyes, nose and chest and supports the body's ability to naturally resist allergens during the allergy season.

Depression and melatonin: Medical Research has confirmed the relationship between high levels of daytime melatonin and depression. Melatonin disorders are more prevalent in winter time where shorter days cause excessive melatonin to be released in the body.

Depression and adrenal hormones: Adrenal fatigue is triggered when the amount of stress exhausts the capacity of the body to atone and recover from stress. AdrenoBoost™ is an all natural remedy that supports the health of the adrenal glands as well as the body's natural ability to adapt to routine everyday stressors.

Depression and digestive function: A diet that features over processed foods high in starch and sugar can contribute to a sluggish metabolism which may also be responsible for mood disorders such as depression.

This makes sense considering that digestive disorders may cause toxins not to be expelled and to actually be reabsorbed from the colon back into the bloodstream. DigestAssist™ promotes healthy digestion and comfort after meals.

Depression and toxins: Overexposure to heavy metal toxins such as lead and mercury which can be commonly found in certain types of fish have been clinically shown to cause psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Detox Drops™ assists in the body's natural elimination of toxins.

Depression and Glucose and Insulin Tolerance: Whenever we eat, insulin is released into the blood stream by the pancreas. Insulin is an essential hormone that enables us to properly metabolize the glucose produced each time we eat a meal.

Insulin also has the essential role of lowering blood sugar. Insulin resistance or tolerance refers to a set of factors that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Depression is a commonly experienced symptom of this condition. Insulate Plus™ is a 100% herbal remedy to help maintain blood sugar levels that are within the normal range and support the endocrine system. It also helps support healthy circulation responsible for adequate flow of blood to the feet and hands.

Depression - Anxiety and Female Hormones: Female hormonal imbalances such as PMS is something many women experience monthly and can sometimes severely interrupt their lives. What few women know is that through diet and exercise and with the help of natural remedies, the debilitating symptoms of PMS can be decreased and even avoided completely.

A diet that emphasizes wholesome and if possible organic foods and low in refined sugars will help minimize discomfort.

Mens-Reduce™ is a 100% natural herbal remedy that helps regulate, maintain and support normal menstrual bleeding, and a healthy and regular menstrual cycle. Femalite™ promotes health and comfort, and helps maintain normal emotional and hormonal balance during the premenstrual period. Endo-Ex™ aids in the maintenance of endometrial tissue health, hormonal balance and regular healthy menstrual cycle.

Depression and Diet: High quantities of protein are said to suppress CNS Serotonin levels in the brain. Additionally, the morphine-like substances derived from the incomplete digestion of dairy and cereal grain proteins are other dietary factors which may alter mood by depressing CNS serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels (5) according to Ron Hoggan M.A. & James Braly M.D.

Depression and Stress: Stress that is not properly managed through relaxation techniques and exercise can cause systemic imbalances that may trigger a wide range of symptoms one of them being depression.

Native Remedies' Calm Within CD™ was designed to naturally support healthy levels of stress-regulation, relax your mind and body, support balanced emotions, and naturally alleviate feelings of being blue. PureCalm™ can also help facilitate a calmed mood and soothed nerves.

Whether your depression is a symptom of an undiagnosed ailment or the problem in its entirety, it is important to seek help and take a look at both your physical and emotional health in a holistic way.

Remember to make healthy lifestyle decisions and start by eating a wholesome and balanced diet. Eating healthy will make a tremendous difference and provide you with valuable insight on the current state of your health. Also, try to incorporate moderate exercise into your life.

Finally, herbal and homeopathic products can be a wonderful alternative to the prescription medications so often used to balance your mood and relieve many of the symptoms cause by depression.

When depression is the symptom, natural remedies can successfully and safely manage a wide range of the foregoing conditions.

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Native Remedies products include:

PureCalm™ Help facilitate a calmed mood and soothed nerves.

MindSoothe™ Promote balanced mood, emotional health and feelings of wellbeing

MindSoothe Jr™ Promote balanced mood and stability in children

Triple Complex Mood Tonic™ Promote balanced mood and peacefulness in all ages

Triple Complex Nerve Tonic™ Improve nervous system health

The Calm Within CD™ Improve relaxation, support balanced emotions and reduce stress levels

For these health solutions and others in the article,
see the Native Remedies site.

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