5 of 2007

I am deeply moved by the occurrences in the last 2 days here in the USA, with the shooting of 33 people on a College Campus. As most people I am asking why, what went wrong. Then I read that the killer a young man from a fairly average home had been on anti depressants and while watching the same news I see the FDA has released info showing that there is evidence in children that anti depressants causes suicidal behaviour. This is no new information, and has been known for years, we speak about it in our book “Take Control” (see interesting info). I have yet to find one anti depressant that does not have negative side effects especially those that affect behaviour, but it makes me wonder if any of those 32 families will be suing the pharmaceutical company for damages. Doing this will maybe help others sit up and think about how they deal with depression and the real causes and more natural ways to deal with it.

It surprises me how people are blaming the police force, the gun laws, the fact that he was born in another country, everything but the meds he was on. I am constantly amazed at the blind acceptance and faith we have in medicine, (I mean over the counter and prescription drugs) and then we are required to put a disclaimer in books on healthy living saying that we cannot be held responsible for any health that may result from eating natural foods!

So in healthy info I have (Lots of) info on the FDA report , side effects of anti- depressants and an extract from “Take Control”

Talks 

We had a great trip to Las Vegas where we spoke in the home of Liana Kopelyan and at the International Church of Las Vegas (log onto to www.iclv.com to see a church with passion and purpose) 

I have some a few dozen talks at the MOPS organization, and have been overwhelmed at the positive response from the young mothers or pre-schoolers. I remember only too well how confused I was when my children were small.

Next week we will be at  In His Presence Church in Woodlands Hill, Los Angeles

DVD info

Last month we interviewed a young couple on the beach in San Clemente, Southern California and spoke to them about their health and their hobby; surfing

In addition, for the first time I combined the cookery section with a talk. Talk about multitasking! I had to feed 25 people and at the same time help them understand the basic principles of the Natural Way. You will be able to use the recipes to entertain your guests or just have a great meal with your family.

Next month we interview a mother in Los Angeles and cook in her kitchen with some friends (who pitch in and help) and we discuss the effect of Caffeine and talk on some health information concerning chocolate

Interesting info

Side effects of Anti depressants and what you can do

I find this whole thing so depressing and I am not kidding! Anti depressants have hundreds of possible side effects and they are clearly not a cure, just take a look at 2 mentioned by the FDA and check out the side effects.

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Cautions for Use of Antidepressants in Adults and Children

The Food and Drug Administration today issued a Public Health Advisory that provides further cautions to physicians, their patients, and families and caregivers of patients about the need to closely monitor both adults and children with depression, especially at the beginning of treatment, or when the doses are changed with either an increase or decrease in the dose.

FDA has been closely reviewing the results of antidepressant studies in children, since June 2003, after an initial report on studies with paroxetine (Paxil), and subsequent reports on studies of other drugs, appeared to suggest an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in the children given antidepressants. There were no suicides in any of the trials. On close examination of the initial reports, it was unclear whether certain behaviors reported in these studies represented actual suicide attempts, or other self-injurious behavior that was not suicide-related.

FDA has initiated a full review of these reported behaviors by experts in such evaluation. However, it is not yet clear whether antidepressants contribute to the emergence of suicidal thinking and behavior. The agency is advising clinicians, patients, families and caregivers of adults and children that they should closely monitor all patients being placed on therapy with these drugs for worsening depression and suicidal thinking, which can occur during the early period of treatment. The agency is also advising that these patients be observed for certain behaviors that are known to be associated with these drugs, such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia (severe restlessness), hypomania, and mania, and that physicians be particularly vigilant in patients who may have bipolar disorder.

FDA is asking manufacturers to change the labels of ten drugs to include stronger cautions and warnings about the need to monitor patients for the worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidal ideation, regardless of the cause of such worsening.

The drugs under review include bupropion, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram and venlafaxine. It should be noted that the only drug that has received approval for use in children with major depressive disorder is fluoxetine (Prozac). Several of these drugs are approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in pediatric patients, i.e., sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and fluvoxamine (Luvox). Luvox is not approved as an antidepressant in the United States.

What is the most important information I should know about Paxil?

You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are a child or young adult. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking Paxil you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. Paxil may cause heart defects or serious, life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Paxil, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. Do not take Paxil together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

What is Paxil?

Paxil is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Paxil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Paxil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Prozac – side effects

Note the FDA say it is prescribed for children and safer but check out these side effects

Body as a Whole — Frequent: chest pain, chills; Infrequent: chills and fever, face edema, intentional overdose, malaise, pelvic pain, suicide attempt; rare: acute abdominal syndrome, hypothermia, intentional injury, neuroleptic malignant syndrome1, photosensitivity reaction.

Cardiovascular System — Frequent: hemorrhage, hypertension, palpitation; Infrequent: angina pectoris, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, hypotension, migraine, myocardial infarct, postural hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, vascular headache; rare: atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, cerebral embolism, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, extrasystoles, heart arrest, heart block, pallor, peripheral vascular disorder, phlebitis, shock, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, vasospasm, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular fibrillation.

Digestive System — Frequent: increased appetite, nausea and vomiting; Infrequent: aphthous stomatitis, cholelithiasis, colitis, dysphagia, eructation, esophagitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, glossitis, gum hemorrhage, hyperchlorhydria, increased salivation, liver function tests abnormal, melena, mouth ulceration, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, stomach ulcer, stomatitis, thirst; rare: biliary pain, bloody diarrhea, cholecystitis, duodenal ulcer, enteritis, esophageal ulcer, fecal incontinence, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematemesis, hemorrhage of colon, hepatitis, intestinal obstruction, liver fatty deposit, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, rectal hemorrhage, salivary gland enlargement, stomach ulcer hemorrhage, tongue edema.

Endocrine System — Infrequent: hypothyroidism; rare: diabetic acidosis, diabetes mellitus.

Hemic and Lymphatic System — Infrequent: anemia, ecchymosis; rare: blood dyscrasia, hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, lymphedema, lymphocytosis, petechia, purpura, thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia.

Metabolic and Nutritional — Frequent: weight gain; Infrequent: dehydration, generalized edema, gout, hypercholesteremia, hyperlipemia, hypokalemia, peripheral edema; rare: alcohol intolerance, alkaline phosphatase increased, BUN increased, creatine phosphokinase increased, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, iron deficiency anemia, SGPT increased.

Musculoskeletal System — Infrequent: arthritis, bone pain, bursitis, leg cramps, tenosynovitis; rare: arthrosis, chondrodystrophy, myasthenia, myopathy, myositis, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Nervous System — Frequent: agitation, amnesia, confusion, emotional lability, sleep disorder; Infrequent: abnormal gait, acute brain syndrome, akathisia, apathy, ataxia, buccoglossal syndrome, CNS depression, CNS stimulation, depersonalization, euphoria, hallucinations, hostility, hyperkinesia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, incoordination, libido increased, myoclonus, neuralgia, neuropathy, neurosis, paranoid reaction, personality disorder2, psychosis, vertigo; rare: abnormal electroencephalogram, antisocial reaction, circumoral paresthesia, coma, delusions, dysarthria, dystonia, extrapyramidal syndrome, foot drop, hyperesthesia, neuritis, paralysis, reflexes decreased, reflexes increased, stupor.

Respiratory System — Infrequent: asthma, epistaxis, hiccup, hyperventilation; rare: apnea, atelectasis, cough decreased, emphysema, hemoptysis, hypoventilation, hypoxia, larynx edema, lung edema, pneumothorax, stridor.

Skin and Appendages — Infrequent: acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis, eczema, maculopapular rash, skin discoloration, skin ulcer, vesiculobullous rash; rare: furunculosis, herpes zoster, hirsutism, petechial rash, psoriasis, purpuric rash, pustular rash, seborrhea.

Special Senses — Frequent: ear pain, taste perversion, tinnitus; Infrequent: conjunctivitis, dry eyes, mydriasis, photophobia; rare: blepharitis, deafness, diplopia, exophthalmos, eye hemorrhage, glaucoma, hyperacusis, iritis, parosmia, scleritis, strabismus, taste loss, visual field defect.

Urogenital System — Frequent: urinary frequency; Infrequent: abortion3, albuminuria, amenorrhea3, anorgasmia, breast enlargement, breast pain, cystitis, dysuria, female lactation3, fibrocystic breast3, hematuria, leukorrhea3, menorrhagia3, metrorrhagia3, nocturia, polyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage3; rare: breast engorgement, glycosuria, hypomenorrhea3, kidney pain, oliguria, priapism3, uterine hemorrhage3, uterine fibroids enlarged3.

Here is an extract from our book “Take Control” which will help you choose some natural solutions

you can order from-;

USA - www.auttie14.com is

UK - E-mail: aimordersuk@aimintl.com    Phone: 0207 089 2640

South Africa – www.aimordersza.com or 011 675 0477 or 021 881 3624 or 021 712 5875

I have condensed the chapter as it is simply too long for this newsletter. The book contains a 2^nd chapter on diet and depression which is vital as well.

Your Mind and Your Lifestyle

What is the best government? That which teaches us to govern ourselves.

Goethe

Mental balance will mean different things to different people, but for me an important part of achieving mental balance it to stretch your brain – socially, in the workplace and in your personal life.

            Your brain weighs nearly two kilograms and has sufficient storage capacity to record a thousand new bits of information every second, from birth to old age, and still have room to spare. A computer performing the same functions as the brain would weigh 10 tons! It is said that we use a mere one per cent of our incredible brain capacity. Surely we owe it to ourselves to try using our brains more effectively?

            Scientists have found that the more you use your brain the less likely you are to suffer from senile dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in later life. In fact they maintain that the older you get, the more efficient the brain becomes as it makes more connections between the left and right hand sides. The brain is like a muscle, use it or you’ll lose it, and that means exercising it every day. It is never too late to start stretching your brain.

            Many people find that their thought processes become less efficient as the years go by and many expect to suffer from, as my mother calls it, ‘Old Timer’s Disease’. Don’t let this happen to you. Use your head to learn a variety of different skills. This makes more connections between the right and left sides of the brain and ensures that as you get older, your brain continues to function efficiently. Reading, doing puzzles, learning a language and taking on projects that force you to acquire new skills are all excellent ways of preventing your brain from deteriorating.

            Continued learning has been shown to prevent depression. Depression can trap you in a downward spiral so it is important to make a concerted effort to stretch your brain and achieve mental balance in the process.

            If you are not sure where to start, write down three new things you would like to learn, whether it be a new computer programme, a foreign language, learning to fly or how to play golf. Then set yourself a target and aim to learn these things within a realistic period of time. Once you have achieved this, keep adding more things to your list. The more you are learning and the more new skills you are acquiring, the happier you will feel. There is nothing like a sense of achievement to make you feel that you are on top of the world!

            As we saw in the previous chapter, we need to eat well in order to ensure clarity of thought and mental composure. But in order to take full control of your mental well-being you also need to look at some of your habits. There are many factors that can have either a direct or indirect influence on mental health. We have identified a few that we have found to affect us, or the people we have worked with, most frequently.

HABITS THAT HARM

There are few lifestyle factors that have a bearing on achieving mental balance – let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.

Alcohol Consumption

First on my list of habits that interfere with brain function and mental balance is the use of alcohol. Many people think of alcohol as something that makes them feel ‘good’ so it’s not surprising that when depression rears its ugly head, many turn to alcohol in an attempt to perk themselves up or to further drown their sorrows. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst things to do. Alcohol itself acts as a depressant on the central nervous system and can in fact worsen existing depression. Too much alcohol causes deficiencies in the very vitamins needed for good mental health, so if you’re feeling low or suffering from depression, it would be far better to avoid alcohol altogether.

            Mark and I both grew up in families where at least one of our parents was an alcoholic. We saw at first hand what the long-term effects of alcoholism were on the mental capacity of once very clever men. We also saw the short-term effects in the toll that this destructive habit took on relationships within the home. Reading the book Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet Woititz has totally changed our lives but we are still working on the way we deal with some of the issues resulting from living with an alcoholic parent - and we are already grandparents ourselves! The legacy of alcoholism seems to go on and on, affecting generations of children in a family. In her book Grandchildren of Alcoholics, Ann Smith explains how the dysfunctional thinking in adult children of alcoholics affects even the grandchildren in those families. The problem is more widespread than you might imagine. A visit to one website for adult children of alcoholics showed that I was nearly the 700 000th visitor to a particular site - and there were seven more pages of sites to explore on the subject!

            I certainly do not believe that you should blame all your problems on having an alcoholic parent. By all means, acknowledge that this is a factor in your life, but don’t be crippled by it. You need to get on with your own life and stop living in the past; there is absolutely nothing you can do about your parents. But it is really interesting to see that having an alcoholic in the family can affect the mental well-being and emotional balance of both children and grandchildren alike. As we explore this subject, Mark and I continue to discover that the heritage of mental dysfunction has left its mark not only on us, but on our children too and has affected their response to life’s stresses and strains. You might find it helpful to read more about this subject in an effort to achieve your own sense of mental balance and well-being.

            Don’t make the mistake of thinking that an alcoholic is someone who is blind drunk all day long - quite often it is someone who simply can’t get through the day without taking a drink at some point. Take a long, hard look at your drinking patterns and don’t be too proud to seek help if necessary.

            The intake of alcohol has an alarming effect on the brain. In some people it is a sedative, inducing sleep but of a poor quality. If your quality of sleep is poor on a daily basis, the first area to be affected is the brain and the central nervous system. This could lead to irritability, moodiness and forgetfulness. In other people alcohol acts as a stimulant and violent and self-abusive behaviour in association with alcohol intake is well documented.

            Regular alcohol use can:

• Damage the frontal lobes of the brain (affecting reason, caution, inhibitions, sociability, talkativeness and intelligence)
• Affect the parietal lobe of the brain (causing loss of fine motor skills, slower reaction time and shaking)
• Damage the occipital lobe of the brain (resulting in blurred vision and poor distance judgement)
• Attack the cerebellum (leading to lack of muscle coordination and balance)
• Affect the brain stem (resulting in a loss of vital functions)
• Cause an overall reduction in brain size and increase in the size of the ventricles
• Lead to alcoholism (addiction to alcohol) and result in tolerance to the effects of alcohol and a wide variety of associated health problems
• Cause a vitamin deficiency. Because the digestion system of alcoholics is unable to absorb vitamin B1 (thiamine), a syndrome known as ‘Wernicke's Encephalopathy’ may develop. This syndrome is characterised by impaired memory, confusion and lack of coordination. Further deficiencies of thiamine can lead to ‘Korsakoff’s Syndrome’ which is characterised by amnesia, apathy and disorientation. Widespread disease of the brain is a feature of both these disorders
• It has a negative impact on exercise by decreasing the liver’s glucose output – this means less fuel for muscle contraction and bursts of energy, thus hampering your performance
• It also increases fatigue, promotes difficulty in regulating body temperature, and dehydrates the body.

Why any company would encourage the consumption of alcohol at work functions or even after hours is beyond me. I have heard so many stories of how people are passed over for promotion if they fail to socialise with their colleagues at the pub after work. It seems that most employers are blissfully unaware of the fact that this practice just serves to encourage apathetic, confused workers!

Caffeine Overload

As we have discussed before, caffeine harms the body in many ways. When it comes to achieving mental balance, caffeine is a huge stumbling block. People who suffer from depression or tiredness often rely on a cup of coffee or a chocolate bar to give a quick boost to flagging energy levels. But, as with alcohol, this usually backfires. Caffeine acts on the central nervous system, and has a direct influence on your ability to sleep - too much caffeine in your system can keep you from getting a good night’s rest. Even those who claim to fall asleep easily after a cup of coffee are affected as caffeine prevents the deep, restorative sleep necessary for optimal mental health and well-being.

            Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and over-stimulation of the central nervous system has the potential to raise anxiety levels. Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand making recovery from either condition more difficult.

            Caffeine also has a particularly negative effect on endocrine function and frequently leads to adrenal exhaustion and low blood sugar levels. Long-term research indicates that eight or more cups of coffee a day (600mg of caffeine) can cause chronic insomnia, persistent anxiety, paranoia, and depression – so that quick pick-me-up is no help at all in taking control of your mind.

Hormonal Imbalance

‘Mental disease is a common symptom of … a disorder of the endocrine glands … It’s no wonder. The hormones dispatched into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands are probably second only to the chemicals in the brain when it comes to shaping how we feel and behave. When an endocrine gland malfunctions, secreting either too few or too many hormones, depression is often a symptom.’ So claims Syd Baumel in Dealing with Depression Naturally.

            Any woman who has suffered from premenstrual tension will know just how hormones can affect your mental and emotional state. It is vitally important that you address endocrine function first should you have any problems relating to depression or mental illness. This would include correcting the diet, and getting enough exercise and sunlight. Low blood sugar is a big factor in depression and blood sugar levels are controlled by the hormonal or endocrine system. Your diet has a direct impact on this system, so sort your eating habits out as a priority.

            Exercise and sunlight have a profound effect on the endocrine system and have the power to lift depression. It is important to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes daily, and if you exercise out of doors you will benefit from natural sunlight too. (Refer to the chapters on exercise and sunlight for more details on how they affect endocrine function and contribute to physical and mental health.)

Parasite Infestation

Intestinal parasites, such as worms or flukes, can manifest in a variety of ways and can cause severe health problems. They cause damage to the body in the following ways:

• Destroy cells faster that they can be generated
• Produce toxic substances
• Irritate and invade body tissue
• Upset the balance or homeostasis of organ function
• Depress the immune system
• Cause nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption.

There are obviously many physical symptoms as a result of this sort of damage, but in terms of the impact on your mental health the most common symptoms are nervousness, mental confusion, sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue.

            What can you do to get rid of them? There are over 400 different types of parasites that can infect humans and I know of no drug on the market that will get rid of all of these safely. The safest approach to combating parasite infestation is to use a combination of natural herbs. There are two excellent products available locally, Herbal Fibreblend and Para 90. They are made with natural, organically grown plants and herbs, all efficient in ridding the system of unwanted parasites. I suggest that you start with  Herbal Fibreblend  as this will help clear the digestive tract of old faecal matter and some of the herbs contained in this preparation will also rid you of certain parasites, thus making Para 90’s job quicker and easier.

            You will know the products are working if you feel a ‘pokey’ sensation in your abdomen, or if your skin itches or feels ‘crawly’. Headaches, excess mucus, nausea and extreme tiredness are other symptoms of successful parasite release. You may also experience more frequent bowel movements, looser stools and increased urination. Some people even feel pain in the liver as the body rids itself of parasites. Once you have completed treatment with Para 90 I would suggest that you take a probiotic (like Florafood ) to help re-establish the beneficial intestinal bacteria.

            Also try to include some of the following foods in your diet on a regular basis, as they help control parasite infestations: raw carrots, fresh and dried figs, parsley, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds or tahini (sesame seed paste). Remember that a high raw fruit and vegetable diet helps maintain a healthy immune system, which is essential in controlling parasites.

Candida Syndrome

Smoking

We all know that smoking harms the body in many ways. But did you know that it impacts on your mental health too? Nicotine, the highly addictive chemical found in tobacco, influences the central nervous system directly and acts on the brain in the following ways:

Pleasure Followed by Sedation

·        Nicotine initially stimulates the pleasure centres in the brain, creating sensations of enjoyment and alertness.

·        It then acts as a tranquilliser and sedative.

Brain Alteration, Withdrawal and Addiction

• Nicotine directly affects, alters and takes control of specialised receptor cells in the brain responsible for regulating well-being, mood and memory.
• The drug remains active for 20 to 40 minutes, and then withdrawal symptoms begin.
• The smoker’s mood changes and he becomes irritable and anxious. As the discomfort becomes more severe, intense cravings for more nicotine are stimulated.
• Regular and long-term use leads to addiction.

Of course none of this is conducive to mental health! Once again, a diet high in raw foods will help you to break this habit. The inclusion of plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds and sparkling water often helps cut the craving for cigarettes. In my experience, many people taking BarleyLife (juice of organically grown, spouted barley leaves) find that cigarettes start tasting foul after a while and they tend to give up smoking because they no longer enjoy the experience. If you are disciplined about focusing on your health (rather than on giving up smoking) you may find that in time (usually somewhere between three and six months) cigarettes will simply lose their appeal.

Use of Medication

More than 200 medical drugs in common use have been reported to cause depression - these include anti-depressants (Yes, believe it or not!), birth control tablets and even cortisone. I have mentioned a few of these drugs here, as most people who use them are completely unaware of the risk they pose to mental health. Before you take any type of medication read up on the possible side-effects.

            Ritalin, a drug commonly prescribed to hyperactive children with attention deficit disorder, has been found to cause long-term changes in the brain. Researchers at the University of Buffalo found in animal experiments that the changes to the brain induced by the drug were similar to those seen after the use of powerful stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine. The known short-term side-effects of Ritalin use have been well documented and include the following alarming symptoms: psychotic-like manifestations, insomnia, depression, irritability, aggression and nervousness. (In my book Healthy Kids the Natural Way I discuss alternatives to Ritalin therapy in some detail.)     

            Blood pressure medication has many side-effects, but those relating specifically to mental well-being include confusion, lack of energy, depression, anger and moodiness.

            A surprising number of people take anti-depressants without giving any thought to what the side-effects are or indeed to what the root cause of their problem could be. It seems that if anyone is tired or feeling a bit flat these drugs are routinely prescribed, even to young children. Many people are reassured by their doctors that these drugs are not addictive and they can stop taking them at any time with no ill effect. In practice this is not so - I have yet to find a person who has come off drug therapy without experiencing any side-effects. There are many different drugs on the market for treating anxiety and depression. It is essential to be aware to the side-effects of this medication (some even lead to suicidal tendencies or further depression). Drug therapy is not the solution to depression as invariably it becomes part of the problem. If you are suffering from depression you need to look at your diet and lifestyle first – you need to understand that by taking responsibility for your health you can achieve long-term solutions without using medication.

            There are several natural alternatives to drug therapy. Some people may require a little help in the process of correcting their diet and lifestyle, and although there are many herbal preparations that may be beneficial in this regard, I am reluctant to promote them as I believe that in the long-term implementing a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle is the only permanent solution. However, if you feel that you need an extra hand in the beginning, please make sure that you consult a qualified natural health consultant, homoeopath, naturopath or a doctor who is aware of natural alternatives for advice. There are many plant and herbal extracts that may be of benefit if you are suffering from anxiety or depression. However, I would caution you to regard them only as a short-term solution. Ultimately, your body should be supported by a change to a healthier lifestyle and in time problems like depression and anxiety should be corrected.

ENVIRONMENT AND THE MIND

There are many environmental pollutants that tax your health and it is important not to ignore their influence on your state of mental well-being.

Heavy Metals

Pesticide Residues

Cell Phones and Electro-pollution

The Solution

It is possible to take charge of your mental health. Live as simply as possible and avoid wherever possible the pollutants that contribute to disorders like depression and anxiety. Opt for unleaded fuel and avoid pesticide residues by switching to organic or home-grown produce. The role of diet cannot be ignored – eat copious amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables (organically grown where possible) including dark green leafy vegetables. Most of the natural vitamins and minerals contained in fresh plant foods (and especially the chlorophyll) have a powerful neutralising effect on the toxic chemical load in your body. So, for the sake of your mental health aim at increasing you intake of fresh, raw plant food every day.

Thought for the week

The foolishness of man ruins his affairs; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord

Proverbs 19:3

Copyright 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 Mary-Ann Shearer and The Shearer Family Trust

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