Turmeric treats depression

Sharing an article from Living Traditionally:
http://livingtraditionally.com/turmeric-treats-depression-without-side-effects-here-is-how-to-use-it/

June 11, 2015 by Anya V

Turmeric treats depression without side effects. Here is how to use it

 What if a natural supplement was just as effective as prescription drugs without the cost and dangerous side effects? A recent study found that curcumin, the main polyphenol in turmeric, is as at least as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating depression. So how could turmeric actually treat depression?   Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immuno-modulatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties.  Studies have shown that curcuminoids are very effective in scavenging free radicals and neutralize them.

Turmeric acts as a reactive oxygen scavenger;  it is able to inhibit the body’s production of pro-inflammatory signaling compounds called eicosanoids.  Curcuminoids in turmeric have been found to nfluence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. As we know, inflammation affects every aspect of your health. Inflammation can play a role in depression — even in the absence of a physical illness.

In the study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, the researchers found that people with clinical depression had a 30 percent increase in brain inflammation, also referred to as neuroinflammation.

Groundbreaking Study Finds Turmeric Extract Superior to Prozac for Depression

A recent study, Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial,  was done to compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).  According to the researchers, “This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD [major depressive disorder] without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.”

The study found that the effectiveness of curcumin stems from the fact that it can inhibit monoamine oxidase, an enzyme which is linked to depression if found in the brain in high levels.  Turmeric  also raise the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, two neurotransmitters responsible for happiness, curbing depression and overall emotional well-being.

Another study, published in the journal, “Brain Research,” examined the effects of curcumin administration to laboratory rats after exposure to a chronic stress protocol. The study found that  that curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on reducing stress-related depressive symptoms.

How to Use Turmeric for Depression

• Take turmeric extracts (available in tablets or capsules) three times per day or as directed on the product label. It’s important when supplementing to use a standardized, bioavailable source to ensure maximum absorption.
• Make Turmeric Tea

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of grated fresh turmeric root, or 1 full teaspoon of ground  organic turmeric (where to find)

• 4 cups of water

• Raw Honey and lemon to taste

Instructions

• Take four cups of water in a pot and boil it.

• Add the turmeric.  Now, simmer for 10 minutes, before straining it.

• When ready, strain the tea through a mesh strainer, and add the honey  to taste.

References:

http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327%2814%2900362-0/abstract

Tonic or Toxin: Side Effects of Antidepressants

As my wife and I watch tv, we occasionally see a commercial for the latest and greatest pharmaceutical. We inevitably end up laughing at the dozens of side effects listed for a drug meant to treat one condition. You may have a drug for the treatment of a skin rash that has side effects like blood clots, seizures, sexual dysfunction, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, blindness and maybe death! As scientists attempt to alter one chemical in the body, they wind up affecting other physiological systems and natural functions. This is also true for psychotropic (psychoactive or psycho-pharmaceutical) drugs. After 25+ years of SSRI prescriptions, current studies are showing both the immediate and long-term side effects of these substances, much to the dismay of pharmaceutical companies, doctors and patients.
Why would companies continue to produce medication that is considerably ineffective and potentially harmful to their customers? According to IMS Health, sales of antidepressants in the United States alone surpassed $11 billion in 2010. That sounds like a lot of reasons to sell such products. The responsibility for the surge in sales lies with all involved - the pharmaceutical companies, the doctors and us, the consumers. Making an informed decision needs to be one of our top goals before taking any pill, especially one that is going to alter your mind. Even if a doctor recommends medication, take the time to learn about what it may, or may not, do to your mind and body. Discuss your findings with your physician and also discuss a time frame for cessation of treatment. Even if you need the medication to address an immediate need, especially a mild condition, that doesn't mean you should become dependent on it for the rest of your life.
Not only can the side effects from antidepressants be dangerous, but the effectiveness of the drugs tends to have declining results over time. Longitudinal (long-term) follow-up studies show very poor outcomes for people treated for depression in both hospital and outpatient settings, and the overall prevalence of depression is rising despite increased use of antidepressants (Moncrieff & Kirsch 2006).

Here are some of the most common side effects of antidepressants:

• amotivational syndrome - a psychological condition associated with diminished inspiration to participate in social situations and activities, with episodes of apathy (also stated as a general syndrome of indifference)
• heart problems
• hostility/aggression/violence
• sleep problems
• anxiety
• hallucinations/delusional thinking
• depression
• sexual dysfunction
• birth defects
• suicide/risk/attempts -  this is a warning to be taken seriously for adults and children taking SSRI's
• additional medication necessary - often, doctors will prescribe more drugs to treat the side effects associated with antidepressants which can add additional problems

This is not an exhaustive list nor does it address the various conditions associated with the prescription of antidepressants. The main goal of this piece is to raise awareness of the seriousness of side effects from psychotropic medications and to encourage consumers to be more proactive and in control of their health care.
Follow the links below for additional reading on this subject.


http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1025-us-antidepressant-sales-rise-to-11b-due-to-primary-care-docs/
http://chriskresser.com/the-dark-side-of-antidepressants
http://www.drugwatch.com/ssri/suicide/