Copeing with COPD Related Depression - Healing the Brain

Current research points to an imbalance of biochemicals in the brain as the seat of depression.
Recent medical breakthroughs have led to effective treatments and cures for depression for
the first time in history.  Nutritional Supplements, Good nutrition,
plus taking vitamin and mineral supplements, supports the healing of your brain and body. A
nutrition-conscious doctor can test you for nutritional deficiencies and treat these appropriately.
Consider taking a vitamin B-complex twice daily. Deficiencies of B1, B2, or B6 can cause depression.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause depression, neurological problems, and anemia.
(You may need to take the B12 under your tongue or as a "B12 shot" because this vitamin is
absorbed poorly from the diet.) Vitamin C twice daily helps combat stress and strengthens
your immune system. A daily multimineral supplement is also helpful because a deficiency
of zinc, iron, magnesium, or manganese can contribute to depression.
Excess sugar, white flour, alcohol, and caffeine deplete your energy and can contribute to
depression.  Especially among the elderly, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals
contribute to not only depression, but less-than-optimal mental performance.
In general, vitamin/mineral supplements are better purchased at a health food store than
the corner drug store.  And... drink lots of water--at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day.
Treat Your Body Well.
Anything you've learned that promotes the strengthening, flexibility, and endurance of your
body will almost invariably support your overall healing and well-being.
Exercise---produces endorphins, which are among the body's natural antidepressants.
Bicycling, swimming, or even a good brisk walk can do wonders.
Other physical activities--such as yoga, stretching, dancing, tai chi--are excellent ways
to loosen the body, relieve stress, and get energy moving again.
It's hard to overestimate the healing powers of a hot bath. If you're a typical
"shower power" American,making that a ten-minute hot bath could have soothing results.
Even more deeply relaxing is massage.
Do more of whatever activities you personally find nurturing and enjoyable: walks in
nature, viewing art, listening to good music, watching your favorite movies, gardening.
One of the most common outcomes of a depressive illness is a mistreated body. Now is
the time to treat your body well.  The more you learn to treat yourself well now,
the less treatment you'll need down the road.
Copyright © 1994-1996 Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. & Peter McWilliams

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My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She's
        ninety-five now, and we don't know where the hell she is.
ELLEN DEGENERESE

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Movie on Depression:
  http://fbhc.org/Patients/BetterHealth/Depression/movie.html

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last edited 4-12-2000