NATURAL MEN’S HEALTH: STRESS - ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION - RECENT RESEARCHES

Recent research now recognises how essential B12 and folic acid are for depression (as well as for heart conditions and Alzheimer's). It has also been found that high levels of homocysteine cause the lowering of blood levels of a substance referred to as SAMMe (s-adenosylmethionine - a derivative of the amino acid methionine). It is vital to take SAMMe supplements if you suffer from depression, panic attacks and insomnia related to depression. It is usually mixed with B12 and folic acid which have been found to increase the effects of SAMMe.

Another substance that works on depression is 5-hydrozy-tryptophan, nicknamed 5-HTP. This substance is found naturally in the body and forms the building blocks for the feel-good hormone serotonin. A supplement of 200 mg a day is ideal, although often you will find this mixed in a formula with SAMMe. Tryptophan is also found in the following foods, so make sure you eat plenty of these in your diet; it's very high in pumpkin (578 mg per 100 gm), sunflower seeds, cheese, meats, turkey and peanuts.

Hypericum (St John's wort) can also be used to treat depression. It's mainly known for its use in cases of mild depression. Note: If you choose to use a 5-HTP supplement, do not use hypericum with it as you may become too euphoric.

*72\258\8*

Men’s health