Islander
06-14-10, 01:33 PM
By Catherine Lewis, IH Editor (http://www.insidershealth.com/community/contributor/catherine_lewis/29)
Published: June 10, 2010
Dealing with depression, especially major depression, is clearly an uphill battle. Medications may not work, or may have other dangerous side effects. Therapy may only do so much. You may feel helpless to address your symptoms. But perhaps the solution lies in a more natural solution – Vitamin D. A recent study has revealed that having too little vitamin D in your system can result in this debilitating disease.
When you are exposed to sunlight, your skin synthesizes vitamin D when it interacts with ultraviolet light. Researchers in Italy and the US have found that lower levels of vitamin D can increase the risk for major depression, which gives credence to the old wives’ tale that sunshine makes you happy.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that older adults (over 65 years of age) who have a vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of developing Major Depression. The risk was even greater for women than for men. The study indicated a correlation between depression and vitamin D, but correlations do not always equal causation—more research is needed to determine whether the lack of vitamin D is causing the depression, or if there are other factors that lead to both the vitamin D deficiency and the observed increase in depression susceptibility.
Depression is becoming a serious health problem throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization, the next 20 years will see a substantial rise in the incidence of the disease, which can be disabling. The WHO estimates that at least 120 million people suffer from the disease worldwide.
Past studies have also documented the relationship between low levels of vitamin D and depression in elderly individuals. In 2008, researchers in The Netherlands found that in addition to a vitamin D deficiency, elderly people with depression also have elevated levels of parathyroid hormone. This suggests that there are many biological factors involved in the development of the disease.
The brain seems to crave vitamin D; researchers have found receptors for it in a variety of important brain regions. Since the brain has these receptors, this indicates that vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining overall brain health. Vitamin D directly affects certain proteins in the brain that mediate the processes of learning and memory, social behavior, and motor control. Depression often manifests as difficulty in concentrating, social withdrawal, and either motor agitation or motor retardation. This suggests that vitamin D may help strengthen the brain areas responsible for these functions, thus reducing the risk of developing Major Depression.
Diet, Supplementation and Outdoor Activity
Short duration exposure to sunlight on a daily basis (such as a 15-20 minute walk) can help reduce the risk of developing Major Depression as we age. In addition, other food based substances can also help the body in its fight against this debilitating mental illness. These include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seed oil, St. John’s Wort, and green tea. In addition, Zinc may also help. When these compounds are not present in food, supplementation is suggested. Many food and drug stores carry both vitamin and herbal supplements. As with all health related activity, you should discuss adding a supplement to your diet with your doctor. Certain supplements can interact with prescription medication, or with certain diseases. Always check the labels for dosing instructions, and never take more than is recommended.
http://tinyurl.com/26w7gdo
Published: June 10, 2010
Dealing with depression, especially major depression, is clearly an uphill battle. Medications may not work, or may have other dangerous side effects. Therapy may only do so much. You may feel helpless to address your symptoms. But perhaps the solution lies in a more natural solution – Vitamin D. A recent study has revealed that having too little vitamin D in your system can result in this debilitating disease.
When you are exposed to sunlight, your skin synthesizes vitamin D when it interacts with ultraviolet light. Researchers in Italy and the US have found that lower levels of vitamin D can increase the risk for major depression, which gives credence to the old wives’ tale that sunshine makes you happy.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers found that older adults (over 65 years of age) who have a vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of developing Major Depression. The risk was even greater for women than for men. The study indicated a correlation between depression and vitamin D, but correlations do not always equal causation—more research is needed to determine whether the lack of vitamin D is causing the depression, or if there are other factors that lead to both the vitamin D deficiency and the observed increase in depression susceptibility.
Depression is becoming a serious health problem throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization, the next 20 years will see a substantial rise in the incidence of the disease, which can be disabling. The WHO estimates that at least 120 million people suffer from the disease worldwide.
Past studies have also documented the relationship between low levels of vitamin D and depression in elderly individuals. In 2008, researchers in The Netherlands found that in addition to a vitamin D deficiency, elderly people with depression also have elevated levels of parathyroid hormone. This suggests that there are many biological factors involved in the development of the disease.
The brain seems to crave vitamin D; researchers have found receptors for it in a variety of important brain regions. Since the brain has these receptors, this indicates that vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining overall brain health. Vitamin D directly affects certain proteins in the brain that mediate the processes of learning and memory, social behavior, and motor control. Depression often manifests as difficulty in concentrating, social withdrawal, and either motor agitation or motor retardation. This suggests that vitamin D may help strengthen the brain areas responsible for these functions, thus reducing the risk of developing Major Depression.
Diet, Supplementation and Outdoor Activity
Short duration exposure to sunlight on a daily basis (such as a 15-20 minute walk) can help reduce the risk of developing Major Depression as we age. In addition, other food based substances can also help the body in its fight against this debilitating mental illness. These include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seed oil, St. John’s Wort, and green tea. In addition, Zinc may also help. When these compounds are not present in food, supplementation is suggested. Many food and drug stores carry both vitamin and herbal supplements. As with all health related activity, you should discuss adding a supplement to your diet with your doctor. Certain supplements can interact with prescription medication, or with certain diseases. Always check the labels for dosing instructions, and never take more than is recommended.
http://tinyurl.com/26w7gdo