Archive for the ‘Depression’ Category

Do You Understand The Depression Illness?

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Depression affects millions of people around the globe every year. This disorder does not care about an age group either. Depression in children is just as prevalent as it is in adults.



However, many who have this disorder do not seek treatment because of the negative connotations that are associated with mental health illnesses. It is one of the disorders of the mental health world that can be treated if just given the chance.



Many people do not understand exactly what it is. A depressive disorder is an “illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts” according to the NIMH. It affects everything about a person.



Every aspect of their life is invaded from the way they eat and sleep to the functions of how they think. Clinical depression is an illness that will not go away on its own. People with it need to understand that they cannot just will this away. Without treatment, a person can remain ill for years, and this can affect their life dramatically.



Several ways are available to help with treating it. Herbal remedies, medications, and psychotherapies are a few of the resources that medical professionals have when deciding on a treatment plan for a person diagnosed with it.



The most prevalent method doctors usually help someone who is diagnosed with clinical depression is to prescribe an antidepressant. Various types are on the market, and if taken correctly can help to reduce the feelings that are associated with depression stress.



Another thing that people with it must do in order to get better is to talk about what is going on in their life. This is called psychotherapy, and it is usually performed with a psychiatrist or psychologist.



These medical professionals are trained in great detail in order to help a person cope with what is going on. One thing to remember is that medication alone is not the answer. Unfortunately, a magic pill does not exist for it. But facing one’s demons along with medication can make the difference.



Depression is a real illness that is treatable if only a person will seek the help they so desperately need. Family and loved ones are also affected when a person has it.



If people will become educated about the signs and symptoms that accompany this disease, maybe human suffering can be alleviated. If a family member sees that someone is depressed, they should step in and help that person get treatment.



It is not something to be ashamed of. It requires real help that is so readily available if only a person will ask for it.

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DLPA: The Bodies Mood Elevating And Pain Relieving Amino Acid

Friday, November 20th, 2009

DLPA is a remarkable supplement which may be ideal for those suffering from chronic pain of many kinds as well as depression. DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is available without prescription at health food stores and some pharmacies around the world. Phenylalanine is structurally related to dopamine, adrenaline, and L-tyrosine essential amino acids and hormones of the body. DL-Phenylalanine is labeled as a nutritional supplement which has impressive anti-depressant activity.



Recently, DL-phenylalanine has been getting attention throughout the United States for its ability to reduce chronic pain and depression. What if, instead of pumping drugs into our bodies to relieve pain, we could use the natural substances that have zero side effects? DLPA has been found to be most useful in these areas. Chronic pain might include back pain, arthritis, pain due to diseases such as cancer, and, headache pain. Studies conducted on this amino acid have shown that it effectively blocks arthritis pain and joint inflammation in many patients.



The essential amino acid DL-Phenylalanine is a natural compound that protects against the breakdown of enkephalins, a neurotransmitter that act as your body’s own pain reducer. Phenylalanine comes in two forms which are mirror images of each other L-phenylalanine which has a nutritional value, and D-phenylalanine which has pain killing and depression alleviating value which is attributed to its ability to block the breakdown of enkephalins, the brains natural pain killer neurotransmitter.



Phenylalanine is not the sweetener Aspartame but in its natural form, is an essential amino acid of tremendous nutritional importance. Phenylalanine is one of the amino acids which the body cannot manufacture itself, but must acquire from food; most vegetarians are low in this amino acid due to the lack of meat consumption.



Exercise can also help release the body’s natural painkillers such as endorphins. Many herbs on the market have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric and boswellia which greatest affect on the body to promote a healthy inflammation response and reduce pain. DLPA also helps relieve discomfort by prolonging the activity of enkephalins, the body’s own pain-blocking process. A combination of turmeric, Boswellia, and DLPA can yield an impressive pain relieving response in the body that rivals even prescription drugs.



As discussed earlier L-phenylalanine is associated with elevated levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which may alleviate symptoms of depression, and D-phenylalanine works to block pain signals. DL-Phenylalanine is also involved in the release of (PEA), phenyl ethylamine, a neurotransmitter closely related to norepinephrine (adrenaline), and which can sensitize endorphin receptors to endorphins, and aids in the relief of depression and the regulation of mood as well as pain.



DLPA is also effective in lessening cravings like hunger or smoking as well as lessen irritability. Phenylalanine activity is enhanced by additional Vitamin B 6, especially in studies on depression. The D-form of phenylalanine cannot be converted to tyrosine, but it can be converted to another compound called phenyl ethylamine which may have effects in elevating mood, treating depression and altering pain sensation.



DLPA also helps the body release serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and when it’s low it may leave you with a bad mood, poor concentration, and a headache. Serotonin is our natural mood stabilizer, sleep promoter, and mind-focusing chemical if we have enough of all four, our emotions are stable.



Drugs like Prozac are called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) because they keep whatever serotonin we have active. Before there were SSRI’s, the amino acid L-tryptophan was commonly used to increase serotonin levels. Vitamin B6 is the cofactor for enzymes that convert L-tryptophan to serotonin and L-tyrosine to adrenaline. So, a person who has a functional deficiency in serotonin could experience depression. Taking tryptophan can help those who are on drugs like Prozac or those who are depressed.



In conclusion, Phenylalanine can in fact aid in depression and pain management naturally. It is found naturally in foods such as eggs, milk, and bananas. Phenylalanine is also found in foods that are high in protein, such as beef, chicken, legumes, soy, whole grains, and nuts. Phenylalanine is known to be the antagonist of tryptophan and then serotonin in the body. Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids, meaning that everybody must get it from their diet and if you are not then supplementation of this vital amino acid is imperative.