Archive for January, 2009
Is there any way of treating SAD without having to go on antidepressants?
Monday, January 19th, 2009
Q : The dark days of winter are leaving me sad and depressed. Could I be suffering from SAD? Is there any way of treating it without having to go on antidepressants?
A : Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)is a condition in which the body is not exposed to enough sunlight to maintain normal levels of serotonin. It is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, patients tend to feel depressed, slow down, oversleep, overeat and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer they tend to feel elated, active and energetic.
A lot can be done to help with SAD, extending light exposure on winter days for thirty minutes a day under a full-spectrum fluorescent lamp, or under very bright artificial light, or in a ‘light box’, should begin to improve symptoms within three to four weeks.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body in response to the rhythms of light and darkness. Changes in melatonin levels are believed to be an important factor in seasonal depression however, levels will change according to one’s exposure to sunlight, so although it is sometimes prescribed to help SAD, it does not address the root cause. If taken at night it can help, however, it can also make insomnia worse as days grow longer in late winter. For this reason, I tend to discourage supplementation.
Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) extract or 5-HTP improves SAD and is more effective in combination with light therapy. This herb is restricted to prescription through herbal consultation only. Dosages of 300mg three times daily were found to improve SAD.
Vitamin D is well known for its effects on helping to maintain normal calcium levels, but it also exerts influence on the brain, spinal cord, and hormone-producing tissues of the body that may be important in the regulation of mood. A double-blind study found that mood improved in healthy people without SAD who received 400 or 800 IU per day of vitamin D for five days in late winter.
Try to exercise one hour of aerobic or anaerobic exercise three times a week in bright light to further improve mood.
For further information on Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression contact ICIM Medics, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel. 045 844 819 www.icim.ie
My lower chin area is prone to break-outs of acne
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
Q : I’m 26, and my lower chin area is prone to break-outs of acne. Can you recommend anything?
A : Acne is the most common of all skin complaints. Acne can accompany many conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid imbalances, digestive disorders, blood glucose imbalances, intestinal yeast infections, poor diet, etc. Acne on the chin area is often linked to hormonal and digestive related problems. At ICIM Blood testing, ultrasound, and CTI (computerised thermographic imagining) screening can help identify possible underlying causes.
Other possible influences include drug medication, chemical agents, cosmetics, excessive washing and rubbing.
Some recommendations to consider:
Introduce a diet high in protein (organic poultry and fish rather than red meat) cut out simple carbohydrates (bread, pizza, pasta, sugar) and remove trans fatty acids and iodine from your diet.
If signs of fungal infections are present such as thrush, athletes foot, coated tongue etc. then a systemic treatment is called for. Gut fermentation testing or ICIM Blood Analysis can help confirm such infections. Naturopathic advice will probably be required with dietary and specific herbal and nutritional prescribing necessary. Some highly beneficial medicines include Berberis vulgaris, Hydrastis, probiotics and digestive enzymes ! Supervision would be advisable.
If hormonal imbalances are present explore underlying disorders such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. The herb Agnes castus provides excellent assistance but again needs supervision. Stress (other hormones), can also play a role. Saliva testing of Cortisol and DHEA levels can help confirm this. Herbs such as Licorice, Scullcap and Siberian Ginseng could prove helpful here. However, best avoid these herbs if you have high blood pressure.
Nutritional supplements such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium are also supportive. B6 could be helpful for acne associated with PMS. If you have sugar cravings Chromium picolinate could prove beneficial.
Topical support using tea tree oil, azelaic acid, or calendula soap cleansing can help but remember that although your acne is visually an external problem it does require internal treatment !
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For further information on acne or skin related conditions contact the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Tel. 045 844 819. http://www.icim.ie/
