Naturopathic Approach to Mood Disorders and Post Partum Mood Disorders
Naturopathic treatments for depression, seasonal affective disorders, obsessive compulsive, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are very effective; the approach is to replenish the body with the nutrients that are necessary for making neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in charge of communication between neurons. They regulate the body’s reaction to stress, they balance blood sugar, and are involved with sleeping, feelings of wellbeing, body temperature, body movements, memory, and eating behaviors.
It is important to look to see if any other function of the body is not working optimally, since neurotransmitters and their production can be affected by diet, gastrointestinal distress, adrenal, thyroid and other glands.
Our brains rely on our nutrient consumption and some food may affect our absorption of certain nutrients. Food additives, sugars, preservatives and pesticides in our food, water and air will bind the same receptors as the neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, behavioral changes may occur.
Genetic predispositions, emotional trauma, social pressures, daily life stress, and life changes can all cause changes in body functions, resulting in depression, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, anger, fatigue, obesity, and inflammation.
Antidepressants work in the brain by maintaining some neurotransmitters longer in the neurons clefts (like selective serotonin uptake inhibitors) but they do not supply the body with the neurotransmitter the way natural treatments do. Naturopathic treatments can also improve the function of the antidepressant by providing more of the precursors for the body to manufacture more neurotransmitters.
Mental function is affected by the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals including B3, B6, folic acid, B12, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc. During the postpartum period copper and zinc imbalances are a cause of depression in women. Addressing these deficiencies are of great importance for the treatment of postpartum depression and other mood disorders.
Natural treatments of mood disorders are great alternatives because of the effectiveness, fast action, and safety. Also there are diagnostic tests for neurotransmitters, nutrients, food allergy, gastrointestinal function and adrenal function.
