Did you know that almost thirty-three per cent of the world's population has zinc deficiency? As a physician, I was amazed to make this discovery. Mood swings are the most common symptoms associated with this mineral deficiency.

Also, anxiety, depression and aggressive behavior are among the most common psychological symptoms that exist in the industrialized and developing world

There are many reasons for these mental health conditions, but nutrition is one that is often overlooked and holds great promise. Because of the nutrient depletion of key minerals in fruits and vegetables due to industrial farming procedures and the large percentage of fast foods most people consume, correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies is key to improving mental and physical health.

Previous research studies have shown a link between serotonin deficiency, a key brain chemical in depression.

Japanese researchers at two universities tested the impact zinc supplementation could have on mood, 30 young women and placed them randomly into 2 different groups-to receive either multivitamins and zinc plus multivitamins for ten weeks. The study participants were given 7 milligrams of zinc.

The multivitamins were given to prevent other vitamin deficiencies. They provided half of the recommended dietary allowances of vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid and niacin by the Japanese government.

At the end of the study, only the women taking zinc demonstrated reductions in depression and anger. Their zinc blood levels also increased significantly.

Interestingly, animal studies have found that only zinc deficient female animals experienced increased aggression. This new research appears to support the anger reducing impact in women proceeding zinc supplements noted the researchers, as well as the preceding research studies' findings.

"Our results suggest that zinc supplementation may be effective in reducing anger and depression," they concluded.

This study was reported in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. "Although our findings are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, they may prompt further investigations to evaluate the relationship between zinc nutrition and mood states, in women.

Want to find out more about mental health and depression, then visit Elaine R. Ferguson, MD's site on how to choose the best holistic nutrition information for your needs.

Posted under depression

Loyola University's Nursing School located in Chicago, IL plans to conduct a large trial to evaluate vitamin D's effect on depression and insulin resistance in women with diabetes. Sue Penckofer, Ph.D., RN, a professor at the school remarked, "Vitamin D deficiency continues to be a problem despite the nutrient's widely reported health benefits. "Chicago winters compound this issue when more people spend time away from sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D."

Diabetics with increased resistance to insulin, also experience depression, more frequently and occurs more often in women compared to men. Higher vitamin D levels have been associated with a reduction of depression, diabetes and other serious chronic disorders.

Recent research studies indicate vitamin D deficiency is far more widespread than previously recognized. It accounts for the difference in the distribution of certain chronic diseases such as prostate cancer and multiple sclerosis, based on location. For example, these diseases are more prominent in northern locations compared to warmer, tropical ones.

Participants in this study will receive 50,000 international units of vitamin D every week for 6 months to 80 women with type 2 diabetes, from 18 to 70 with signs of depression. They will also measure their vitamin D levels and other factors three times during the study.

"There is evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation may decrease insulin resistance," Dr. Penckofer commented. "If we can stabilize insulin levels, we may be able to simply and cost effectively improve blood sugar control and reduce symptoms of depression for these women."

"Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases in particular. Our research may shed greater light on the role this nutrient plays in managing two conditions that impact millions of Americans. If proven to be successful, vitamin D may an important addition to care for diabetes and depression.

Looking to find the latest info on holistic health, then visit www.howtogetwellfaster.com to find the best advice on vitamin D supplementation for you.

Posted under depression

If you or someone you know suffers from fibromyalgia, then you're well aware of the chronic pain that can be caused by this condition. If you don't know about the illness, fibromyalgia is a pain disorder of the musculoskeletal system that has no known cause.

Many scientists believe that diet plays a large role in the development of fibromyalgia. Their theory is that our bodies are designed to function best with a diet of vegetables and fruits, herbs, seeds, meat, water, and other natural foods. and for thousands of years these foods did form the main part of the diet. Today, however, our diets include significant amounts of sugar and sweets, white flour in our breads, fats and oils, coffee and sodas as our body's energy sources - not to mention the cigarettes, drugs and chemicals, preservatives and other harmful substances which enter our bodies.

It is no wander that as time goes on we are having more and more problems with the way the body is functioning; new conditions, like fibromyalgia, are on the rise.

While there are many options of prescriptions drugs available for the treatment for fibromyalgia, they are only designed to try to relieve the symptoms of the disease, not the underlying cause. I believe that natural cures may prove to be a lot more effective, as they will allow sufferers to start to alkalize their bodies that have been in the process of acidification for years as the result of the diet we just discussed.

Correcting the body's imbalances through natural treatments can effectively regain the natural energy, vitality, and optimum state of health that all of us have the capacity to enjoy.

Many natural treatment for fibromyalgia have been discovered, including free form amino acids. One of the discoveries made while trying to understand fibromyalgia is that its sufferers can not process proteins they way they should. Usually proteins are broken down into amino acids which help the body to produce enzymes. These enzymes are play a role in the repair, growth, and maintenance of body tissues and assist in maintaining proper blood sugar levels, which are vital if the immune system is going to function properly.

Many fibromyalgia sufferers state that the best natural cure they have ever used are amino acid supplements. However, it is vital that free form amino acids are the type of supplement used, because they do not need to be broken down by the body, allowing them to be used immediately.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, a compound found naturally in the body, is deficient in the bodies of those afflicted with fibromyalgia. It is present in various fresh fruits and vegetables, but processing or cooking destroys this substance. It serves to reduce pain and is a natural anti-inflammatory, and is reported to improve overall health by those who supplement with Methyl Sulfonyl Methane.

Designed to work in conjunction, methyl sulfonyl methane and free form amino acids can be very effective natural cures for fibromyalgia when taken together.

Recent studies have also shown that fibromyalgia sufferers are also deficient in vitamin D. Some of the common symptoms of this deficiency are muscle pain and muscle weakness. If a vitamin D supplement is used, positive health benefits can be achieved. For people with fibromyalgia, it is suggested that vitamin D3 is the most beneficial.

As you can see, there are natural cures for the treatment of fibromyalgia, so you do not have to endure its pain or buy prescription drugs for the rest of your life. Many sufferers have found relief naturally, and there is hope ahead for you too.

Fibromyalgia has been recorded in medical studies since the 1800's, but only in recent times have people learned that the natural cures for the ailment can affect the proper treatment of the illness. Many people have benefited tremendously from the natural cures available for fibromyalgia, and are enjoying substantial improvements to their overall health.

You have now found some natural cures for fibromyalgia that may prove to very beneficial when you are looking for an alternative to prescription drugs for treating your condition.

Instead of just prescription pills, there are a lot of more natural and alternative treatment for fibromyalgia. Sometimes that may be just what the doctor ordered!

Posted under arthritis