We have become co-dependent on pharmacotherapy. When we go to the doctor because we are not feeling well we expect the doctor to prescribe us a medication to make us feel better, but there are alternatives that we can use to improve our health. For example our nutrition.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4 out of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other develop countries are mental disorders; major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Studies show that a lack of certain dietary nutrients contribute to the development of mental disorders. The deficient nutrients are in vitmanins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Instead of providing a drug, daily supplements can be used to reduce symptoms. For example, supplements that contain amino acids help reduce symptoms because they are converted to neurotransmitters that alleviate depression and other mental disorders. The supplements do not have the side effects medications have.
For patients who suffer from major depression it is recommended to take dietary supplements that contain tyrosine and or phenylalanine because lead to alertness and arousal. Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more fish can stimulate mood elevation in depressed patients.
(Shaheen E Lakhan and Karen F Vieira, 2008, Bio Med Central, http://www.nutritionj.com/content/7/1/2)
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I have seen first hand how many patients come to see thier family doctor with the expectation of getting a prescription to "cure there illness." In fact, I have seen several patients get outraged at the doctor and the entire staff if they didn't get a Rx during the visit. They curse and scream and demand to see a manager complaining of "What did I pay for, since I didn't get a Rx?" The patients then have to be reminded that they paid to get evaluated and speak with medical professional, not to get a Rx.
ReplyDeleteI always thought that vitamin supplements were actually the vitamins and nutrients needed for your body, not suppressents.
ReplyDeleteWhen it says that "for patients who suffer from major depression it is recommended to take dietart supplements tha contain tyrosine and or phenylalamine," is this meant to replace prescriptions or supplement existing ones?
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