Among other problems, they don’t work for more than half the people who take them. New findings from an investigation at the Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine suggest that antidepressants fall short because they’re aimed at the wrong biochemical targets in the brain. Research from Northwestern psychiatry professor Eva Redei reveals that in the rats she studied (their brains are remarkably similar to humans in areas related to depression) there’s only a small overlap between genes related to stress and those related to depression. This suggests that chronic stress doesn’t cause the same molecular changes in the brain as depression, and undermines the belief that stress itself can be a major cause of depression. Redei maintains that this explains why antidepressants don’t work better - they’re more suited to treating stress than depression. Anti-depressants that aim to boost levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are also often ineffective. Redei did not find the dramatic differences in the levels of genes controlling the function of these neurotransmitters that would be expected if depression were related to their activity. In a presentation at the Neuroscience 2009 conference in Chicago in October, Redei concluded that today’s anti-depressants have been focusing primarily on the effect of depression, not its cause. And that’s why they don’t live up to expectations.
In my view, this illuminating study helps explain the limited effectiveness of antidepressants. Buddhist philosophy encourages the daily practice of meditation, and this is perhaps the best way to address the root of depression and change it. However, meditation does not produce quick results. For immediate improvement of symptoms related to depression, there is no better method than regular aerobic exercise.
Getting to Your Goals
Whether you want to eat better, connect with yourself and loved ones, or take steps to improved health, the Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging online resource can help. Videos, articles, tips and recipes can all help you achieve your goals. Start your 14-day free trial now and save 30%.
Another Advantage of Fish Oil
Our bodies convert the DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in fish oil into a compound called Resolvin D2, which helps down regulate inflammation. This discovery, by investigators in London and at Harvard, may explain why fish oil helps with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and many other disorders that are linked to inflammation. The clinicians suggested that Resolvin D2 could lead to new treatments for inflammatory conditions - they found that when they added it to white blood cells that stick to the inner lining of blood vessels (the endothelium) the cells making up this lining produced small amounts of nitric oxide, which discourages the white blood cells from adhering. The result: reduction of inflammation. Another advantage: unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs, Resolvin D2 doesn’t suppress the immune system. The researchers also found that Resolvin D2 is a powerful chemical, and that effects can be measured with very small quantities. The study was published in the journal Nature on October 29, 2009.
How Healthy is Your Fish Oil?
Many vitamins and supplements contain fillers, casings and binders that may hinder absorption. Dr. Weil's Select Formulas use only the highest quality, readily-absorbable ingredients, with instructions on how to get the most out of each selection. Visit Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor today for your free health recommendation and get up to 25% off your first order.
Walk Away from Your Colds
First of all, exercise - even a daily 45 minute walk four days a week - can cut your risks of catching colds. This advice from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is based on findings that people who do that amount of exercise take 25 to 50 percent less time off from work because of illness. What’s more, ACSM representative David Nieman says that it’s perfectly okay to exercise if you have a head cold (just be sure it hasn’t gone to your chest). But if you do exercise while you’ve got a cold, don’t push yourself - walk instead of running. If you’ve got more than the sniffles - the cold has gone to your chest, you have aches and pains are running a fever - go to bed. And give yourself a break when recovering from even a mild bout of illness: take a few weeks off before you begin to exercise again. The ACSM also advises exercising before getting a flu shot. Moderate physical activity will boost your immunity.
Need Help Getting Energized?
If your get-up-and-go needs a boost, Dr. Weil's Optimum Health Plan can help. Weekly exercises, a journal to track your progress, and a healthful diet can all promote better health and help you achieve your goals. Visit today and get a free recipe!
Healthy Autumn Recipe: Stir Fried Rice with Tofu
This traditional Chinese favorite is a wonderful vegetarian entree when prepared with tofu. Use either firm tofu or the more flavorful baked, pressed tofu if you can find it. Serve this simple dish with a salad of sliced cucumbers in rice wine vinegar and steamed asparagus. Sliced oranges make a great dessert.
View Recipe
Food as Medicine
The generous quantity of ginger in this recipe can provide significant anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger has been shown to help relieve osteoarthritis pain and swelling.
Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging
Healthy Holiday Food: Cranberries. This traditional holiday side dish in North America is more than just a tart and tasty meal accompaniment. They are a rich source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, packed with healthy antioxidants, are used to help prevent urinary tract infections, and have been linked with healthy cholesterol levels, improved gastrointestinal health, and the prevention of kidney stones. Fresh cranberries provide the most antioxidants and are in season from October through December - buy some today!
Featured Discussion:
"Can you crush or mix supplements into smoothies?" asks virgodame.
I take a fair (number) of supplements throughout the day, and swallowing can be a problem from time to time. Is there any reason capsules cannot be opened and mixed into or pills crushed in (and added to) a smoothie?
Sponsor
Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor - FREE Recommendation!
When it comes to supplements and vitamins, knowing the right amount to take is important. Help prevent taking too much - or too little - with Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor. Created by Andrew Weil, M.D., and his science advisory team, it asks about your diet, lifestyle habits, health concerns, medications and other factors that affect your nutrition needs. Visit today for your free recommendation and opportunity to purchase Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor Complete Program.
What's New
Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference
December 9-13, 2009, Anaheim, California
Dr. Weil will be part of the the sixth Evolution of Psychotherapy conference in Anaheim this December 9-13. He will present a pre-conference, three hour afternoon session on healthy aging on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009. He will also be the keynote speaker on the conference's opening morning, December, 9th. Learn more at the Evolution of Psychotherapy's website.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Newsletters
