New health for the new year

As many of you may be considering resolutions for the New Year I thought it might be a good time to advocate for better mental health!

Research the following idea’s and chose the best options for your own mental health. As stated in my previous article there are some very real things you can do to help yourself. Chronic issues though may need other interventions such as counseling or medication, so be alert to this!

Let’s start with depression. We live in a land locked area which has a very dry climate. This means we need extra supplementation of the Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) or the Omega’s. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain and cerebral cortex. Those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been shown to have significantly reduced levels of this EFA. A blend of Omega 3, 6, and 9 has been shown to be optimum as these EFA’s work together to help manage stress, reduce depression symptoms, and boost our immune systems.

Enhancement of neurotransmission activity involves eating eggs daily, making sure you get enough magnesium, and supplementation with Royal Jelly. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been shown to aid in this process as well.

Research has been prevalent on St John’s Wort, 5-HTP, SAMe, and the B vitamins and their connection to mental health. More is being understood about why they help balance issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress reactions. Specific application to mental health issues does require expert application however.

Exercise has been shown to be as effective as anti-depression medication in depression symptom reduction. Walking 10,000 steps a day, swimming, or a good 30 minute cardio workout are recommended. Nutritional support has also been shown to be very important as is quality sleep.

Fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs, whole grains, sea vegetables, and preservative, antibiotic free meat are vital to good nutrition. Less red meat is usually recommended, and when eating fish, fresh is best, but if this is not possible seek flash frozen. Chicken is also best when fresh and one must be aware of hormone injection, antibiotic treatment with this meat.

Adding supplementation to your healing or maintenance of health is important, as most of us do not get what we need in our diet. Getting help to know what you may need as a supplement, researching what you think you may need and even being tested for deficiencies are vital steps. Check into how you can do this for yourself.

Mental health wellness means working to achieve balance. Counseling may be needed to better understand what your issues are and to learn how to heal. Asking for help means you’re smarter than most and serious about making this next year, your best yet!

Angelyn Nienhuser has a doctorate in naturopathy and a Mental Health Counselor. She can be contacted at 308-249-5520.