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As we move into the new millennium, the
field of nutritional science is finding more and more ways for us to
feel better longer. This series is dedicated to a discussion of
various supplements and lifestyle changes on a physical level that can
contribute to emotional well-being over the long term. We will first
start with some of the most universally important supplements that can
be of support to almost all of us.
January is the time of year when Seasonal Affective Disorder begins to
affect many people. The consistent reduction of sunlight over time has
been shown to create metabolic and neurotransmitter changes sourcing
in the pineal and pituitary glands, which are highly sensitive to
changes in light, sleep, time and body rhythms. I have also found that
there are some who are more impacted when the time-change occurs in
the spring and fall. The sudden shift in light availability and
disruption of body rhythms can be equally disturbing. Therefore, some
of us are more vulnerable during times of change, while others of us
are more vulnerable during the plateau time, which we are in right
now. Either way, mood, sleep and appetite are all effected by the
subtle but powerful changes in the environment. By knowing our bodies,
we can help ourselves at our different points of vulnerability with a
variety of natural options.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is known in the naturopathic world as natures' Prozac. This
chemical is NOT tryptophan, the amino acid removed from the market
several years ago, though the synchronicity between the removal of
tryptophan from the shelves of health food stores and the release of
Prozac into the mass market has not gone unnoticed by some of us in
the health field, since they both work on the same systems in the
body. 5-HTP is the chemical precursor or cousin to tryptophan, which
is required for the body to produce serotonin. Serotonin is the brain
neurotransmitter responsible for good sleep, the feeling of satiety
after eating, general well-being, and most of the primal aspects of
living in the physical body. Research of the 20th century showed us
that a deficiency in this chemical is related to many eating
irregularities, anxiety, sleep disorders and obsessive-compulsive
behavior. In other words, people who have not been helped by
traditional psychotherapy often have body-based deficiencies that can
be helped by certain substances. 5-HTP is one of these.
Siberian Ginseng (Sibergin)
Ginseng has become very popular in the past decade as a toner for many
ailments. Yet, the problem with most ginseng on the market is that it
is not readily available or digested by the body, thereby rendering it
practically useless. Many times, someone will try ginseng only to say
within a few days they do not feel any help or any difference from
taking it. This is almost always because the true effects are not even
reaching the physical system. Sibergin has been, in my clinical
experience, an exception to that rule. It comes in a very bioavailable
form which, though expensive, can be digested and assimilated
immediately through the digestive system. Sibergin has different
implications for men than it does for women, yet can be equally as
helpful. For men under a great deal of stress, or who use caffeine as
a source of energy, or who do not get enough sleep or who work in the
healing arts or stressful or toxic environments, this herb can provide
the lift and nourishment without the side effects of caffeine.
Alternatively for women, especially those with hormonal imbalances,
Sibergin can be a life-changer. It can provide relief from PMS and
menstrual pain, exhaustion and sleeplessness from menopause, as well
as being a less harmful substitute for caffeine as previously
discussed. Individuals who habitually drink caffeine to boost their
energy are usually attempting a form of self-medication. When the
adrenal glands are exhausted, the only thing that will get them moving
again is a stimulant. But the paradox of caffeine is that, although it
provides short-term relief, in the long term it chemically depletes
the adrenal system even more. Sibergin, on the other hand, provides
energy while actually nourishing and replenishing the adrenal glands.
One final comment that I wish to add. One of the great tragedies of
the natural medicine world is that we have vilified the allopathic
medical community. This is unfortunate. There can be as many side
effects from natural herbs as there can be with prescription
medication. Conversely, there are times when traditional medicine be
life-changing and life-saving. Natural or allopathic, everything has
its place and right use i the world. It is unfortunate that many
people suffer because of a distorted belief they have learned from the
media or an unwitting friend. Just as Sibergin can nourish the life
force of the body, so can the right dose of Prozac spare someone from
the unnecessary suffering of severe depression or debilitating
compulsive behavior or anxiety. Just as some of do better with nothing
but good food (which is the ideal state of health), many of us have
bodies with genetic predispositions toward chronic illness and
vulnerabilities which can be deeply relieved by the right substance,
herb, medication or food. This is actually the premise of all medical
science. If we all had perfect health, there would be no need for
physicians, acupuncturists, massage therapists or our beloved healers.
But we live in a world where physical imbalance is a reality, not all
of which is caused by emotional disorder.
And just as God made every snowflake different from the next, so too
did She make every body unique. All the research and medical knowledge
in the world is irrelevant if your particular system responds
differently. Every health practitioner has their own set of biases,
clinical experience and knowledge that they bring to the table. But
ultimately it is your body that will tell you what works and what does
not work. If you have an infection that could be helped by penicillin,
but you also have an inherent mold allergy, the same penicillin which
helps 100 other people will make you sicker due to your unique
chemistry. Health practitioners are not mind readers. They need
feedback, information and follow up. Too often we ignore the
information that our own body is giving us because we are listening to
someone who is supposed to be an expert. Your body is the expert. Let
that be your foundation and let the practitioners be your consultants.
This is the direction in which we all must go if we are to become
self-responsible for our own care. There are no magic pills or magic
herbs out there to instantly take away our suffering. But with
sufficient permission to listen to your own body, there are many
sources of support even if we have an incurable or chronic illness.
The answers lie in the feedback from our own system and the
willingness to communicate and find people who will listen.
And as with all future articles, the above is not meant in any way as
medical treatment or advice. Always work with your physician when
making changes to any program and use this information as education to
make informed choices about your life and your health.
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