Primary Care Alternative Medicine

Folate Deficiency and Depression

Dr Sarah Kotzur — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:16:33 +0000

In these tough times, many people are under constant stress and it’s easy to get down in the dumps. Now we know it’s not “just in your head.” Prolonged stress can deplete vitamins and nutrients we need to feel good. Not enough of the crucial vitamin folate can cause depression, insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, and even dementia.

A recent article in Alternative Medicine Review (2008, Vol. 13, pp. 216-226) highlighted that one third of people with depression are deficient in the vitamin folic acid, also known as folate. Among many important roles in metabolism, folate is a required cofactor needed to make the body’s natural anti-depressants. New studies also show that anti-depressant medications, which can fail to help depression in up to 60% of cases, will work better if a person gets enough folate.

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin. Once in the bloodstream, folate is converted to L-methylfolate which turns the amino acid metabolite homocysteine into methionine. A form of methionine called S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is needed to make serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. These are the “feel-good” brain chemicals which regulate mood. Without enough folate, the body can’t produce these and we experience mood difficulties.

During these stressful times, it’s important to be sure you are getting adequate amounts of folate. Healthy sources can be found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, beans, liver, citrus, and yeast. However, the body only absorbs about half the folate from the food we eat. For some patients, higher levels are needed to correct deficiency and reestablish optimal functioning. To treat folate deficiency at Primary Care Alternative Medicine, we use highly absorbable folic acid injections or oral supplements.

To learn more about natural treatment options for depression, call Primary Care Alternative Medicine at (207) 699-4199. Schedule your FREE 15-Minute Consultation with Dr. Sarah Kotzur today!

10 Natural Health Tips

admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:55:46 +0000

Drink more water – 2-3L/day for the average adult.
Support intestinal cells with glutamine – 1 tsp/day.
Repopulate normal intestinal flora with probiotic – 1 cap/day.
Go as organic, unprocessed and local as you can.
Support your stress response with high dose B-complex vitamin.
Get plastics out of your kitchen.
Find exercise you love – do it regularly.
Practice love and forgiveness with everyone.
Feed your soul with activities that nourish, enliven and restore.
Find a doctor who supports you to achieve your health goals.

Always check with a licensed Naturopathic Doctor before taking any supplement to be sure it is safe for you.

Vitamin C

admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:41:55 +0000

What is it good for?

Colds/Flus by tightening connective tissues. This prevents invasion of bacteria and virus’ through mucousal membranes.
Powerful antioxidant aids cancer prevention.
Adrenal and pituitary hormone and neurotransmitter production.
Protects LDLs (good cholesterol)

How can you eat more Vitamin C?

Acerola cherries, citrus, kale rosehips, cruciferous veggies, peppers, tomatoes, melons.

How much should I supplement?

2,000 to 3,000 mg/daily
1,000mg/ hour when sick, up to 12g/day. Reduce by 1g if diarrhea presents after taking.

Is it safe?

In pregnancy, high doses may cause birth defects.
Some people with kidney stones or G6PD deficiency should not take Vitamin C.

This information is for your general knowledge. Always check with a licensed Naturopathic Doctor before taking any supplement to be sure it is safe for you.