O Excellent, I love long life better than figs
–William Shakespeare
Whoever said "One man's stress is another man's pleasure," probably did not know how profound that statement is when it comes to our health and longevity. Excessive or chronic stress, either physical or mental, has a detrimental effect on the optimal functioning of the immune system and our antiaging hormones. Stress is like the card that finally tips the balance on the house of cards, bringing everything crashing down. An immune system that is in top operating order will only be minimally affected by small stressors, yet that same system can be toppled by a continual stream of small stressors or a big stressor such as the death of a loved one.
According to many researchers, stress and its negative effects on the body has surpassed the cold virus as the most common health problem in North America. Living with continual stress, or just feeling as if you can't get out from under stress, is enough to cause disease. The effort to succeed, to compete, to have more and do more have all contributed to many of our health problems. Combine too much stress with inadequate nutrition and you have the cause of most of our health complaints.
Although we may not be aware of them, there are many stressors that affect us daily: noise, crowded cities, polluted environment, lack of exposure to sun, driving, crime, racism, pathogens, lack of joy in life, abuse, school, work, negative emotions, overexercising, chronic allergies, lack of sleep, trauma, angry emotions, intense heat or cold, depression, loneliness and much more. When these stressors accumulate they wreak havoc with our immune system and disrupt our delicate hormone balance.
Scientists now confirm that our response to stressors has a profound effect on the body's ability to protect itself from everyday infections and how quickly we age. In The Stress of Life, Dr. Hans Selye wrote, "If a microbe is in or around us all the time and yet causes no disease until we are exposed to stress, what is the cause of the illness, the microbe or the stress?" A serious illness is often preceded by a major life stressor such as a death, loss of a job, illness of a loved one, even moving or the birth of a baby. A lower immune resistance caused by excessive stress, inadequate nutrition and toxins in the environment is the pendulum that swings toward illness and increased mortality.
The body has developed mechanisms to protect it from the damaging effects of stress. The "fight-or-flight" response is one way the body deals with extreme situations of stress. Upon realizing we are in danger, the brain sounds an alarm, telling our adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline and cortisol, which mobilizes the body to fight or run. This response is supposed to be a short-lived reaction yet today most of us are in and out of this state continually due to the stressors mentioned above. As a result, our immune system becomes imbalanced, sending out too many inflammatory cytokines. Our adrenal glands become exhausted, weakening several body systems, especially the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. What mechanism in the body occurs when we are under constant stress that causes disease?
When we are exposed to stressors our adrenal glands secrete the stress hormone, cortisol, causing a corresponding drop in our antiaging and immune enhancing hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). A tremendous body of research has shown that when cortisol goes up, DHEA drops and when DHEA is normal, cortisol also normalizes. Low DHEA levels are seen in those that are immune compromised, have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes and lupus. If you have one of these diseases and your doctor has not tested your DHEAs and cortisol levels, s/he has missed two very important factors in your health outcome.
Cortisol helps the body maintain homeostasis in the face of stressors, counteracts inflammatory and allergic reactions and controls the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates. Cortisol is a very misunderstood hormone. Balance is the key. In naturally low doses it stimulates the immune system and in high doses, as prescribed in synthetic drug form, it can be immune suppressing. Remember that cortisol plays a role in counteracting inflammatory responses in the immune system and when cortisol is not available because the adrenal glands have become exhausted from too much stress, inflammation is allowed to continue unchecked. Conversely, too much cortisol and you have immune suppression.
The immune system also responds to stressors by causing certain immune cells to secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). These cytokines are both involved in inflammation and IL-6 in particular is thought to worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia. Interleukin-6 has been found to act as a growth factor in several tumors and some viruses also use IL-6 to replicate. Interleukin-6 also causes calcium to be released from bone-promoting osteoporosis. We must control the release of these cytokines if we want to enhance immunity and reduce degenerative diseases.
In the presence of stressors the immune system and endocrine system work as an integrated circuit. Deficiencies in the immune system and abnormalities in the cross talk with the endocrine system can influence the susceptibility of developing chronic inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, reduce ability to fight infections, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, rapid aging, poor antibody production against vaccines and more. Modulating or keeping cortisol levels in balance through a healthy diet, nutritional supplements and stress reduction are key to disease prevention.
Endurance athletes are often studied because the effects of excessive exercise mimic other stressful events. Excessive physical stress causes tissue damage and in response promotes the release of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially Interleukin-6. DHEA and suppressed immunity are also seen in athletes that exercise to excess. Professor Patrick Bouic and his research team have shown that a plant nutrient called sterols and sterolins effectively modulates cortisol and controls Interleukin-6 and naturally increases DHEA. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine a group of 20 athletes were evaluated pre- and post-marathon run. Post-marathon results showed that the group treated with sterols and sterolins displayed a significant reduction in Interleukin-6 compared to the placebo group. A profound effect was observed in the balance between cortisol and DHEA levels in the sterol and sterolin-treated group. Cortisol increased as expected in the non-treatment group, causing immune suppression; it dropped in the group taking the sterols and sterolins. The cortisol decrease was accompanied by an increase in DHEA that was statistically significant.
Antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin A, C, E, B6, B3 and selenium, zinc, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, reduced L-glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, essential fatty acids and an excellent diet of organic fruits and vegetables should also be adopted to supply the required nutrients to provide a powerful defense against the negative effects of stress.
Practice some of the stress-busting tips listed here for optimal immunity and maximum longevity. The mind and body are one unit, interrelated and highly complex. It may take a while for scientists to truly understand the intricacies of how stress affects immunity and the aging process. Today we know that having a positive attitude, a loving family, friends and effective stress-coping strategies enhance our immune system and give us a few extra years. Do not wait another day to implement some positive changes in your life.
| Breathe. Breathing is a powerful distressing tool. Several times per day fill your lungs with
air deep into your abdomen through your nose. Then slowly exhale from your mouth until your lungs
are empty. Repeat this five times in a row. |
| Get eight hours of sleep every night and try to sleep until 7:30 in the morning. |
| Just say "No" when you have too much to humanly accomplish in one day. |
| Share the household workload with family. |
| Eat seven to 10 half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables every day. |
| Smile. Purge negative emotions such as anger and hatred. |
| Get help dealing with grief. The loss of a loved one, a divorce or the loss of a job, all
create a form of grief. Immune suppression is the result of grief that never gets dealt with. |
| Carpe diem, seize the day and live it to the fullest. Don't worry so much about tomorrow. |
| Believe in yourself. Negative self-talk and continually doubting your abilities hampers your
body's ability to heal. |
| Notice the beauty around you. Smell the flowers, watch the sunset and listen to the wind. |
| Love your family and friends and be forgiving. |
| Be good to yourself. Most of us are our own worst enemies. We focus on our weaknesses and
minimize our strengths. Wake up each day and tell yourself you are a good and useful person. |
| Do the things you have always wanted to do. Learn to water ski, sing in a choir, write a book,
tell stories to your grandchildren, walk, garden-whatever makes you happy. |
| Seek your spiritual side. This does not have to be religious, although those with strong
beliefs in god generally live at peace and feel protected. Most of us believe in something greater
than ourselves, a spiritual power that offers solace and helps us find the quiet place within. |
Points
1. Unusual tiredness and/or dizziness |
3 |
2. Unexplained irregular heartbeat and/or shortness of breath |
3 |
3. Smoke, drink alcohol or caffeine or take prescription medication |
3 |
4. Sugar consumption or you use aspartame |
3 |
5. Headaches and/or muscle tension or joint pain |
3 |
6. Lack of desire for sex |
3 |
7. Nausea or irritable bowel/digestive problems |
3 |
8. Over exercising (more than 4 times per week) or no exercise at all |
3 |
9. Don't take vitamin and mineral supplements |
2 |
10. Poor nutrition |
2 |
11. Feelings of anxiety or depression |
2 |
12. Feelings of guilt |
2 |
13. Feelings that you can't cope or you feel trapped |
2 |
14. Lack of confidence and being self-critical |
2 |
15. Feelings of inadequacy |
2 |
16. Fear of getting a disease such as cancer |
2 |
17. Use antibacterial soaps |
1 |
18. Not wanting to socialize with friends |
1 |
19. Suppressed anger |
1 |
20. Inability to relax |
1 |
21. Fidgeting or restlessness |
1 |
22. Excessive appetite/loss of appetite |
1 |
23. Loneliness |
1 |
24. Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep |
1 |
How Did You Score?
If you scored 12 or over, you are putting yourself at risk for immune system overload. Immediately adopt the recommendations above and focus on stress reduction.
Between 6—12 you are still coping with the stressors in your life but you need to slow down, say no once in a while and register in a yoga class.
Between 1—5 you are in the peak range for stress management and if you keep this pace, you will reach the finish line healthy.
Disease frequency statistics tell us that women often have higher risk factors for contracting many common illnesses. This is true for autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as depression, breast cancer, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Even heart disease, which used to be predominantly a male disease, now affects women almost as often as men. Stress and our reaction to stressors, combined with poor nutrition, may be the reason we see increased rates of common diseases in women.
Along with equality women inherited the demands of too many tasks. It is not uncommon to find
women looking after their home and children, doing overtime at work, looking after the family
finances, volunteering in the community or at school, helping friends, and keeping their husbands
happy. Women have increased their activities to the point where many are chronically stressed,
causing serious immune system dysfunction.
Chronic stress is so negative that it can promote
and exacerbate most diseases. Numerous studies have linked our ability to deal with stress to our
susceptibility to the common cold and more serious diseases such as cancer. Adults who have recently
lost a loved one, or been divorced or separated, tend to have the highest cancer rates. Unrelieved
stress gradually weakens and suppresses our immune system, causing an imbalance in the immune
factors it secretes. Stressful situations promote the release of cortisol, our stress hormone, which
in turn causes a negative immune factor, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) to be secreted. Abnormal levels of
IL-6 are associated with autoimmune conditions, inflammatory diseases and
allergic conditions. IL-6 also causes calcium to be pulled from the bones into the blood. If you
have osteoporosis, stress can cause you to be in a negative calcium situation even if you are taking
calcium supplements.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, is directly linked to our DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels. When cortisol goes up IL-6 goes up and DHEA goes down. DHEA, the immune and anti-aging hormone, controls age-related disorders, helps repair and maintain tissues, reduces atherosclerosis, increases insulin sensitivity, controls allergic reactions, and most important, balances the immune system. Low levels of DHEA cause sexual dysfunction, muscle shrinkage, memory loss, degenerative diseases and poor immune function. By now you can see how the release of cortisol causes a cascade of events which ultimately leads to disease.
Controlling the release of cortisol and the decline of DHEA is easy. Professor Bouic performed research using plant sterols and sterolins. He found that these powerful plant nutrients not only control cortisol but also decrease the negative immune factor IL-6. As well, sterols and sterolins are DHEA precursors. In other words, your body makes DHEA from them and within 4-6 weeks your DHEA levels rise to normal. These potent plant nutrients balance the immune system, increasing the good immune factors and decreasing the bad, such as IL-6 and cortisol. Pharmaceutical companies are trying to make drugs with this same action but the side effects have been so severe that none have come to market. Long term safety studies have found that sterols and sterolins have neither side effects nor drug interactions.
Sterols and sterolins have been used to normalize immune
abnormalities and eliminate fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
prostate inflammation, asthma and eczema, control the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation in
cancer treatment, enhance the ability of the immune system to fight infections and reduce
exercise-induced immune suppression. How can a simple plant nutrient do all this? The immune system
protects you from disease and controls the inflammatory response. If we repair the immune
abnormality, the body will heal itself and disease will disappear.
Getting to the root of the
problem is the key - immune dysfunction caused by poor nutrition and too much stress. Sterols and
sterolins can aid the reduction of cortisol and IL-6 but it is up to us to reduce our stress levels
in the first place. Stop! Slow down, take time for yourself and remember to eat meals. You may not
feel the effects of stress immediately but over time the deterioration in your health will become
evident. Ensure good nutrition, take sterols and sterolins, include a high potency B complex along
with a multivitamin and learn some relaxation techniques. Buy yourself the Nike T-shirt that says
"Just Say No" and read it the next time someone asks you to do another task. Your health
demands it.
Source: 1999-2000 Healthy Immunity
www.HealthyImmunity.com
Reprinted with permission.
Anxiety and stress are two of the most common types of mental disorders in the United States. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 19 million Americans per year are afflicted by these illnesses. In 1990, the direct and indirect costs of these debilitating conditions to the American economy were more than $46 billion. In Britain, the Office of National Statistics reported that approximately one in seven adults has some form of diagnosable mental disorder, with anxiety being the most commonly reported complaint. Conditions associated with anxiety and stress include depression, phobias, and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, accumulated stress and anxiety can predispose patients to medical conditions such as chronic headaches, hypertension, ulcers, and heart disease. Some physicians estimate that stress and anxiety may be a contributing factor in 90% of all illnesses.
Anxiety disorders are illnesses that cause people to feel frightened and apprehensive for no apparent reason. These conditions are often related to the biological and psychological makeup of the individual and may be familial in nature. If untreated, these illnesses can significantly reduce productivity and inhibit a person's ability to function in daily life. There are five types of anxiety disorders.
Panic disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of intense fear of sudden onset, often occurring without warning and with varying frequency. Symptoms of panic disorder include chest pains, heart palpitations, sweating palms, dizziness, shortness of breath, a sense of unreality, or an uncontrollable fear of death. Panic disorder affects between three and six million Americans and is twice as likely to occur in women. Onset may occur at any age but generally begins in early adulthood.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by anxious thoughts and uncontrollable ritualistic behavior: obsessions are the anxious thoughts, and compulsions are the rituals used to dispel those thoughts. No pleasure is derived from performing the rituals; rather, the rituals provide only temporary relief. OCD appears to afflict men and women equally, and approximately 1 in 50 people may experience some sort of obsessive-compulsive behavior. Onset is typically in early adulthood, although it may occur in childhood or adolescence.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating illness that can result from a traumatic event. Originally defined as battle fatigue or shell shock, this disorder can be precipitated by any traumatic life event such as a serious accident, crime victimization, and natural disasters. People diagnosed with PTSD may relive the event in nightmares or have disturbing recollections of it during waking hours. Ordinary events can trigger flashbacks that may result in a loss of reality, causing the person to believe the event is happening again. PTSD may occur at any age, and although the course of the illness is variable, it can become chronic.
Phobias may be either specific or social in nature. Specific phobias are irrational fears of certain things or situations such as heights, elevators, or closed-in places. This type of phobia may affect 1 in 10 people. Currently, there are no medications for specific phobias. Social phobias are an intense fear of humiliation in a public situation and may be characterized by a feeling of dread beginning weeks in advance of a social event.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is much more serious than the daily anxiety most people feel. It is chronic, excessive worrying about health, personal finances, work, and family. GAD is characterized by difficulty sleeping, trembling or twitching, lightheadedness, irritability, muscle tension, and headaches, among other symptoms.
Depression may accompany the anxiety. The onset of GAD is gradual, generally occurring in childhood or adolescence, although adult onset is not uncommon. GAD occurs more frequently in women and may be familial in nature.
Stress is a psychological and physical response to the demands of daily life that exceed a person's ability to cope successfully. Stress is often characterized by fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, and constant worrying. Depression often accompanies stress. The accumulated effects of stress may lead to more serious medical problems. Stress may be work-related, or it may stem from personal problems such as divorce, family conflict, or financial concerns. Most often, stress results from a combination of these pressures. Stress may also be a factor in critical illnesses, and the use of specific therapies in these instances is a topic of current research.
Conventional treatments for anxiety and stress include psychotherapy and medication. There are two types of psychotherapy: behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy uses several techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and exposure therapy. Diaphragmatic breathing teaches people how to control anxiety by taking slow, deep breaths. Exposure therapy gradually exposes people to whatever frightens them to help them cope with their fears. Two new behavioral techniques, "cut-thru" and "heart lock-in," are designed to teach the elimination of negative thoughts and to promote a sense of well-being. Research suggests that these behavioral modification techniques may have significant value in the treatment of stress and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people to react differently to the bodily sensations and situations that trigger anxiety and stress. Modification of thinking patterns that control the thoughts and sensations accompanying anxiety is an integral part of this form of therapy. Often, psychotherapy is used in combination with medication.
Antidepressants are frequently used in combination with behavioral therapy to mitigate anxiety and stress. The two major classes of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft and Prozac, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as Elavil and Tofranil. These medications work by inhibiting the re-uptake of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, resulting in the accumulation of these neurotransmitters. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are also used to treat anxiety and function much the same as SSRIs and TCAs. Antidepressants are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States.
Less frequently, benzodiazepines, such as Valium, may be used in the treatment of anxiety, but these are highly addictive agents that often cause depression. Worse than addiction is the tolerance effect that causes the patient to take increasing quantities of the benzodiazepine until the drug stops working altogether. Tolerance to benzodiazepines can occur in as little as a few weeks. Withdrawal symptoms can include hyperanxiety, confusion, anorexia, shaking, memory loss, and a re-emergence of the original symptoms.
There are alternatives to these medications.
Regular exercise such as running, walking, and strength training three times a week for 20 to 60 minutes has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health. In a recent issue of the journal Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Canadian researchers report that individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, panic disorder, substance abuse, and even schizophrenia have shown improvement after following a regular exercise program for 5 to 10 weeks. In a study of 46 people with moderate to severe panic disorder, those who ran three times a week for 10 weeks and took antianxiety medication felt better than those on placebo. The same researchers note that treatment with the drug chlomipramine was faster and more effective than exercise in treating these patients. In the treatment of depression, a combination of factors that includes the release of the brain chemicals endorphins is most likely involved. Endorphins are known to produce a calm, soothing effect upon release. The researchers conclude that exercise is a viable, low-cost intervention therapy that should be recognized by the healthcare community.
Adapton is widely used in Europe and Japan for the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression. Some physicians in the United States are now prescribing its use in lieu of antidepressants. An extract of a deep sea fish, the garum, Adapton is a naturally occurring substance. It functions at the cellular level to increase energy efficiency, resulting in improved concentration, mood, and sleep while promoting a general sense of well-being. A number of European clinical trials document the beneficial effects of Adapton:
Twenty patients with chronic, stress-related fatigue participated in a study in which they were given a placebo for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week trial usage of Adapton. Patients reported a 14% reduction in fatigue and a 4% reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia following the placebo trial period. After using Adapton for 2 weeks, patients reported a 51% decrease in fatigue, and the symptoms of anxiety improved by 65%. The results of the study indicated that Adapton was effective in the treatment of patients with chronic stress and fatigue.
In a study of 40 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, Adapton was prescribed for a 2-week period. Using the Fatigue Study Group's criteria for the 10 functions that most accurately measure fatigue and depression, the results of the study showed that 50% of the participants reported beneficial effects from Adapton.
A study of 60 patients using garum extract reported three cases of mild side effects, including nervous irritation, heartburn, and diarrhea. No emotional stress or fatigue was reported, leading researchers to conclude that garum was a safe and effective treatment of anxiety and stress. Other beneficial effects included improved learning and enhanced electroencephalograph (EEG) readings.
Overall, Adapton benefits 90% of patients suffering from chronic stress and fatigue as compared with a 30% improvement rate in patients using placebos.
In Europe, hyperactive children with attention deficit disorder are being treated with Adapton rather than Ritalin, with positive results.
Overall, researchers in these European clinical trials reported that Adapton was well-tolerated, produced no major side effects, and had no apparent contraindications.
Adapton consists of a standardized dosage of polypeptides, which act as precursors to neurotransmitters and exert a regulatory effect on the nervous system, thereby improving the body's ability to adapt to mental and physical stress. Adapton contains an omega-3 essential fatty acid that enhances certain prostaglandins and prostacyclin, the chemical mediators that regulate major biological functions. These polypeptides are believed to contribute to the stress-relieving effects of Adapton. Adapton is a safe, effective, low-cost alternative to traditional antidepressant medications and may provide substantial beneficial effects to people suffering from chronic, stress-induced anxiety, fatigue, or depression. The recommended dosage of Adapton is 4 capsules taken in the morning on an empty stomach for 15 days. Thereafter, the dose is reduced to 2 capsules each morning. If complete relief of the symptoms occurs, Adapton may be discontinued and restarted if the symptoms return. There is no toxicity involved in the daily use of Adapton. Some patients use 2 to 3 capsules of Adapton every other day and still report relief of their symptoms.
For people who suffer from panic attacks, the addition of a 10 mg dose of the cardiovascular medication propranolol can produce immediate results. Propranolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker that inhibits the overproduction of adrenaline during a panic attack. The low dose of propranolol required to produce this effect is well-tolerated by the majority of patients.
In addition to Adapton, there are a number of other stress-reducing treatments currently available. One of these treatments is KH3, a European medication. KH3 mitigates the effects of the overproduction of cortisol, the adrenal hormone that can occur with anxiety and stress. The overproduction of cortisol has been shown to damage the immune system, arteries, and brain cells, and it may cause premature aging. The recommended dosage of KH3 is 1 to 2 tablets taken on an empty stomach in the morning and afternoon. KH3 should not be taken by people allergic to procaine (the active ingredient in the medication), is contraindicated for patients taking sulfa drugs, and should not be used by children or pregnant or lactating women. In addition to KH3, the hormones melatonin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may also reduce and protect against the effects of cortisol. The recommended dose range of melatonin is from 500 mcg to 3 mg taken approximately one half hour before bedtime. DHEA should be taken in a dose of 25 to 50 mg a day.
Prescription antidepressants and other prescription medications for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders often produce unwanted side effects, have more contraindications, and may become habit forming in some cases. Alternatives to these treatments, such as Adapton, have proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. There are fewer reported side effects in those patients using natural substances such as Adapton, KH3, DHEA, and melatonin, and there may be greater long-term benefits involved. As with any medication, it is advisable to consult your physician prior to any treatment program.
Reprinted with permission
Copyright © 1999 The Life Extension
Foundation.
More than 20 million North Americans are afflicted with some form of depression, and it occurs twice as often in women as in men. The sad fact is that one in five of us will suffer depression at some time in our life. The intensity of the depression may vary from mild to severe, and it may happen only once or recur throughout one's lifetime. While everyone feels down at some time or another, depression is a severe state of unhappiness that imposes itself on a person's state of mind and affects his or her habits and normal conduct for at least two consecutive weeks. In some cases depression can last months or even years before a diagnosis is made or treatment is sought.
Symptoms of Depression Symptoms vary but it is generally agreed that the appearance of at least four or five of the following symptoms indicates depression:
|
Emotional trauma, the loss of a loved one and extreme stress are considered a few of the factors involved in the initiation of depression, but often it starts without a clear reason, is intense and can last for long periods. We face sad or negative situations throughout our lives, but depression is not merely sadness, it is a biochemical change in the brain. People who are depressed have low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and thyroid disease can have a profound effect on the biochemical activities in the brain. Depression has also been thought to be a consequence of serious and life-threatening diseases like cancer. Now the basis for depression will have to be rethought, as researchers are discovering that an overactive immune system may be the cause of severe depression.
Over the last decade reports have surfaced that those who have been prescribed powerful immune-boosting drugs like interferon for hepatitis and cancer-have experienced life-threatening depression with suicidal feelings. As a result, scientists have sought answers and, although the jury is still out, a hyper-stimulated immune system may just be the cause. This is the complete opposite of what was believed in the past. Depression was most often thought of as a symptom of weak immunity. Now, for many people with depression, treatments will look at ways of regulating the immune system and controlling the inflammatory process that is involved in fighting viruses and other invaders. In other words, keeping the immune factors that regulate the immune system in balance.
Michael Maes, a psychiatrist at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, was one of the early researchers who thought that weak immunity was associated with depression. But recently he found that immune cells (including natural killer cells and macrophages) from those with depression were very overactive and secreting too many inflammatory immune factors. Other scientists are also making the connection between hyper-stimulated immunity and depression by looking at conditions affecting depressed individuals. Depressed people often have higher temperatures, suggesting that they are fighting an infection, which results in an increase in inflammatory immune factors. As well, depressed people are three times more likely to die of heart disease. And as we now know, arteriosclerosis can be caused by inflammation in the arteries from bacterial infections.
So, what is happening in the immune system that is promoting depression? We know that when the body is under attack, from a virus for example, the immune cells secrete large amounts of inflammatory immune factors whose job is to destroy the virus.
This boost in the immune system, when allowed to go on for too long, may be what affects mood and causes depression. Serotonin levels are known to be low in those with depression, and research has shown that immune-boosting substances can deplete tryptophan, a precursor used by the body to make serotonin. One third of people taking immune-boosting drugs like interferon get depressed. Nobody correlated this to an overactive immune system because it was just assumed that, if you were being treated for cancer or other serious diseases, the depression was a side effect of the disease, not the treatment.
Elsewhere we've discussed the stress/cortisol connection and how they relate to immune dysfunction. Cortisol is very important because we need it to regulate immune function. But a proper balance is critical. When we are in a stressful situation our adrenal glands secrete cortisol, causing an increase in inflammatory immune factors. This event is normally short lived and when the cortisol is no longer needed, our brain sends signals to stop it from being released. Cortisol levels then goes back to normal, and the immune factors also revert back to balanced levels. But in depressed people the brain fails to control cortisol and levels remain too high. Inflammatory immune factors secreted by our immune cells also cause an increase in cortisol secretion, adding to already excessive levels and thereby promoting depression.
Stressful events, high cortisol levels and the resulting inflammatory response, as well as viral infections, probably all play a role in altering mood. So what do we do if we have depression? Regulating or balancing immune function may turn out to be the best strategy.
St. John's wort, a potent anti-inflammatory, has already been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. Plant sterols and sterolins, with their ability to regulate cortisol and control inflammatory reactions in the immune system, are a natural choice for depression. The following prescription for health is from my latest book, Healthy Immunity, Scientifically Proven Treatments for Conditions from A-Z. If you are on anti-depressant medications please consult your physician before following these recommendations.
| Nutrients | Dosage | Action |
| Moducare plant sterols and sterolins | 2 capsules 3 times per day for 1 week, 1 capsule 3 times per day thereafter immune factors | Modulates cortisol, enhances DHEA,controls inflammatory |
| High Potency B-Complex | Look for a supplement containing 500-1000 MCG, B12, 800 mcg folic acid 100 mcg biotin and 50-100 mg of each of the other B vitamins | Required for brain and nerve function |
| Inositol hexanicotinate (Non-flushing niacin) | 1000 mg 3 twice per day | Inositol improves mood and niacin has been used to treat depression |
| Multi-mune | 3 capsules per day with food | Provides immune support |
| 5-HTP, a precursor to trypophan, which helps make serotonin | 100 mg 3 times per day | Increases serotonin as effectively as prescristion SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake serotonin inhibitors) |
| St. John's wort | 300 mg 3 times per day (standardized to .3% hypericin)– allow 6 weeks weeks for improvement; do not combine with prescription antidepressants or lithium | Relieves depression and anxiety |
| Ginkgo biloba | 80 mg 3 times per day | Effective in treating depression in the elderly |
| SAMe | 400 mg 3 times per day on an empty stomach | Acts as an antidepressant, enhances dopamine and serotonin |
| Udo's Choice oil blend or Omega Essential Balance | 1-3 tablespoons per day | Supports proper neuron transmission |
Source: 1999-2000 Healthy Immunity
www.HealthyImmunity.com
Reprinted
with permission.
By Dr. James Rouse
You may be
like me-you love endurance sports; marathons, century rides, "Iron" distances, triathlons.
This, plus working full time while raising a family, adds up to the proverbial full-plate. Training
is not something you choose to avoid, however it can be challenging. I have been training for
distance events for close to twenty years, with a brief four-year sabbatical called medical school.
I began to recharge the engines a few years back, training for Olympic and Iron distance triathlons.
It felt good to have the ritual return to my life. I love the discipline of being in the environment
of committed zealots. I have witnessed tremendous change in the sport professionally and personally,
but some things never change, like how great it feels to complete your distance run, ride, or swim,
knowing that you are ready for race day. I know the challenge that comes with consistent training
and missing your window because of slow recovery and a worn-out immune system.
For years I battled what I refer to as over-training immune compromise syndrome (OTICS). It shows up in a myriad of ways- fatigue, recurrent colds, slow-recovery, even irritability and sleep disturbance. I remember feeling how unjust it was that I worked so hard and would experience symptoms of this syndrome. I turned this frustration proactively into a research project while in school and discovered that it is no secret at all. It is a scientific fact that endurance/distance athletes commonly create and endure suppressed and inadequate immunity. Science tells us and research supports that longer duration exercise coupled with distance training performed consistently causes stress on our immune systems. This stress begins to compromise our defenses and our performance by inhibiting the proper and healthy function of our immune systems key players-our T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. This same stress can also erode our performance by discouraging full and strong recovery after an exercise bout.
When we train, we encourage the release of certain inflammatory chemicals, one of which is Interleukin 6 (IL-6). This inflammatory chemical promotes tissue damage, sore muscles, swollen joints, and slow recovery. The major force behind OTICS is the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol is secreted due to stressful events, our immune system responds by increasing the secretion of IL-6. If you have ever pushed yourself too far physically or mentally, you have experienced cortisol. Cortisol can be referred to as a catalyst for catabolism (breakdown) and its levels are typically high in periods of pushing. Over-training and over-exerting equates to increased cortisol, and an increase in the potential for experiencing OTICS. Cortisol and DHEA levels are linked. As cortisol levels rise, our bodies tend to experience a decrease in the health-and-vitality-promoting hormone, DHEA. DHEA is often referred to as the mother hormone. It is a life-giving hormone that gives rise to many other life-sustaining hormones which promote healthy cardiovascular activity, proper metabolism of insulin, aid in the repair of tissues-such as lean muscle-as well as support the proper balance and activity of our immune system.
If you are committed to exercise, training, and healthy living, you won't consider canceling due to cortisol. Instead you take more healthy proactive measures to combat its consequences. There are many things which help to ensure proper immune function, recovery, and improving performance. To begin with, focus on consuming a whole foods diet. Foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and C are abundantly found in your favorite fruits and vegetables. Mineral-rich foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds are packed with zinc, magnesium, and trace minerals. Make an effort to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars.
Next, supplementing this healthy diet is key. Truly one of the greatest breakthrough discoveries I have made and utilized in my own training -as well as in my practice- is the use of plant sterols and sterolins. These powerful phytonutrients are found in Moducare, which is available in capsule form. Although these powerful phytonutrients are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, they are not present in sufficient quantities to be truly effective. For example, we must consume at least 7 to 10 half-cup servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds every day to ensure optimal levels. Plus, when we freeze, boil, cook, deep-fry and refine our foods, sterols and sterolins are severely damaged or completely destroyed in the process.
Moducare's plant sterols and sterolins have been clinically proven -in compelling research- to aid in protecting the immune system through regulating and balancing cortisol, and at the same time, by naturally increasing and supporting healthy levels of DHEA. In a study, conducted by an internationally renowned team of immunologists and published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, a double-blind study was done with a group of marathon runners, who were evaluated pre- and post-marathon run, to determine if the addition of Moducare, a proprietary blend of plant sterols/sterolins would prevent the immune suppression and inflammatory reaction characteristic to high intensity athletes. The results were profound: the group who utilized the sterol/sterolin mixture were protected from immune suppression as well as the excessive inflammatory response, and showed a marked improvement versus the control group in their adaptive response to stress; i.e., the cortisol and IL-6 decrease was accompanied by an increase in DHEA that was statistically significant. This demonstrated that the sterol/sterolin mixture buffered excessive release of cortisol, raising DHEA levels through a lowered cortisol/DHEA ratio. The athletes were able to quickly rebound post marathon with fewer upper respiratory infections. This is most promising when you consider that most of the negative effects of over-exercising can be attributed to excess cortisol production, an increase in inflammatory chemical (Interleukin-6), and the subsequent drop in DHEA.
Moducare, used in this study, is an amazing, clinically-tested supplement of plant fats. It is the only one with the patented formulation 100:1 ratio of sterols to sterolins. I have successfully used this product, not only personally, but in my practice, prescribing it to many of my patients who were suffering from numerous conditions resulting from a compromised immune system: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, allergies, colds and flus, and a variety of other inflammatory conditions as well. All were significantly improved with the use of these plant sterols and sterolins. As a clinician, coach, and athlete I have come to depend on and fully trust the results I experience with Moducare, and its scientifically proven immune optimizing properties.
Dr. James Rouse is a physician, entrepreneur and coach to executives, athletes, physicians, families and peak performers nationwide. He is a leading expert in the field of lifestyle medicine and performance training. Dr. James is also a parent, businessman, and a sponsored Ironman triathlete. In addition, he is the founder and chairman of Envitalment, Inc., a wellness and performance coaching, training and consulting company. Dr. James maintains a private naturopathic medical practice in Denver, Colorado. These two disciplines, combined with his own personal commitment to be a life-long learner and student of successful living, enable James to understand and teach what creates a happy, fulfilled and balanced life. He is also the creator and spokesperson on TV, Denver's KUSA "Optimum Wellness", a program seen daily by millions, educating and encouraging Coloradoans to take charge of their health.
Bouic, P.J.D. et al. 1999. "The Effects of B-Sitosterol (BSS) and B-Sitosterol Glucoside (BSSG) Mixture on Selected Immune Parameters of Marathon Runners: Inhibition of Post Marathon Immune Suppression and Inflammation". International Journal of Sports Medicine 20: 258-262.
Bouic, P.J.D. et al. 1996. "Beta sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside stimulate human peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation: Implications for their use as an immunomodulatory vitamin combination." International Journal of Immunopharmacology 18: 693-700.
Vanderhaeghe, Lorna R., and Bouic, Patrick JD, Ph.D., 1999. The Immune System Cure. Pp.197-207.those that can be stored unrefrigerated on grocery shelves) also are safe.
Source: 1999-2000 Healthy Immunity
www.HealthyImmunity.com
Reprinted with permission.