Digital News Report – On today’s ‘The Dr. Oz Show,’ alternative medicince pioneer, Andrew Weil MD returned to share about ways to be happy from his new book, Spontaneous Happiness. Weil shared a four week plan to achieve happiness by changing what we eat, supplements, and more.
Andrew Weil M.D. explained that he struggled with depression throughout his life. He also noticed that others would commonly complain about depression problems to him. When he started investigating about depression, he learned that one out of ten adults take an anti-depressant medication. In his early 40’s he took anti-depressant medication for only a few days and did not like the way he felt. Weil said he never had major depression.
There are reasons for people to get depressed and often it is a coping mechanism that helps people to come up with solutions. Weil said that he is not talking about severe depression on this TV show. Weill suggested that a significant amount of depression is being sold to us by taking prescription drugs that may just be mild cases. He added however, that there is still a lot of depression that needs to be explained.
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Weil said that depression is unknown in hunter-gather tribes. What is difference? Possibly our society is not exposed to the outside light, physical activity, our diets he explains. The conveniences of modern life might also be a factor.
The word happiness comes from luck or good fortune. He said that happiness should come from the inside not from the outside.
Andrew Weill’s Four Week Plan to Happiness
Weil shared a four week plan that could help with happiness. Being a holistic alternative medicine expert, he believes in working with body, mind, and spirit to increase happiness.
Week 1 – Change Diet– Cut back on caffeine, which could be a factor in moods and depression. Try doing without caffeine to see if it helps improve energy and mood.
Depression might be another expression on inflammation in the body. Weil said to reduce the consumption of processed and packaged foods that could promote inflammation
Week 2 – Supplements and Social Interactions
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Fish Oil – Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acid could help with depression explained Weil. He suggests taking 2-3 grams a day of fish oil, which could work quickly.
Vitamin D – Low vitamin D levels could be associated with psychosis and mental disturbances said Weil. He suggests taking 2,000 I.U. Vitamin D supplements daily.
Multi-Vitamin – Weil said to take a multi-vitamin supplement every day especially for the Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. These three B vitamins are involved in depression.
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Re-establish social connections. Our world is so much different from one hundred years ago. Weil said that forgiveness is beneficial for your mood and well being.
Week 3 – Curfew on Incoming Information
Internet, cell phones, email are changing our brains; we just do not know in which ways explained Weil. To free us from that feeling of having no time make a plan to turn off the technology at 8 pm every night.
Week 4 – Natural Anti-Depressant Techniques
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The last week is used only if the earlier steps did not solve the problems. If you still are having a problem there are other options.
Ashwagandha supplement – it has a mild sedative effect. If depression is associated with anxiety this could be helpful.
SAM-e supplement is widely available and is an effective anti-depressant. This works within days he said. Also used to treat osteo-arthritis pain. It can be stimulating and should not be used with bipolar disorders and close to bed time.
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Rhodiola supplement – mental clarity and focus. Has mood elevating effect. Weill cautioned not to take more than one supplement at a time, but instead see how each one works by themselves first.
Accupuncture may help with depression. Massage increases touch and releases feel good hormones. Having gratitude, think about things you are thankful for and express it.
Posture – Change posture. Emotions are related to posture explained Weill. Change posture to improve mood. Weill demonstrated an exercise to help change mood by changing our posture. Stand up and put both arms straight out at shoulder level. Turn the left palm facing up and the right palm facing down. Next, slowly raise both arms until they touch over the head while taking a slow deep breathe. Repeat two more times.
Always seek professional medical care before taking supplements for any medical conditions and consult with a doctor concerning depression.
By: Robert Williams
Entertainment Reporter