Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Pumpkins mark the fall season with decorative flair on front porches and tabletops as well as in our favorite fall flavors—pumpkin spice has quite a following! It’s boosted pumpkin’s pizazz beyond pies and lattes to hummus, pasta, and even facial scrub. The most popular winter squash—pumpkin and pumpkin seeds—has a … Read More
NAC, the acronym for N-acetylcysteine, is used as both a prescription medication and an over-the-counter supplement. As a medication, NAC has proven benefits for preventing liver damage caused by an overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is also used as a medication to break up mucous in the lungs, although the … Read More
Is your depression the type that causes carb cravings, weight gain, and fatigue in addition to your low mood? If so, you’re certainly not alone, despite the fact that you have what is classified as “atypical depression” in the medical world. Up to 42% of individuals seeking treatment for depression … Read More
In 2012, I wrote about the relationship between low testosterone and depression. Today, I want to update you on the latest research on the use of testosterone replacement therapy as a treatment for depression in men. In February 2014, researchers from the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry at Saint Louis … Read More
Research shows that when you're consistently sad, pessimistic, or moody you may have a serotonin deficiency that you can treat yourself by using serotonin supplements. The four natural serotonin supplements presented here have all been shown to help treat serotonin deficiency symptoms such as depression, insomnia, and more by increasing … Read More
One of the most important, yet most neglected, aspects of depression treatment is preventing depression from returning. Relapse refers to the returning signs of depression after a period of weeks or months of doing well. The term recurrence sometimes refers to a relapse that occurs late, after many months or … Read More
You have lack of motivation to participate in the things you love. You feel hopeless. You’re fatigued, unable to sleep well or concentrate. As a result, your relationships at home and work suffer. If you’re bogged down by a lack of motivation, don’t just chalk it up to boredom or … Read More
If you've been struggling to figure out how to overcome depression, you may have turned to medications, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or alternative treatments. Each can be effective, but they also won't guarantee relief from that cloud of depression. How to Overcome Depression: Medications Medications are thought to improve mood … Read More
Depression is miserable and debilitating. It can rob you of your motivation, energy, and zest for life. The goal of treating depression is simple—to feel better! With more than 10 percent of the population taking antidepressants, it seems prudent to ask, “Do antidepressants really work?” Antidepressants are the second most … Read More
In Part 1, you learned about an amazing 2-in-1 natural treatment for simultaneously beating depression AND arthritis. S-adenosyl- methionine, or SAM-e (pronounced Sammy) for short, has been shown in multiple studies to naturally treat depression and joint pain just as effectively as prescription antidepressants and NSAIDS. Part 1 focused on … Read More
