Natural Health
For Depression and Anxiety
This morning on radio I got personal about my own experience dealing with Depression and Anxiety and how this experience in my own life taught me about my eating and lifestyle habits. But most important it was the start of really taking my health into my own hands . I educated myself on how our body functions and started to listen to what my body was telling me by how I felt after eating drinking and basically not taking care of myself. Now many years later I
truly appreciate the experience no matter how negative that time in my life was it has made me wiser and contributed to the knowledge I have today.........For this I am truly grateful.
I also had fun making my Choc Bliss Balls with some of the "best" ingredients to enhance our nutritional needs during times of emotional stress and low levels of wellbeing. These Bliss balls really energise and lift your mood. Try them as recipe is attached. Have Fun!
Depression Anxiety and sleeplessness all can be triggered by Emotional stressors, feeling s of having no control in your life, relationship issues with others or Environmental factors like worrying too much about issues within our society, government, bank finances/money.. All these emotional/feelings we have going on every moment of every day create a bio-chemical responses within our Brain.
I really focussed this morning on Bio-chemical factors where the chemistry in your brain is
not in balance/harmony to promote a healthy state of wellbeing. Below are some tips to enhance wellbeing, promote more Serotonin in your brain and help with simply being happy. And isn't that just what we all want in life?
Firstly go to your local GP and ask to have a thyroid function test, Check for levels of vit D in your blood . Why you ask? Because thyroid disorders are on the rise and so is low levels of vit D and both of these if out of "wack" will contribute to Depression/anxiety. As both are vitally important in the manufacture of Melatonin, Serotonin and other Bio chemical reactions within our brain. Adrenal stress is also a major factor.
Supplements (Not to be taken with Drs Medication or at least get the Drs approval) St John's Wort , S.A.M.E, Ginseng either Siberian or Korean and Valerian (all these herbs can have a positive calming effect to the nervous system.
Supplements(can be taken with Drs Medications)Passionflower, Kava Kava, Tulsi, Hops Vit D , and more.. B vitamins, B 12 and B6, Tyrosine and L-tryptophan.(Some herbs available as Teas )Come in store and ask for advice as each person is an individual and some products will work better than others depending on your specific needs/lifestyle factors.
#Foods to avoid when depressed : Refined sugar products, Highly processed foods, Alcohol(really bad) Refined wheat products. Food colours, preservatives and pesticides.
#Foods to avoid When Anxious: "As above foods" Adrenal stimulating foods/drinks like caffeine too much coffee or energy drinks.
#Foods to eat for both:
Foods rich in Fatty acids like raw nuts /seeds Avocado, Fish, Evening primrose oil, Flaxseed
oil, coconut oil, Foods high in Magnesium/calcium like Cacao powder, almonds
chia seeds .Foods high on potassium like Bananas ," Super foods" Like all Berry family fresh or dried and all foods high /rich in antioxidants.
To Hear the the talk this morning click on this link http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/02/15/3431582.htm
Chocolate Bliss Balls
2 1/2 cups Almond Meal
3/4 cup dried mixed Golden Berries, Goji and Cranberries
1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
1 Tablespoon Sunflower Seeds
2 Tablespoons Cacao powder
1 heaped Tablespoon Honey
125 mls Organic Coconut oil
Melt Coconut Oil (on a low heat) in a saucepan then add all other ingredients. Mix together till combined well. Roll up into balls then roll in desiccated coconut or some cacao powder.
Makes about 20 balls
Will keep in the fridge for up to a month.
Enjoy!
Recipe created by
Kara and Fenella Jane