Dear Healthy Friend,

People describe depression as experiencing feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. And the latest stats show that the number of people suffering from depression is on the rise. What a great time for large pharmaceutical giants to start raking in mega profits.

Keep reading to see what Dr Ferril has to say...

In the name of good health,

Taryn Strugnell
Managing Editor of Nutrition & Healing

P.S. We all know that vitamin C is good for us, but now Dr Wright reveals another great benefit for your ticker...

Our dark journey into depression
Dr Ferril
Contributor to Healthier News
 
We already know that mood disorders are running rampant worldwide - but it could be a lot worse than anyone thought.

I was alarmed when I read the numbers in Psychological Science: Half of all young adults suffer from anxiety disorders, 41% of them experience major depression and a third are drinking too much.

These numbers are double previous estimates.

It doesn't take much to put two and two together on this one. These disorders are on the rise as our diets and lifestyles are at their worst. There's a direct relationship and I'll tell you more about that in a moment.

But right now, I'm more concerned by this survey. Assuming the new numbers are accurate, and I have no reason to doubt them yet, the problem here is not the stats. It's how they'll be used - to push antidepressants.

Armed with this new information, large pharmaceutical companies could try to market these sometimes unnecessary drugs to "at-risk" people who show no signs of mental illness. They'll tell you it's a protective measure, but you and I both know their real dream is to sell these meds to every single one of us.

Antidepressants are some of the most profitable drugs - and some of the most dangerous.

They want us to believe that mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can strike anyone out of the clear blue sky and the only possible solution comes in a pill bottle.

But mental disorders don't strike suddenly and for no reason. Some people think that stress, relationship problems or the loss of a job - situations we all face, all the time - can cause these conditions and in some cases that may be true.

For the most part, however, these mental illnesses are caused by nutritional and hormonal deficiencies. Our diets aren't just making us fatter, they're literally rotting our brains and that's especially true of our younger generations who've been raised on nutrition-free processed foods.

Keep eating that way into adulthood - as many do - and you'll find your brain practically starving. No wonder so many people end up mentally ill.

And there is not a single drug - not even one - that can fix it.

So if you're battling mental illness, work with your doctor to find the real solution. Eat right and avoid carbs. In some cases, you may need specific nutrients or hormones to help correct the deficiency - the lack of essential fatty acids, methyl donors, tryptophan and the B vitamins are often at the heart of the problem.

The most important thing is that you give your brain the food it needs - not a drug that will hurt it even more.

(See Dr Wright's report on Beat the blues.... naturally and safely to see how to beat this state of mind)

Vitamin C keeps your ticker tocking

Q: I recently underwent cardioversion treatment for my irregular heartbeat. I know the fibrillation can come back - what can I do to reduce my chances of a quick recurrence?

Dr. Wright: Recently, a group of Greek researchers reported that plain old vitamin C could significantly decrease recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion treatment. There hasn't been any long-term follow-up research. But with all the other health benefits of vitamin C, it certainly couldn't hurt to take 2gms (or perhaps a bit more) each day.

(Your very best bet would be to work with a doctor skilled and knowledgeable in natural medicine who will be able to help you manage your condition naturally. To locate one near you, contact the South African Society for Integrated Medicines on (021) 887-5364 or lucia@integrativemedicine.co.za)