Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Postpartem depression and natural cures

If you are a Hot-Mama with the post baby blues, here are some ideas that may lift your mood without having to resort to taking anti-depressants:

1. Eat animal based omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and sardines regularly. If fish is not your thing, try a supplement like krill oil which has not been contaminated with pcb's. Omega-3 fat supports healthy brain function and a deficiency can lead to depression and anxiety.

2. Exercise! Studies have shown exercise to be as effective in treating depression as prescription anti-depressants. Remember, the best time to exercise is when you don't feel like it!

3. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates such as white rice, white bread, commercial breakfast cereals, crackers, cakes, and white pasta. Over-eating sugar and carbohydrates causes a drastic rise and drop in blood sugar levels, which can seem like an emotional roller-coaster. Sugar is the first thing we want to eat when we are over tired, so do your best to rest when you are tired and take naps when your baby is napping.

4. Get outside for at least twenty minutes a day. Being exposed to the sun is necessary for the production of serotonin in your brain which is the "feel good" neuro-transmiter. Sun exposure also insures that you are getting enough vitamin D. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression and moodiness. If you are unable to spend enough time in the sun, take a quality vitamin D supplement daily.

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