SAM-e

[Ronnie Ashlock]

I've begun taking this after talking to my mother. I am borderline depressed (have been for years) and kind of refuse to go the Prozac route because I just don't want to introduce some drug into my system just because I get bummed easily. After visiting my family this weekend, my mother suggested I start taking SAM-e to see if can help smooth out the rough spots with my moods. Began taking it last night.

Thoughts?


http://www.stoneclinic.com/sam_e.htm

[kevin mckay]

I think I read bout that and st johns work being used in place of many anti depressants in Europe with good success. Curious to here how it works for you.

[Yael Grauer]

Originally Posted by kevin mckay

I think I read bout that and st johns work being used in place of many anti depressants in Europe with good success. Curious to here how it works for you.

SJW works as an MAO-inhibitor for some people, but I'd be careful with it because it can cause photosensitivity in some people. Other herbs I've had luck with include passionflower, milky oats, verbena, lemon balm and pedicularis. Jatamansi is a good Ayurvedic relaxant.

Supplements to look into: chromium, B vitamins, theanine, 5-HTP and GABA. Not on a regular basis for the last three.

Some carbs at night (a bit of starch is good) helps push the tryptophan I've eaten all day across the blood-brain barrier to make all that nice serotonin. Or that's the theory anyway.

For me the sleep thing and avoiding wheat like the plague are more helpful than I'd ever imagined... and getting out in nature...

Edited to add: As far as amino acids, there's a book/website called the Mood Cure which may be worth looking into: www.moodcure.com

[Mike ODonnell]

Try getting enough or more DHA too....the other half of the Omega3s...that's linked to increased brain function...so I am sure depression falls in there too....I agree the avoidance of grains and perhaps lower carbs during the day...may be a blood sugar drop as well.

As stupid as it sounds too...try finding a book that gets you thinking positive and changes your outlook...I have a couple that when I feel like crap I read...I hate starting it...but then 10-15 min later it's like a light switch comes on....and I feel a hell of alot better with more awareness and a better sense of purpose. For me it's more just letting my mind clear out...and refocusing on the important things. Nothing ever physical changes...just my mental outlook on life.

[Ronnie Ashlock]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm about a week into taking the Sam-e. It seems to help a little. I'll take it for a month and if I think there's something to it, then I might stay with it for a little longer. St. John's Wort did nothing for me, so I was a little skeptical about this stuff, but the Sam-e has kind of helped, I think.

I keep the diet pretty clean - almost no grains, especially during the day or at night. I have the occasional bowl of oatmeal with protein powder. Mostly it's just meat (mainly wild salmon), vegetables, fruit and water. I've cut back on caffeine, I have a cup of espresso in the morning, then usually have a cup of yerba mate at work. Then, just water. I try to drink a half-gallon of H20 during the day. No alcohol or any other mood-altering substances.

Overall, things are good, but, like everyone, sometimes the stresses and anxieties of life seem a little overwhelming at times and I tend to internalize the things that bother me and stew on them for years.

I have to say, exercise and lifting are the best ways to handle stress. I don't know what I'd do without my garage, barbell and bumpers.