Re: Help needed understanding alternative treatments for depressive illnesses

This is a great thread! Thanks for the information and resource advice.

My experience regarding Depression is diverse, and although I believe that eveyone seems to metabolize their proteins with different levels of efficency, to me it is a lack of tryptophan within the diet which is the chief cause of *most* depression. I once read of a study where 500 severely depressed people had bloodwork done and 100% of them had low levels of l-tryptophan and l-tyrosine in their blood, as you know, are the pre-cursers to serotonin and dopamine respectively. This clinical research is documented in a book called "the way up from down" which can be read for free at www.thewayup.com. Dr. Sleagle's success rate using the "amine theory of depression" is unbelievable high. It involves administering supplements of L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, and B-Complex (the coenzyme essential to their metabolism) but as everyone's body is differnet some people respond to low doses while others do not feel better until they are taking HUGE doses.

I was put on Zoloft after a severe bout of Depression which involved periods of opiate abuse. It helped tremendously. But I then chose to wean myslef off of zoloft and now take amino supplements combined with B vitamins and regular cardio exercise (how well is our body going to break down and metabolize these elements if the heart is atrophied..)

Anyway, ALL of the positive aspects of Zoloft were again felt after a build up of the amino therapy. In fact, when I slack on my L-tryptophan (which I take at night, one hour before bed, 500 mg's per each 50 pounds of weight = 2000 mgs) I immediately experience low mood and depression.

So, I am a firm believer that L-Tryptophan, serotonin, and diet play a huge role in avoiding depression.

But also, the pH of my body measured through saliva tests seems to play a role in my mod and energy levels as well. I take coral calcium daily and refrain from acidosis causing foods and activities (coffee, soda, lack of oxydation/exercise, lack of fruit and veggies)

Hope this helps and glad to learn that research of Depression is walking this path to a certain extent.

-Brian