Vitamin D is a precursor to the hormone calcitriol. Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin from a cholesterol derivative after exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Vitamins D2 and D3 can be obtained from dietary sources including oily fish, eggs and...
The Washington University School of Medicine reports that an estimated 17.5 million individuals in the United States are affected by depression in some degree, and women are two times more likely to suffer from depression than men. While...
A healthy diet does more than just help prevent physical diseases such as cancer and heart disease. According to Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of "Eat to Live," fatigue, anxiety and allergies are related to improper diet, as is depression. An...
Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by low mood, bouts of crying, thoughts of suicide, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, loss of energy and increased fatigue, decision-making problems, problems concentrating and irritable or...
Depression is an illness affecting how you feel, think and behave -- and it may lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Many women experience depression at some point in their lifetime. Some women may suffer from postpartum...
Most women don't have significant difficulties with mood as their menstrual periods end, but some do. If you have extended problems with hot flushes, have struggled with depression in the past, or if you have a history of mood disturbances...
B complex generally refers to supplements containing the chemically distinct B vitamins. These are vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. They are water-soluble vitamins that are needed in a number of cellular functions throughout the body....
Several types of depression exist, including major depression, atypical depression and dysthymic disorder. Some types of depression, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and postpartum depression, only affect women. Other types, like seasonal...
Can certain vitamins can help reduce the symptoms of depression? A study by Alison America and Leonard Milling published in the April 2008 "Journal of Behavioral Medicine" found vitamin supplementation no more helpful than placebos for reducing...
In the second half of the 20th century, there was an interest in treating schizophrenia and depression with vitamins rather than psychiatric drugs. The idea fell out of favor for many years, but recently, some doctors are reviving the idea of a...
Emotions and anxiety are controlled by a network of specialized cells -- called neurons -- within your brain. Improper neuron signaling within the brain can lead to defects in mood regulation, leading to the development of depression, anxiety...
Maintaining a vitamin-rich diet is important if you have depression or alcoholism, or both. Depression is a type of mood disorder characterized by difficulty sleeping, fatigue, energy loss, agitation, difficulty concentrating, feelings of...
Prolonged periods of sadness that can interfere with daily functioning characterize depresssion. Symptoms of depression include despair, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, anxiety and suicidal thoughts....
Depression is listed as a mood disorder in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Depression is due to low serotonin levels in the brain. Feelings like being overwhelmed, fatigue and...
Depression, also called "major depressive disorder" or "clinical depression" is an illness that affects your body and mind, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms associated with depression may include a reduction in energy production or the...
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 10 to 15 million Americans suffer from depression each year. Symptoms of depression can last for months or even years if not treated. There are numerous prescription medications that are...
Depression and anxiety can be chronic conditions that cause physical, mental and emotional symptoms. Antidepressants are potent drugs that can treat feelings of anxiety, sadness, nervousness and irritability, but may not be suitable for all...
The right vitamins can support weight loss. Weight loss may be difficult due to stress, hormone imbalance, poor diet and a lack of physical activity. Some vitamins help regulate appetite and increase metabolism, which results in less body fat....
Though it is not known exactly what causes depression, some studies have shown a correlation between vitamin deficiencies and depression. Some vitamins that may play a key role in mood and depression prevention include B vitamins such as vitamin...
Many foods like fish, eggs and fortified milk contain healthy amounts of Vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D by spending time in the sun. While the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and bone-weakening conditions like rickets and...
Vitamin D is an important nutrient found in certain foods and produced by the body in response to sun exposure. While best-known for its role in working with calcium to build and maintain strong bones, vitamin D is also integral to healthy cells...
Depression can rob people of their energy, their sleep, their concentration and their happiness. Because psychiatric medications are expensive and can have unpredictable and uncomfortable side effects, some people opt for natural methods like...
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, clinical depression affects almost 15 million American adults. A PBS documentary titled "Depression: Out of the Shadows," said that 4 percent of adolescents develop serious depression each...
Seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a condition initiated with symptoms at the first signs of winter. According to Peace Health, anyone can develop seasonal depression, however it is more common in the Northern...
Depression is a medical condition that affects both your body and mind. Symptoms include feelings of sadness, appetite gain or loss, fatigue, body aches, and appetite loss or gain. Anxiety occurs as a normal response to everyday life stresses....
Depression is a serious mental disorder that can make you feel like you've been run over by a truck. While a number of causes of depressive disorders exist, a lack of vitamin D, known as hypovitaminosis D, appears to play a significant role in...
Vitamin D plays a major role in the health of every individual, affecting every organ system. Although the body can manufacture the nutrient from exposure to intense sunshine, many people are vitamin D deficient, and this can affect health in a...
The connection between vitamin D deficiency and depression is established, although not completely understood in its entirety. There isn't a lack of research attempting to understand it as many researchers are trying to put the pieces together....
Depression often results from a chemical imbalance in the brain, environmental factors and heredity. While rare, nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of B-complex vitamins, can contribute to worsening depression, advises Dr. Luisito...