IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today is research addressing the biochemical differences in depression and how physicians may be able to personalize your treatment. An estimated 350 million people suffer from depression which places a large financial burden on your community.

IN MAKING CHANGES today are strategies you can use to reduce your medication dosage if possible, and help to improve your outlook on life. NEVER make changes to your medication dosage without discussing it with your physician.

IN FACT OR FICTION you’ll learn what the fork on the end of a snake’s tongue is really used for.

In The News

The inflammatory response in the body is often triggered by sugars and carbohydrates. Today, researchers have also discovered that individuals who have an inflammatory response in their body will usually also have elevated levels of glutamate in the brain.

They have discovered that these individuals will respond best to antidepressant medications which block glutamate. Lead author Ebrahim Haroon, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, says,  "Our results suggest that inflammation markers can guide us to which depressed patients respond best to glutamate blockers. This could be an important step toward personalizing treatment for depression."

SOURCE:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160112091414.htm

Daily Health Tip

Depression is a challenging mental disorder that affects too many individuals. It reduces your productivity, creativity and places a large financial burden on your community. There are other natural ways of addressing your depression which often have significant results. NEVER stop you antidepressant medications without first talking with your doctor. These methods may help to reduce the amount of medication you take or may just help you to feel better each and every day.

Making Changes

1. Get at least 20 minutes of outdoor air each day. Sunshine and outside air will help to lighten your mood.

2. Find things that help to improve your mood and be sure to incorporate them daily. You may find music, walks, motivating movies, friendships or journaling helpful.

3. Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Try to do that once daily and then walk for 15 minutes after lunch and dinner. This exercise boosts your endorphins, which naturally improve your mood.

4. Talk with a therapist about any situations which are causing your sadness. While medication can help with biochemical imbalances, you will need to work through situations in your life that are disturbing - medication can help you get through the process but won’t take it away.

5. Eat a well-balanced diet that is very low in sugar and keeps carbohydrates less than 100 grams. Carbohydrates are metabolized into sugar in the body. Sugar will damage your immune system and cause issues for you mentally and emotionally.

6. Consider getting a pet. Dogs and cats can reduce your blood pressure, improve your health and improve your mood.

7. Stay connected with friends and family. You are more likely to feel and experience a depressed mood when you are alone than with friends and family.

8. Focus on someone outside of yourself. By doing things for others you take the focus off yourself and will help to improve your mood.

My Daily Affirmation

My mindset is focused on long-term weight management. I have an active lifestyle that keeps my weight under control without extreme diet restrictions. I maintain healthy food and exercise routines that keep me on track.

Today, I am happy with my body and current weight. With my healthy lifestyle, I can maintain my weight level with ease.

Fact Or Fiction?

Snakes help keep rodents from overpopulating the earth. They might look a bit creepy, but they serve a real purpose. Although not all produce venom they all have forked tongues - guess what they are used for . . . .

Snakes are interesting creatures who can live in the water, on land or in the trees. Not all of them make venom - but they all have a forked tongue. While that tongue may look sinister, the function is actually to pick up scents from their environment, for hunting and to keep the snake safe from their own predators.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team