Ditch Depression WITHOUT Drugs
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 13, 2023
You think that when you reach “your golden years,” you won’t have much to worry about anymore.
After all, many of life’s major stressors, like work, kids, and relationships, are pretty much settled by the time you hit your sixties.
So why the heck are we all so darned depressed then?!
According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than seven million seniors over 65 are struggling with depression. But when you take a closer look, it becomes clear why.
To start with, it’s not just YOU getting older. Friends and family members are too. And that means the inevitability of losing some of the folks you love.
Or you may have been forced to change your living situation. And that can mean a loss of independence or simply moving away from where you’ve many fond years of your life.
Or you may be retired. And without a job to go to every day, you find yourself searching for purpose and meaning.
But there’s one MORE change that you’d never suspect has such a massive impact on your mental health. And researchers say fixing THIS works even better than meds in many cases.
It turns out you may not be exercising enough.
Most folks think when depression surfaces, a visit to their doctor for a prescription is in order.
Now, I won’t argue with a doctor’s visit. After all, checking in and bringing your doc up to speed on your health is always a good idea.
But instead of immediately turning to heavy-duty meds that often fail, tell your doc you’d like to try exercise first.
Because research finds exercise is more effective for treating depression than drugs. In fact, MUCH more effective, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The researchers took a deep dive into the data from over 1030 trials involving 128,119 participants. And they found that physical activity eased depression, anxiety, and stress.
The exercise was 1.5 times more effective than standard depression medications. Plus, it worked quickly, banishing the blues and making people feel better fast.
You don’t need to run marathons or spend hours every day at the gym to see real results, either. Simply getting outside and moving more can do WONDERS for your mental health.
And if you’re a fan of higher-intensity workouts, that’s fantastic because they can be even more effective. Just be sure to check with your doctor for a thumbs-up first.
Aim to get some extra exercise a few times a week. For an easy boost in intensity, go for a walk and look for a good size hill to tackle at a fast pace.
But don’t stop with exercise:
- Studies suggest that inflammation may be at the root of depression. Fish oil and curcumin are natural inflammation fighters.
- Brain-supporting supplements, including the herb St. John’s wort and the amino acid 5-HTP can help ease depression.
- Research links poor sleep to depression. If you’re having problems sleeping, try calming herbs like chamomile and valerian, the amino acid theanine, and melatonin.
P.S It turns out your mental distress could be driven by a HORMONE. And it’s likely NOT the one you’re thinking of. CLICK THROUGH for the full details.
Source:
“Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews,” British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 16 February 2023. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106195
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...