Lack of Vitamin D can lead to depression

A new study has found that lack of Vitamin D is not only harmful for physical health, but it may also impact mental health, leading to depression.

According to a Dr., rather than being one of many factors, vitamin D could have a regulative role in the development of SAD.

Stewart and Michael Kimlin from Queensland University of Technology School of conducted a review of more than 100 leading articles and found a relationship between vitamin D and seasonal depression.

Dr.  said that seasonal affective disorder is believed to affect up to 10 percent of the population, depending upon geographical location, and is a type of depression related to changes in season. People with SAD have the same symptoms every year, starting in fall and continuing through the winter months.

Dr. said, based on the team's investigations, vitamin D was likely to be a contributing factor in seasonal depression.

Dr. added that evidence exists that low levels of dopamine and serotonin were linked to depression, therefore it was logical that there may be a relationship between low levels of vitamin D and depressive symptoms. Studies have also found depressed patients commonly had lower levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D levels varied according to the pigmentation of skin. People with dark skin often record lower levels of vitamin D, and hence people with greater skin pigmentation may experience not only higher risks of vitamin D deficiency, but also be at greater risk of psychological and psychiatric conditions, said the Dr.

He also said that adequate levels of vitamin D were essential in maintaining bone health, with deficiency causing osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Vitamin D levels of more than 50 nanomoles per liter are recommended by the U.S. Institute of Medicine.

The study is published in the journal Medical Hypotheses.

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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Consuming fruits, vegetables 5 times a day good for mental health

A new study has revealed that consuming the recommended intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day may not only be good for people's physical health but, is also beneficial for their mental wellbeing.

The study published in BMJ Open, found that 33.5% of people with high mental wellbeing ate five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day, compared with only 6.8% who ate less than one portion. 31.4% of those with high mental wellbeing ate three-four portions and 28.4% ate one-two.
Other health-related behaviors were found to be associated with mental wellbeing but, along with smoking only fruit and vegetable consumption was consistently associated in both men and women. Alcohol intake and obesity were not associated with high mental wellbeing.

Low mental wellbeing has been strongly linked to mental illness and mental health problems, but high mental wellbeing was more than the absence of symptoms or illness; it was a state in which people feel good and function well. Optimism, happiness, self-esteem, resilience and good relationships with others are all part of this state.

Mental wellbeing is important not just to protect people from mental illness but also protect people against common and serious physical diseases.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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Five Signs of Senior Stress

Stress is a common factor in life. Children experience stress from school, new social situations and simply growing up. Adults feel the stress of working, paying bills, raising kids and maintaining households. Seniors also feel stress, even though some may have retired, raised their children and paid off their homes. Certain amounts of stress are a part of life for people of all ages.

For seniors, stress has the potential to be especially overwhelming. This type of tension in older adults has unique contributing factors, such as the loss of an elderly spouse or friends. Living alone can increase the sense of isolation. Sometimes the simple tasks of everyday life can cause stress in those who experience physical or medical limitations. The effects of stress can sometimes exacerbate health conditions from which some seniors suffer, causing additional worry.

Stress can present itself in various ways. Here are five of the most common ways to detect if a loved one’s stress is cause for concern:

1. Changes in eating habits, such as overeating or loss of appetite, can be caused by overwhelming stress.
2. Mood swings due to stress may present in increased irritability, general sadness or depression.
3. Memory issues may arise in the form of increased forgetfulness of names, places or other things that normally come naturally. Lack of concentration may become a problem. Some seniors may exercise poor judgment, such as excessive spending when they are already on a limited budget.
4. Physical signs of stress can include body aches and pains or increased episodes of illness. Changes in sleeping patterns — either trouble falling asleep or interrupted nighttime sleep — can signal significant stress.
5. Seniors experiencing overwhelming stress often isolate themselves from others, refusing to socialize or participate in activities they used to enjoy.

Family caregivers of seniors should be cognizant of stress as it relates to their loved ones. Knowing the signs and detecting them early on can help seniors learn to recognize stress factors and to take steps to alleviate the effects stress can cause. Activities such as yoga, walking and other physical exercises designed for seniors are great tension relievers. Many seniors enjoy the benefits of tai chi classes geared to their physical abilities. The Mayo Clinic supports this gentle form of martial arts as a way to relieve stress and help other health-related conditions.

Some seniors are unable to participate in physical activities, but there are other ways to reduce stress. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep can keep stress at bay. Joining a non-physical group activity, such as a bridge club or volunteering, offers socialization and a chance to clear the mind of daily responsibilities. There are also local agencies that can help with tasks that might cause undue stress for seniors. Respite care organizations can help with housework or grocery shopping. Religious organizations often have groups who can assist seniors with yard work or other strenuous tasks around the home.

The fact that stress is a part of life does not mean that overwhelming stress is a burden seniors have to shoulder all alone. With help, seniors can combat stress and its negative effects. Spend time helping seniors determine what burdens they face. Help them plan ways suited to their lifestyles that are not only fun but that can minimize the pressures stress can cause. By doing so, the quality of life seniors experience can increase, further paving the way for them to lead independent lives within the comfort of their own homes.

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Older people urged to walk more for better physical, mental health

A new study has found that the more an older man walks, 

the better his physical and mental health and his quality of 

life are likely to be.

Although walking ranks among the favourite forms of 

physical activity for older adults, few studies have 

considered the specific impact of walking as opposed to 

overall physical activity, on health in older people.

"Men’s health is becoming an increasing concern given their 

high rates of chronic diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular 

disease. In particular, health behaviours of older men have 

not been studied very much,” study’s lead author  said.

He said that his team’s study was among the first to look 

carefully at objective measures of walking and of health and 

quality of life among older men.

The researchers surveyed 385 men above age 55 living in  

Canada. The majority (69 per cent) were overweight, with 

19 per cent being obese. The men wore step pedometers for 

three consecutive days, including one weekend day, to 

measure walking activity.

The researchers divided the men into four groups based on 

the number of steps taken daily, ranging from lowest to 

highest. The men averaged 8,539 steps per day. Men who 

averaged the greatest number of steps per day reported 

more optimal quality of life profiles, in terms of both 

physical and mental health, than those averaging fewer 

steps per day.



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Coping with Post- traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)

Anyone who has suffered /experienced a traumatic e ent involving the threat of injury or death is a candidate of PTSD.It is called a disorder, as certain changes happens in hormones & brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which carry information & respond to stress. Not everyone who has a similar experience will react the same way, whether you develop PTSD depends on your genetic pre-disposition, your social situation, as isolation makes it difficult to process the event & yout physical health going into the trauma.

This is a physical condition, so don't get ashamed & don't try to shrug off the feelings. Sooner you consult a specialist, ealier you begin the treatment & regain control of your life & your relationships with those around you.

There are therapies- cognitive behavioural & counselling therapy specific to your condition, medications or a combination of all the three. You may not feel better overnight, but you'll learn to cope with the memory of what happened & take back control of your life.

Without prompt treatment, symptoms can get more intense & harder to handle. But with treatment, you can begin to get rid of chronic sleep deprivation & stress & avoid a cascade of related health problems, from high blood pressure & heart disease to diabetes & depression.