Depression as a Symptom: What Your Depression Could Be Telling You

Depression itself is a disorder with its own set of symptoms; but depression can also be a symptom in and of itself. There are various health and lifestyle issues of which depression is an indication or "side effect." Here are some suggestions and ideas as to what your depression may be telling you. 

 

Cancerous Tumors

 

A recent study using laboratory rats indicated that tumors can have psychological effects as well as physiological ones - and that's not just depression over the knowledge or diagnosis of the cancerous tumor. According to the study, the tumor itself may generate chemicals that induce depression. These chemicals then make their way to the brain where they affect those areas responsible for emotions. 

 

Also, tumors may inhibit the production of corticosterone, which is a stress hormone that decreases the effects of other depression-causing substances. 

 

This study indicates that cancerous tumors can physically trigger depression; thus, depression may be a symptom of the presence of cancer. 

 

Thyroid Problems

 

Hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid, may cause depression, sources say. Depression and hypothyroidism also share a number of symptoms, such as:

 

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Weakness
• Menstrual irregularities

 

Depression is included in the list of symptoms for hypothyroidism. If the main thing you seem to be struggling with is depression, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants and not consider your thyroid. If depression is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor about having your thyroid function tested.

 

• Dry, flaky skin
• Hoarseness and/or difficulty speaking
• Discomfort on swallowing (the thyroid is located on the front of the throat)
• Thinning hair
• Inability to tolerate cold, or feeling cold all the time
• Joint pain

 

Stress

 

Too much stress may lead to depression, sources warn. And because "stress" is such a generalized term, and seems to be common to everyone, many people who feel depressed may not think to look to their lifestyle as the possible culprit. In other words, stress has become the new norm. 

 

Some signs that your depression may be due to stress include:

 

• Nightmares and/or sleep disturbances
• Inability to sleep
• Irritability
• Isolation and withdrawal
• A sense of regret or guilt
• Feeling overwhelmed

 

Pregnancy

 

Even before you know you're pregnant, depression can present itself as the hormonal changes begin to take place in your body. Depression may not be the first sign, but it could be one of the early signs that you are pregnant. This is especially important to note for women who may seek treatment for depression without considering the possibility of pregnancy; antidepressants have been implicated in birth defects and other problems in pregnancy. 

 

If there's any possibility that you may be pregnant, make sure you tell your doctor when you go in for treatment or help with your depression.

The Dangers of Depression

There are definite dangers associated with depression. It can affect nearly all ages, with some groups and demographics being more susceptible than others (women are more likely to develop depression than men, for example, and teens are said to be more prone to depression than adults). Depression can even be fatal, warn medical professionals; and it's not just the disorder that poses risks. Medications can also present their own list of risky side effects. 

 

Here are some of the dangers commonly associated with depression. 

 

Suicide

 

This may be the "ultimate" danger associated with depression - it's considered by many to be the most extreme manifestation of the disorder. Depressed people may convince themselves that they just aren't worth enough to live, or that their friends and family will be better off without them. Warning signs of suicide include:

 

• Preoccupation with death - person constantly talks about death or conducts extensive research into the afterlife, methods of suicide, and other related subjects
• Gathering belongings and giving them away
• Cleaning out and "getting things in order" for no apparent reason
• Continual speaking about death, the afterlife, or other similar things

 

Loss of Job and Income

 

Depression can be debilitating. The depressed person feels worthless and unmotivated, and may call in sick frequently or not show up for work. They may be late or be unable to face difficulties during the workday. Depression can cause a person to be indecisive and unable to concentrate, which could be extremely dangerous in certain types of work (such as construction or factory work that requires a worker to be alert to avoid injury to him/herself or others). 

 

Losing a job may then exacerbate the person's depression, and the loss of income could affect the amount of medical attention and medication he or she is able to afford.

 

Medications

 

While medication can save lives, it can also pose serious and/or dangerous side effects. Antidepressants tend to have fewer side effects than SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but antidepressants may, ironically, induce suicidal thoughts. 

 

Several years ago, a popular antidepressant was called on the carpet for indirectly causing the actual suicides of many people who took it. SSRIs may cause bad headaches, temporary or chronic diarrhoea, insomnia, nausea, and/or nervousness and agitation. 

 

Self-Neglect

 

Depressed people have a tendency to neglect their own health and care. They may not have the energy or focus to keep their homes clean, eat well, or care for their body. Because of this self-neglect, depressed individuals may be more susceptible to illness. 

 

More serious illnesses may go untreated because the depressed person just can't cope with the idea of having a serious illness and therefore he or she doesn't seek help or treatment.

Can Kids Get Depressed?

Many people wonder if kids and teens can really get depressed. In the case of teens, adults may attribute symptoms of depression to normal teen emotional swings. But experts and paediatricians point out that children and teens really can get depressed, and may be afflicted with the true illness of depression.

 

What Causes Kids to Succumb to Depression?

 

As in adults, depression may have multiple causes or one cause that varies among individuals. There are some factors that are unique to certain stages of life, however. 

 

Children

 

Children may become depressed because of genetics (like adults). They may have inherited a tendency toward depression, and perhaps there was a trigger that caused it to surface. Children may become depressed due to divorce, as they are uniquely affected by their immediate family's dynamic. Bullying at school is also something children may have to face that is not a factor for adults. 

 

A child with a tendency toward perfectionism may be more prone to depression as well, sources say. Children with this tendency may "beat themselves up" unnecessarily over failures or perceived failures. 

 

Teens

 

This age group is considered particularly prone to depression. This may be due in part to the hormonal upheavals that occur during the teen years. But be careful - it's easy for adults to take this information and think "it's just hormones" and therefore think the depression does not need to be addressed. Experts agree that depression, regardless of its cause, is something that should be addressed and treated. 

 

Teens may also be dealing with bullying at school, or even just "harmless" teasing. They may be experiencing their first crush, or rejection from the opposite sex. Other causes may be purely physiological; maybe nothing is particularly wrong in the teen's life, but his or her brain just seems to run in a depressed mode. 

 

What Are the Signs?

 

Here are some warning signs of depression in kids.

 

Children

 

Parents should be vigilant for any talk about suicide or morbid fascination with death. Other sources point out that television and movies should be carefully monitored, both for potentially depressing subject matter and for the psychological effects of TV viewing in general (studies show that children who watch six or more hours of TV a day are more prone to depression). 

• Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep habits 
• Sudden increase or decrease in appetite
• Angry outbursts and/or irritability
• Lack of interest in social activities or friends
• "Touchy" about perceived rejection

 

Teens

 

Some of the signs of depression in teens are like those in children; some are different. As with children, parents of teens should be keenly aware of any indications of suicidal thoughts. Music, movies, and television are also sources of potentially depressing images and subject matter. 

 

• Weight loss or gain
• Over-exercise and/or obsessive dieting
• Binge eating
• Angry outbursts/yelling at parents
• Withdrawal from social activities and family

The Health Consequences Of Dehydration

Water is considered a panacea for sustaining life as well as promoting health. You should drink at least eight glasses each day to replenish your body’s reserves and to prevent dehydration. 

 

Avoid dehydration as it can lead to a series of health issues. These complications can make a person sick as toxins and pollutants collect in the body if they are not “flushed” out of the system.

Side Effects Associated With Mild to Moderate Dehydration

 

When water is not regularly consumed contaminants build up, which can cause illness or heath issues. 

 

People may complain of such maladies as fatigue, digestive disturbances and headaches as well as pimples, dry skin or dry hair. However, these sorts of side effects are light when compared to dehydration that is more pronounced.

 

Severe Side Effects

 

While thirst, tiredness, dry mouth, dry skin, constipation or lightheadedness may make up moderate symptoms, severe dehydration is noted by symptomatology that is marked by such responses as:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Shriveled inelastic skin
• Dry mouth and mucous membranes
• Extreme irritability
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Little or no urination
• Sunken eyes
• Rapid breathing
• Fever

Check The Color Of The Urine

 

Thirst is not an accurate or reliable gauge if the body needs water. You can tell if you require more water by observing your urine’s color. While light-colored or clear urine means you are taking in enough water, urine that is dark yellow is a signal that you are not consuming enough H20.

 

Emergency Measures

 

If you are suffering mild to moderate hydration, increase your fluid intake by consuming Powerade or Gatorade besides water. These sports drinks contain electrolytes that can replenish what dehydration has taken away.

 

Immediate medical care is advised if you are suffering extreme thirst or feel dizzy or confused. If an older adult or child cannot keep fluids down, is disoriented, or has diarrhea, fever or vomiting, either go the nearest emergency room or dial 911. 

 

A “Nutrient” That Cannot Be Ignored

 

Oral rehydration solutions should be given in the form of Pedialyte to ensure that dehydration does not become severe. 

 

Both children and adults should drink plenty of water before and after exercise or consume sports drinks like Gatorade. Water is a “nutrient” that cannot be ignored when it comes to good health. 

 

This is especially important when exercising because sweating removes water from our bodies and at this time, hydration is of utmost importance.

 

Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Water

 

In order to ensure you are getting enough water, also make it a practice to consume foods such as citrus, watermelon, tomatoes and cantaloupe. Vegetables that also help in the hydration process include celery, greens, and lettuce.

 

Foods That Lead To Dehydration

 

While vomiting and diarrhea are the main causes of dehydration in people suffering from the flu or other illness, certain everyday foods can lead to dehydration too. 

 

Therefore, be on the alert if you are already mildly dehydrated for the following foods:

 

• French fries
• Cured meats
• Coffee (a natural diuretic)
• Soy Sauce
• Bouillon cubes 

Any sugary drink can lead to dehydration too. So, even if you think you are replenishing your system with that sugary cola, you are probably doing more harm than good. 

 

Balancing Out Your Electrolytes

 

While consuming a small amount of soy sauce will not cause you undue problems, consuming an excess quantity can result in an electrolyte imbalance known as hypernatremia. 

 

In fact, replacing one’s electrolytes can improve any health problems that stem from dehydration. That’s why sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are recommended for anyone who is suffering from dehydration and needs to consume more water.

 

Stay Adequately Hydrated Throughout The Day

 

So, if you want to stay healthy and hydrated, make it a point to get enough water each day. You can’t count that daily Starbucks in the mix nor can you include that sugary pop you got out of the vending machine. H20 is still the best source for your hydration needs. 

 

Healthy Substitutes

 

If you don’t’ want to consume plain water, choose a flavored water instead. You can add a flavored, sugar-free powder, such as Crystal Light, to iced water too. Juice, such as apple juice, cranapple juice or V8 are also healthy substitutes.

 

Vitamin water and various flavored water products have recently hit the market and are a good alternative for those who really cannot stand to drink plain water. However, keep in mind that some contain added sugar that no one needs, so check the labels. Vitamin Water Zero is a good option, as it contains all the healthy stuff without added sugars.

 

One Parting Note

 

Make sure you are obtaining all the water you need by keeping a container of H20 available at your side. Also, check the color of your urine to make sure you are rehydrating properly.

 

Coffee For Your Health, Drink Up! (Infographic)

 

6 Ways Coffee Is Good For You

Coffee is the world’s most popular beverage. It is grown in many countries, and comes in endless flavors, strengths, and varieties.

 

And guess what? That's perfectly fine. While many would have you to believe, drinking coffee is bad for you, the research shows otherwise. Coffee (in moderation) can actually be very beneficial to your body, skin, and brain. 

 

Here are 6 of the many reasons you should start every day with a cup of coffee. ...or Joe as it is commonly referred to in the United States. 

 

#1 – It Provides You With a Wealth of Antioxidants

 

Most Americans get more antioxidants from coffee than they do from the food they eat. According to a 2005 study, nothing even comes close to providing the amount of antioxidants found in coffee. Yes, fruits and vegetables have a ton of really wonderful antioxidants. However, according to the study, your body absorbs the most antioxidants from coffee. So drink up! 

#2 – It Can Help Relieve Stress

 

The great thing about coffee is you don't even have to drink it to benefit from it. According to researchers at the Seoul National University, just smelling coffee is enough to help relieve stress. Please know this study was not related to stress itself. Instead, it was related to stress brought on by sleep deprivation. Therefore, when you need a quick pick me up at work as fatigue from lack of sleep hits; drink a cup of coffee to get you going. 

 

#3 – It Can Decrease Your Chances of Developing Liver Cirrhosis 

 

If you drink alcohol this is for you. In 2006, a study was done on 125,000 individuals over the age of 22. In the study, those who consumed just one cup of coffee a day were less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver. Liver cirrhosis is an autoimmune disease caused by drinking alcohol in excess. 

 

Coffee has protective benefits that can help guard against alcoholic cirrhosis. Those who consume more coffee are less likely to end up hospitalized, or dying, from liver cirrhosis brought on by drinking too much alcohol. Other studies have also shown nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be preventing by drinking coffee. 

#4 – It Can Keep Your Brain Healthy & Active For A Long Time

 

Want to keep your brain healthier for a longer period of time? Try drinking a cup, or two, of coffee a day. A study done by researchers at the University of Miami and the University of South Florida found that high levels of caffeine could actually delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by up to 4 years. This was based on higher blood levels of caffeine found in individuals over the age of 65. 

 

Please know this is not to say coffee consumption can prevent you from developing Alzheimer's disease. However, based on the study, drinking a moderate amount of coffee on a regular basis can reduce ones risk of developing this debilitating disease. 

 

#5 – It Can Make You Feel Happier

 

Feeling a little down and in the dumps? If so, a cup of coffee may be just what you need. The National Institute of Health performed a study on this very issue several years ago. During the study, doctors and researchers found individuals who drink a minimum of 4 cups of coffee a day were less likely to be depressed than those who avoided drinking coffee. 

 

While most would think this is due to the “high” you get from drinking a cup of coffee, research shows that is not the case. You see, you can get the same exact “high” from drinking a can of soda. The difference however is that certain sodas are actually linked to depression.

 

Honglei Chen, MD, PhD, the doctor who authored this study, told Prevention.com that the reason researchers believe coffee makes you happy is due to the many antioxidants it contains. Soda on the other hand contains no antioxidants at all. 

 

#6 – It Can Make You More Intelligent 

 

Yes, you read that right. Drinking coffee can actually make you smarter. Generally speaking, people will drink a cup of coffee when they are feeling sluggish and sleep deprived. Doing so will often times give you that much-needed jolt that will help you stay alert for a few hours. 

 

According to some reports, coffee does much more than give you an energy boost. It can also make you more intelligent. According to CNN, drinking coffee causes your brain to work more efficiently. The result? A smarter you! 

 

Experts agree that when you drink caffeine your attention span, reaction time, logical reasoning, and vigilance will all improve. All four of these components are associated with overall intelligence, which is why it is believed coffee can make you smarter. 

How Much Coffee Should You Drink?

 

Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, jitters, and insomnia. Portion control is important to reap the benefits of coffee without its negative effects. The Mayo Clinic says that adults can safely enjoy up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily. This amounts to about four cups of your average brew. However, keep in mind that caffeine content varies, for example, a 6-ounce coffee from Starbucks can have 200 mg more of caffeine than that served at Dunkin Donuts. 

 

Best Ways To Prevent And Treat High Cholesterol

What Is Cholesterol?

 

Cholesterol is a substance that is much like wax in appearance and texture and it is located in all the cells of the human body. 

 

Good cholesterol is needed for the body to function properly and the body makes all the required cholesterol that it needs. It is used for making hormones, substances that help you digest food properly and for Vitamin D. 

 

Cholesterol can also be found in many fatty foods and therefore some people suffer from a high-risk condition known as high cholesterol. 

 

Anatomy Of Cholesterol

• LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and is the “bad” type that causes heart disease.
• HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and is the “good” type.

Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood can be quite serious and can lead to cardiovascular disease. One of the problems is that high blood cholesterol does not cause any symptoms by itself, which is why a lot of people are unaware of their condition. In order to detect high cholesterol a blood test is required that can be ordered by your doctor or nurse practitioner.

 

High Cholesterol Facts

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

 

• Those who have high cholesterol are 2 times more at risk for heart disease, which, is the leading cause of death in the United States.      
• 71 million American adults, which, equates to 33.5% of the population have a high LDL count.    
• Only 1 out of every 3 adults with high cholesterol manage to get it under control.    
• Less than 50% of those with high LDL counts seek treatment or incorporate the necessary lifestyle changes required to lower their levels.

 

Best Ways to Prevent High Cholesterol

 

There are a lot of things that each person can do to lower and prevent high cholesterol. This article will review some of these methods, and what diet and lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent high cholesterol to begin with.

• If you are an obese or overweight person then losing excess weight is a great way to prevent and lower high blood cholesterol.  Losing anywhere from 5-7% of your bodyweight is enough to see significant change for the better. The best way to lose weight is to focus on foods that are low in calories, such as, fruits and vegetables and also by increasing physical activity.

• Another way to prevent high cholesterol is to drink a little bit of red wine when having dinner. Wine helps to increase the levels of HDL cholesterol (the good type) and this in turn helps to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad type). When HDL cholesterol travels in the blood stream then it picks up LDL cholesterol and carries it to your liver where it is excreted from the body.

• Start eating oatmeal for breakfast. According to the Mayo Clinic, the high amount of soluble fiber in oatmeal reduces the amount of cholesterol the body is able to absorb. It is recommended that one consume 25-35 grams of soluble fiber daily to have a positive effect.

• If your goal is to prevent or stop high blood cholesterol (LDL) then saturated fat is not your friend, and so it consumption must be kept to a minimum. Many animal products, such as, red meat, cheese and whole milk are the main sources of saturated fats. It is recommended that saturated fats account for only 7% of your daily calorie intake. 
• So, if you eat red meat regularly then you need to replace it with soy protein products, lean proteins, like chicken and turkey or broiled or baked fish. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol then seek the advice of your physician as to your consumption of saturated fat products.
• Men who regularly drink green tea have a lower level of blood cholesterol than men who do not, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It has been found that polyphenols in green tea might have the ability to block cholesterol from forming. It is best to enjoy green tea in pure form, without added sugar or artificial flavoring. Brew it at home and enjoy with mint leaves, lemon and lime juice.

• Regular exercise is another great way to prevent this high-risk condition. Aerobics, jogging and walking are all effective workouts to increase the levels of good cholesterol and therefore reduce the bad. 30 minutes a day is enough to have a positive effect. If you are out of shape then you can begin with three 10-minute sessions daily and work your way up to a full 30 minutes.

Conclusion

 

The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends adults get a blood test for cholesterol through their doctor each and every five years. This is the only way to know whether you are affected or not and, in this case, knowledge is half the battle. 

If you are diagnosed, then it is really important that you follow your doctor’s orders and the methods provided above to get it under control. Lowering your cholesterol can reduce your risk of having a heart attack that can lead to premature death, and the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty.

 

The above are some of the best ways to avoid a completely preventable condition and to ensure a healthy and long future. Also, the good news is that it is never too late to make a change and there are many ways to lower cholesterol levels. Certain lifestyle changes are all that is needed to see a positive change and often very quickly. 

Chia Seed: A Nutritional and Health Powerhouse (Infographic)

 

The Nutrition and Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been used by mankind for their health benefits for centuries. Both the Mayans and Aztecs have used these seeds in their diets for generations, and today people all around the world are enjoying the various nutrition benefits of chia seeds. 

 

Small but powerful, chia seeds are chocked full of vitamins and minerals and are easy to add to an everyday diet. They’re being used in cooking, added to beverages, used in baked goods, salads, and so much more. These seeds are an excellent source nutrients and antioxidants, and they come with a long list of health benefits. 

Nutrition Value of Chia Seeds

 

To simply say chia seeds are good for you is a severe understatement. These little seeds come with a variety of superpowers that target different health problems people may be dealing with. They can help reduce certain discomforts, prevent problems, and even reduce the risk of certain health concerns when used correctly. The following are just some of the nutritional values of chia seeds:

 

Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

 

Chia seeds are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital polyunsaturated fats. Due to the chia seed’s lipid profile, which is composed of about 60% omega-3s, or 4915 mg per ounce, they are one of the richest plant sources of essential fatty acids. 

 

Specifically, they’re a great source of alpha linolenic acid, also known as ALA. The omega-3s in chia seeds are great for helping reduce inflammation and high cholesterol, and can greatly enhance ones’ cognitive abilities and performance. In fact, many students add these seeds to teas and water to help them stay focused and alert for their rigorous studies. 

 

They also contain 1620 mg Omega-6 fatty acids per ounce, a wallop of goodness for heart health.

 

Antioxidants

 

A good source of antioxidants, chia seeds help to protect the body from free radicals, cancer, and the negative effects of aging. Due to the volume of antioxidants found in chia seeds, they are incredibly durable and have a long shelf life. Chia seeds can last up to two years without refrigeration—but you’ll likely use them long before that! 

 

Fiber

 

Fiber is great for keeping the bowels regular, lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and keeping you full after a healthy meal. Chia seeds contain a lot of fiber, coming in at about 10 grams in just 2 tablespoons of the seed. Many people find it hard to get the recommended amount of fiber into their daily diet, so chia seeds are an easy way to add this nutrient in healthy doses. 

 

Lots of Minerals

 

Just two tablespoons of chia seeds include up to 18% of the DRI for calcium, 24% for magnesium, 35% for phosphorous, and up to 50% for manganese. These nutrients are highly important for helping the body fight against hypertension as well as maintain a healthy weight. They are also imperative for a part of DNA synthesis and energy metabolism, ensuring that you have enough energy to get through your day. 

Chia Seed Health Benefits 

 

In addition to the nutritional value of chia seeds, they also come with a number of health benefits. These include the following: 

 

Regulating Blood Sugar

 

Blood sugar is responsible for one’s energy. When blood sugar is low, people can feel lightheaded, sluggish, and very weak. When blood sugar is high, it can lead to serious problems. Chia seeds are handy for regulating the body’s insulin levels by reducing insulin resistance as well as decreasing uncharacteristically high levels of insulin in the blood. This leaves you feeling alert and energized.

 

Easily Digestible

 

Chia seeds can be digested whole unlike other high fiber, high omega-3 seeds such as flaxseed. Due to this, chia seeds are much more versatile and can be added to different dishes a number of different ways. Flaxseeds and the like must be ground for the individual to experience their full health benefits, but chia seeds can be eaten, drunk, and digested entirely whole and still offer the same amount of nutrients and minerals. 

 

Keeps You Full

 

One of the main problems of dieting is not feeling full or satiated. Many people cheat on their diets or simply struggle because the foods they’re eating do not contain enough protein or fiber to keep them full and focused and they find themselves feeling hungry and experiencing cravings. Chia seeds offer satiety, which helps you lower food cravings between meals. Due to the “gelling” effect of chia seeds when mixed with water, tea, or other liquids, they help you to feel fuller for longer. 

 

Gluten-Free

 

For those who are on a strictly gluten-free diet, there’s no worry of cutting chia seeds and their amazing health benefits out of your routine. Chia seeds have absolutely no grains or gluten, so they can be added to your gluten-free diet without worry.