Atypical depression is very common Atypical situation Despite its name, atypical depression is a very common form of the disease. Its symptoms include overeating (particularly craving sweets and starches) and weight gain, but may also involve excessive sleeping, and a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs. People with this form of depression also show what is called "mood reactivity" which means they brighten in response to positive happenings in their lives. According to recent research, chromium may help those with this particular form of depression. Surprising? Not when you consider that research has long noted an association between depression, diabetes, and heart disease. And, as you have read here, chromium can help control blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetics, as well as protect against a heart attack. In this latest study, researchers recruited 110 subjects with atypical depression. About 2/3 of the patients took 600 micrograms of chromium picolinate a day, while the rest received a placebo. After eight weeks, those given the chromium reported an overall drop in their cravings for carbohydrates, and many also reported significantly less depression. The study's authors speculate that it is chromium's ability to improve the body's use of insulin that may be the key to its positive effects. People with major depression have been found to have higher rates of insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes. Good food sources of chromium include broccoli, potatoes, apples, meat, seafood (especially oysters), whole grains, eggs, and cheese. **************************************************** Fighting MS Q: My wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three months ago and is going to battle the disease with supplements and by controlling her diet. Are there any suggestions you can offer? JVW: All MS sufferers should stick to a diet that is low in saturated fat and eliminate all food additives, preservatives, colorings, and artificial flavorings, along with all refined sugars and flours, and any food allergens from their menus. Since a large majority of MS patients have digestive impairments, it is recommended that stomach tests be performed to detect low stomach acid production or a lack of sufficient pancreatic digestive enzymes, and supplementation be added for any individual whose results are abnormal. It's also a good idea to supplement with omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 unsaturated essential fatty acids in quantities that tip in favor of omega-3 oils. Monitoring of levels should be done via a red-cell membrane essential fatty acid blood test. Vitamin B12 injections may also help, as well as intramuscular injections of AMP (adenosine monophosate), and supplementation with DHEA and adaptrin, an herbal mixture that originated in Tibet. Some patients have seen remarkable improvement by using Procarin, a transdermal cream or patch that contains a natural amino-acid derivative of histamine and is available from compounding pharmacies. Procarin has been available in the United States and Canada since 1999, but the research surrounding the successful use of histamine to treat MS dates back to the 1940s. According to research, serum histamine levels in MS patients are higher than usual for five years after onset of the disease. After that, the levels fall below normal. One possible explanation is that histamine may be the body's protective response in its fight against multiple sclerosis. In the beginning stages of the disease, the body may be attempting to mobilize by increasing histamine production to help fight the demyelination of the nerve cells. If you wish to try any of these remedies, be sure to seek out the assistance of a physician skilled in natural medicine. This is especially important since Procarin's effects can be completely blocked if used in conjunction with some medications. To locate a natural medicine physician in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or www.acam.org. **************************************************** What is...multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the protective myelin sheaths that surround nerve fibers. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscular weakness, loss of coordination, and speech and visual disturbances. Yours in good health, Amanda Ross Editorial Director Nutrition & Healing

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