A Natural Way to Defeat Depression

With the dark days of winter often comes the blues, and the American Psychological Association concluded that this kind of seasonal stress can contribute to health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure and depression. Almost 15 million Americans are affected by depression each year, which can interfere with everything from school to work to social activities, and you may feel hopeless, exhausted, lackadaisical or indecisive. The exact cause of depression is complicated, and it can be any combination of several known factors, including genetics, traumatic events, hormone imbalances and biochemical reactions in the brain. The good news is you can do something about it. The Endocannabinoid System As you know, the brain is the control center of your body, and several neurological systems assist in sending messages to and from this hub. One of these is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis — internal balance from constant pressure of external stimuli — and affects nearly every biological process in your body, including memory, appetite and sleep, as well as mood, pain and stress. Here’s the deal: In response to negative stimuli, the ECS produces cannabinoids that bind to particular brain cell receptors, causing the release of serotonin, improving mood and reducing stress. The ECS is also responsible for that “runner’s high” and exercise euphoria you feel after training . Are you addicted to chocolate? It’s no wonder: The cacao in chocolate interacts with your ECS, boosting mood and simulating feelings of love. Faulty Wiring The trouble comes when your ECS is not functioning properly or is not making adequate levels of cannabinoids. Your brain chemistry begins to change, and research has linked ECS decline with a number of diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia and depression. Stress reduction is one of the ECS’s […]

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