Although it is written for therapists I feel that Holistic Solutions for Anxiety and Depression: Combining Natural Remedies with Conventional Care, written by Dr. Peter Bongiorno, ND, is a great resource for anyone working with individuals with anxiety or depression, and this includes nutritionists.
As a nutritionist who works primarily with women with anxiety, I was so pleased to receive a physical review copy of this wonderful book. I did purchase the kindle but a real book is just so much nicer!
It’s also perfect for the anxious individual who taking charge of their own health and wants to become more empowered. It would also be a perfect book for the anxious person to share with their open-minded therapist or doctor.
Here are some of the reasons why I really enjoyed this book:
- The extensive coverage of diet – Dr. Bongiorno favors a Mediterranean diet and cites research supporting this way of eating for mental health (I’d add more red meat and skip the grains, especially gluten)
- The recommendation to eat crunchy vegetables based on the research about crunchy foods making us feel happier and calmer
- The coverage of nutrients such as 5-HTP and tryptophan. Dr. Bongiorono will use 5-HTP first (he feels its “more effective at crossing the blood brain barrier) , whereas I tend to start with tryptophan. But he does say that “when dosed accordingly, tryptophan appears to be quite safe and effective.”
- The coverage of GABA: “GABA supplementation helps open chloride channels in neurons, which hyperpolarizes them, so that the positive charges remain on one side of the membrane, which inactivates the nerve cell. This slows firing and calms the brain.”
- The coverage of vitamin B3: one way it helps mood is “its ability to inhibit the liver enzyme tryptophan pyrrolase. This enzyme breaks down tryptophan making it less available to produce serotonin. Vitamin B3 is also responsible for activating the enzyme that converts tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan.”
- The coverage of lithium orotate: “It is suggested that lithium’s beneficial effects on mood may be due to its oxytocin-raising properties.” He suggests using it with an oxytocin-raising massage! Oxytocin also helps with social anxiety: Oxytocin and social anxiety, pyroluria and depression?
- The fascinating discussion of the 5-HT1A receptor and oxytocin
- The history of the discovery of serotonin (clams used it to keep their shells closed)
- The coverage of light therapy, getting house-plants and a mind-body approach
As you can see, it includes plenty of geeky science, something I really love!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Bongiorno on The Anxiety Summit – our topic: Serotonin and Anxiety, Happiness, Digestion and our Hormones. Dr. Bongiorno’s speaking is as eloquent, factual and caring as his writing.
Dr. Bongiorno has been kind enough to offer a copy of his book as a giveaway. We’ll do a drawing and select one lucky reader and announce the winner next Friday. If you’d like to be entered in to the drawing simply comment below and share:
why you’d like to win the bookwhich section you’re most excited about reading and why (just go to the Amazon preview and check out the table of contents)which holistic approaches you already use with patients/clients or you’ve used yourself
This drawing is open to practitioners and non-practitioners alike.
Peter Bongiorno, ND, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, is co-director of InnerSource Natural Health and Acupuncture in New York City. President of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians, he is a contributor to numerous blogs and online magazines, including DrOz.com and Sharecare.com, and is regularly interviewed as a natural medicine expert on national television and radio.
Dr. Bongiorno got my full attention during summit and was at top of my personal list for speakers. Also founder of local lyme support grp and would love to add copy of book to the grps library. Would be helpful to many.
Drawn to mind/body medicine and neurotransmitter info., specifically serotonin.
EFT, earthing and light therapy used currently.
Wonderful Theresa – I must say I so enjoyed our interview!
This would be a fabulous addition for your Lyme group – please feel free to share a link for folks who may be looking for support in this area
I am a nurse and a therapist working with patients in my private practice. I am “all in” re: mind/body connection! There is no way to address health without overturning all the puzzle pieces that make us who we are. I am always looking for priceless nuggets of information to pass on to pass on to my patients or incorporate into my own life. Won’t ask my patients to do something I would not do… Looking forward to reading “The Top Ten CAM Recommendations You Can Offer Your Clients”.
Victoria
Thanks for participating! I agree on looking for all the puzzle pieces and this book has plenty of them
I so enjoyed the summit and hearing the interview of Dr. Virginia. I would love reading this book as someone who suffered for years and has learned so much of this the hard way.
Thanks for participating Tamara – I’m not sure who Dr Virginia is? perhaps someone from another summit? But I agree great books are an excellent way to learn
I’d love to win to learn more about this topic and better help my clients. I’m most excited about the “Making Recommendations and Designing Treatment Plans” section because I want to know details about how he designs an effective protocol. I currently use some amino acids with clients including 5-HTP, Tyrosine, and GAbA.
Lisa – super and great to hear! You’ll love this section of the book
I found The Anxiety Summit interview with Dr. Peter Bongiorno fascinating. I have family and friends who suffer with depression and anxiety, for which I would like to understand and be more helpful to them since they don’t advocate for themselves well or are addicted to the drugs. It concerns me that so many people are on drugs that are dangerous and do no more than the placebo effect. I think a holistic, whole body approach of mind, body and spirit is so lacking in our society of medical care for profit instead of for health. I appreciate those doctors who look outside the box and truly make a difference in furthering their inquiry, research and education. Educating people gives them power to make better choices.
Thanks Laura – if you enjoyed Dr Bongiorno’s interview you’ll enjoy his book even more. Handing a well-written book to family and friends is often the best way to go. They often need to hear it from someone else
I am throwing my hat in for the giveaway 🙂 I was prescribed two anti-depressants in 2003 (Lamictal for mood stabilization and Celexa as an SSRI) for Major Depressive Disorder that had started when I was 13 or 14 (or possibly earlier), and then four years ago when I moved to California and switched psychiatrists I was diagnosed additionally with PTSD and PMDD, and prescribed two more: Gabapentin (Neurontin) for anxiety and Seroquel for sleep. There are several problems with this, and I have wholly transformed my thinking and my approach:
1) I was first prescribed meds 12 years ago. Who knows if I even have these things anymore, as your body changes so much over time (I am not the same body and mind at 37 as I was at 23!) and the side effects of several of these medications ARE mood swings and depression!! So why am I taking them?? It’s like finding out your natural hair color after dying it for so long – I have no idea what I am underneath.
2) Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication, which no one told me
3) Seroquel is an anti-psychotic, which no one told me
4) Why am I on 4 things? Do I really need that many?
5) There was never any plan to get me off these
6) The withdrawal I experienced from one doctor getting me off Lexapro too fast is so disturbing – that it messes with my brain that much is all the more reason to get off meds
7) I KNOW there are natural ways to do this, if indeed I do need help when I get off them
8) No one warned me that they would mess with my bodily functions like blood sugar and triglycerides, both of which are out of whack and are requiring naturopathic treatment
9) No one ever asked the question “why” and explored a physiological reason for the depression in the first place
I feel betrayed by the medical community I trusted and by the pharmaceutical industry as a whole (FDA included). I am committed to getting off meds and if necessary seeking to remedy any problems the natural way. There is very little support out there for this, and I am doing all my own research. Anything that can help me I desperately need. I follow your blog, Kelly Brogan’s (whom incidentally I went to grade school with – she’s been brilliant as long as I’ve known her!), and am signed up for the Depression Sessions starting this weekend.
If there’s anyone out there who needs this book, it’s me 🙂 And I’m living paycheck to paycheck (medical insurance doesn’t cover naturaopathic treatment at all so I am paying hundreds a month out of pocket) so anything and everything helps.
Thanks for your consideration
Megan
San Diego
Megan
Thanks for throwing in your hat. What a journey – thanks for sharing and sorry to hear what you have been through! I commend you for being proactive and learning from all these incredible practitioners. How lovely to hear about Dr Brogan too!
Oh to answer your other questions for the giveaway, I couldn’t see a chapter preview online per se but I need to know as much as I can about the science behind depression and a naturopathic doctor’s perspective (one with a lot of experience dealing with mental health) on the right and wrong ways to go about holistic treatment, when it’s not for someone, the different options, and the reasons for them. This book has everything I am looking to learn more about.
My current regimen is therapy twice a week, yoga at least twice a week, meditation, diet when I can swing it.. but I always need to know more.
Thanks
Great! lots of science here. I would change this “diet when I can swing it” and make this a big focus. Simple dietary changes can go a long way – real food, quality animal protein, blood sugar control, no gluten, healthy fats, no caffeine (all covered in the book)
I am a traditionally trained NP and have come to believe we have been led down the wrong path for many conditions. Functional medicine approach has won me over!
We have come to expect pills and the doctors to fix us. We must begin to look at disease origin instead of treating what appears before us. I would love to have this book in my library and would use it for myself as well as those I counsel.
Wonderful Lynn – I love that functional medicine has won you over! I’m with you on looking for disease origin and root causes
Was smiling when I read about the effects of GABA as I’ve recently started with it, initially to increase Alpha brain states during meditation, but now am finding that I am calmer and much more centered. Didn’t know about the physiology, so now I have that in my mind as well.
Much thanks!
Tymothy – what wonderful results! Lots of physiology and science in this book!
Hi Trudy
Don’t worry I follow all of that – healthy fats (I gave away all unhealthy oils in my house and only use avocado oil and coconut MCT oil), grass-fed protein (and cheese and butter, on the advice of my naturopath), I don’t drink caffeine… My challenges are corn, sugar, and bread on occasion. My husband likes to go out a lot 🙁 I do my best, my doctor says “80-20” 🙂 I try hard though and take lots of supplements all day long.
Good to hear BUT with major mood issues I don’t buy into the 80:20 rule especially if it’s corn, sugar and bread – even if it is on occasion. Yes, I’m a tough cookie when it comes to this 🙂 And unfortunately supps won’t make up for it
Hi Trudy
Could you clarify – do you think supplements are not effective?
I have a sinking feeling that 80/20 isn’t enough too. But I’m finding it so hard to transition.
You don’t think I should abandon supplements do you? (I’m on a ton, I’d like to believe they are helping…)
Megan
Don’t get me wrong, supplements can be very effective and very needed. The amino acids make it super easy – no willpower and not feelings of deprivation – here is the questionnaire https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
Hi! I’ve had depression for 20+ years and developed anxiety about 10 years ago as a byproduct of my PTSD. I am looking forward to finding out more about the geeky science, learning about the nutritional and supplement elements of improvement. 🙂
Wonderful Mary – there are answers
I am very interested in this book because I have had a depressed roommate (that was suicidal) and didn’t know at all how to relate to her or how to help her. I now have an 18 year-old friend at church that is depressed (& suicidal). Because my friend’s family has pursued conventional medicine, I am interested to learn how conventional medicine can be blended with natural remedies in a way that they would be willing to try with her.
I am very interested in the chapters on assessing contributing lifestyle & internal factors. I listened to Marc David yesterday in his recording preview for the depression sessions and was very intrigued by how he got down to the root cause of depression. So often it was NOT the traditional cause that conventional medicine would blame.
I’m not a practitioner and obviously do not have much experience with helping others, but I love learning about natural medicine and have researched a lot on my own due to my own health challenges.
It’s lovely you want to help your friends Sarah
Dear Trudy,
I couldn’t get enough of your Anxiety Summit interviews and I really wanted to hear the interview with Peter. As someone who has been interested in serotonin and other neurotransmitters for as many years as I’ve had cfs and anxiety, I know I (and my doctors) would benefit tremendously from this comprehensive book, which is too expensive for me to purchase right now.
I’m especially excited to read the chapters on mind/body medicine, blood tests, supplements and diet recommendation so I can put something into practice.
I’ve only been taking herbs, supplements and foods as recommended by neuromuscular saliva testing but something is missing as I still have the anxiety, muscle spasms, sensitivities, fatigue et al.
Lola
The information on serotonin is fabulous!
I would like to win this giveaway book to pass on to my psychiatrist who declared the last time I saw him a year ago that he was changing his practice away from medications to natural methods of mental wellness. The chapter that interested me the most is”Working Integratively with Medicines”. I suffered through a gamut of medications with horrible side effects and no mood improvement despite several of them being called a gold standard.
As a self-learner I studied and used greens-based smoothies, walking-especially in the morning, select methylated B vitamins, Scripture meditation, visiting family with young children among other things. Thank you, Trudy for interviewing Dr. Bongiorno for Anxiety Summit III.
Kathryn – good for you for waning to give this to your psychiatrist
Glad you heard Dr Bongiorno on the summit!
Love your learning but will say I’m not a huge fan of all the green smoothies
I have many friends and relatives who have benefited from natural supplements and dietary changes. This book looks like a great resource, with information about a variety of supplements to help with anxiety and depression.
Absolutely Donna
I am on a quest to treat/heal(?) my anxiety and depression with diet, supplement, and lifestyle changes. I have been struggling with depression for over 30 yrs and am done with being a guinea pig for every psych drug known to mankind. But am at the end of my rope. Have been working long distance with a functional medicine doctor for almost 2 years now with minimal results. Went cold turkey off Ativan a yr ago and am still in a protracted withdrawal. Searching for answers…this book looks to be informative and helpful.
I am sorry to hear about your withdrawal from benzos Susan – they are nasty medications.
If you didn’t hear my benzo interviews on past Anxiety Summits do go back and listen to them
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-benzodiazepines-risks-vs-benefits/
and
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-tapering-psychiatric-drugs-dont-ruin-life/ Dr Prousky is also an ND
Hi Trudy, I’ve been following your work for a while, along with the research of Professor Julia Rucklidge at our local university (I think her work is being hailed around the world – here’s a link to her http://www.psyc.canterbury.ac.nz/people/rucklidge.shtml ). I work in the mental health field. I would love to win this book for our small library of books that we lend to our clients. If I won it you would know that it would reach many people this way. We are not allowed to advise our clients on medications but having books like this they can read means they can be exposed to other solutions than the ones they are limited to if they rely on only those who prescribe pharmaceuticals. I like the look of the section titled “Are Holistic Approaches Right for Your Client” as I find some people are more receptive than others. The approaches I already use for my own health (I’ve had anxiety at various times) are: eating more unprocessed food than I used to, supplementing with vitamins and minerals that I am prone to deficiencies in (Have had the test for pyroluria for example and it was positive so I take extra zinc, B6 etc). Keep up the good work and thanks for considering my entry!
Kat
Julia is fabulous! You’re so right – some people are more receptive and some not so much. This book would be great to be part of a lending library
So glad to hear about your personal success
Thank you soooo much for all of the information and things to ponder! I have a severely handicapped son due to the DPT shot and have a severely disabled brother. Depression seems to run in the family and I have been on antidepressants for 30 years! I have been on xanax for 5 years! Now knowing about healthy eating and transforming my mind and body, the possibilities are endless! I need to be a sponge and absorb much knowledge so that I can save myself and my family. I have been gluten free and gmo free for two months. It has been a struggle but I must conquer the demons to be an effective mother, sister , daughter and grandmother for the good so that I can love and help more deeply:-)
Kelly – I am sorry to hear about your son and brother and your mood challenges
Good for you for being proactive and wanting to learn this. Even family issues can be stopped with nutrients and food so be hopeful
I am studying nutritional medicine and am experiencing anxiety myself. I’m interested in the chapters relating to mind-body connection, contributing factors, supplements, and all the science behind it. I’m interested in the book to experiment on myself and for the benefit of future clients. I currently eat a gluten free, unprocessed diet and supplement, and have experienced improvement but not resolution of my symptoms. I know for myself I need to focus more on lifestyle factors like meditation and yoga to quiet my busy mind and relax my body.
Excellent Paula – so pleased to hear you have experienced improvement
Me again. The chapter assessing the internal part is very important! I have diabetes 2, lupus, RA and fibromyalgia. My family (both maternal and paternal) have or did have dementia and Alzheimer’s. I feel that it is inevitable almost! I must do my best to stop the inherent probababity. Thank you!
I would love to be in the drawing for the book. I have a grandson who has been struggling with depression for years and this past year had to drop out of college and come home for his own safety. He has been on numerous medicines,but they don’t seem to be helping. If I could read and learn more perhaps I could influence him to try a more natural approach.
Trudy I love your newsletter, because you so freely share the latest research and information available to help us all deal with depression and anxiety. Because I have suffered with a condition of rheumatoid arthritis for over 16 years, I have suffered my share of depression and anxiety. I am currently trying Gaba Calm which you recommended in one of her speeches. I’m also using L-tryptophan and am finding it to be helpful. Thanks for all you do to help everyone realize that our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.
Thanks again for this opportunity.
Warmly, Mary
Mary – Sorry to hear about your grandson and pleased to hear GABA and tryptophan are helping you. I do hope you’re gluten-free too – it’s a big one with RA and depression/anxiety too. And like anxiety/depression you can reverse RA with a nutritional approach – here is an older blog post on the topic https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/arthritis-a-natural-approach/
I am a nutritionist who is trying to help my daughter and mother in law who suffer from debilitating anxiety. Potentially with a better explanation of why they may consider a particular path, there may be more or better compliance.
Thank you for all that you do.
Esther
Wonderful Esther – and yes there may be many paths to a solution
My teenage daughter has struggled with depression for years. We’ve gone gluten free and it helps – but I feel things could be better. I’m interested in the homeopathics section in the book.
Great Debbie – good to hear gluten-free helps. I don’t know much about homeopathy for depression and anxiety but have found them to be helpful for pain and immunity so also look forward to digging in to this section of the book
Hi Trudy,
It’s always exciting to have another “tool” in the arsenal for combating anxiety and Dr. Bongiorno’s book would be a great addition!
As a functional nutrition practitioner, I am always look “upstream” for root causes for anxiety and depression. My studies have also allowed me to look more comprehensively at my own challenges with anxiety. That said, I too, like many here, value the necessity of looking at the mind-body connection as I don’t believe that anxiety and depression a majority of the time are tied to any one single factor. So, my chapters picks would be “mind-body” & “assessing internal factors” (for the biochemistry geek in me)!
Personally, I”ve used nutrition (whole foods, micro-nutrients etc.) CBT, yoga, massage, acupuncture, education and social support groups for helping with my anxiety. I am also going to make it the focus (or niche) of my coaching and education practice that I am expanding to more of an online presence.
Keep up the great work with your summits–they are a wealth of knowledge!
sorry for the typos–I should have proof-read that submission! 🙂
Great Sarah – I’m with you on the biochemistry and geekiness – lots of this in the book
Great to hear what has helped with your anxiety and so pleased you enjoy the summits!
Hi.. I have been labelled Bi-polar and have been on Cymgen..Epitec…Seroquel..Valium..Ositone..etc for over 10 years which was when I eventually said to my husband…I think I need help!! This was 2 yrs after I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy and double chemo and radiation. ..you can imagine..or maybe not…what my family have endured!! My husband took the whole family off dairy! What a mission reading food labels…
So…between all this ..I qualified as a yoga teacher, a Journey practitioner, did numerous courses on hypnotherapy, Ayurveda, Meditation, Crystal healing, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Sacro Cranial therapy,
Chinese massage… you name it…I’ve experienced it
Interestingly. .my younger daughter is in her final year training as a Dietetics and Nutrition Honours student in Cape Town. .S Africa.
My older daughter is studying Chinese Acupuncture in Hong Kong.
I live on the beautiful island of Mauritius and have everything I could wish for…except when I crash and crawl under a rock like a scorpian and wish that I could escape from every negative thought and feeling which is incessant. ..unless you’ve been there..one will never know about this anguish of the soul…
I follow many of your emails and wish I could attend some of your talks…
And I wonder…Is this my Karma? Indeed I will do Anything not to carry these afflictions into my next life!!.
If you think I should read your book then I shall…
Namaste
Sharon
Sharon – I am so sorry to hear about your crashes and cancer journey. Do also check out my blogs on the site about bipolar – food can be very powerful – here is one https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/bipolar-disruptive-mood-or-gluten-and-junk-food/
Lithium orotate is also very helpful and I’ve seen a number of people improve dramatically with this. Dr Bongiorono write about this too. You would want to work with your doctor of course
I would love to win this book. I suffer from anxiety and depression and have recently stopped taking an antidepressant in lieu of some more natural choices like vitamins and minerals. As a nurse, I’m always looking for ways to avoid western medicines and treat ailments with holistic interventions. I’d love to learn more about how lifestyle factors, and diet impact anxiety and depression and learn all I can do to feel better. Thanks for the chance to win!
Great Robin – we love holistic nurses
I would Love to read (and win!) this book. I need to read Chapter 4 for effective supplementation. I am using supplements but need more guidance especially with emotional disorders. Meditation and Reiki are calming but I’m looking for more alternatives.
Thanks you for sharing all your great information!!
Great JoAnn – there are so many powerful supplements for anxiety and depression and they are getting to the root cause of the problem
I really enjoyed Dr. Bongiorno’s discussion at the Anxiety Summit. I would love to a copy of this book. I am eager to learn more on the topic and have a great resource to add to my bookshelf and recommend to future clients. I am a holistic nutrition student and I plan to focus on anxiety and depression when setting up my practice. I am particularly interested in learning more about recommended diet plans focused on whole good quality natural foods,the nutrient focus to improve mood and reduce panic and promote calmness in both diet and supplement. I am fascinated by mind body medicine, neuroscience and the gut brain connection. Also I think the chapter on integrating a holistic approach with medications will be imperative to my future clientele. I am not against medications because they have an important role but I believe they are less likely to function optimally in isolation I want to also link the lifestyle factors, and support the body, mind, spirit with nutrients and awareness.
I do not currently have clients at this time but I can speak from personal experience as I have experienced both anxiety and depression for a number of years and being prescribed medication in high school. What has made a world of difference is in past couple years has been avoiding processed foods and caffeine, eating a whole foods diet, taking probiotics, b vitamins and essential fatty acids,regular physical activity, social outings and having a greater awareness of my thoughts and releasing positive energy. I now feel so much happier and healthier. I had overlooked the vital role of nutrition and the awareness has been so empowering. I want to learn as much as I can so I can educate and empower others as well. Thank you.
-Cynthia-
Wonderful Cynthia! I love that you are a holistic nutrition student and plan to focus on anxiety and depression – we need more of us!
I’m 53 years old & have experienced at times, almost incapacitating anxiety since shortly after the birth of my fourth child, 16 years ago.
I’m very interested in learning about all holistic approaches that enable us to enjoy the healthiest minds/bodies/spirits possible. It sounds as though Peter’s book would further me on this journey.
I think the section ‘Effective Supplements for Anxiety & Depression’ interests me the most. I’ve had several severe allergies in the last couple of years & have recently been diagnosed with ‘undifferentiated connective tissue disease.’ It has almost been a relief to know that all the various symptoms were not purely in my mind! I’m not keen on the idea of long-term medication unless absolutely necessary but recently, started a trial of hydroychloroquine, unfortunately, after two weeks I’ve had a new allergic reaction & have had to discontinue with them.
I’d prefer to learn which supplements could help, together with the healthy eating plan which I’ve followed for years. I take Vit D3, 5HTP, coconut oil & beef gelatin powder. I practise Tai Chi, Yoga & Reiki.
Id love to read Peter’s book & many thanks for offering this to one of us, Trudy xx
You’re welcome Jilly. So sorry to hear about your incapacitating anxiety.
Regarding your ‘undifferentiated connective tissue disease’ I’m curious if you have looked into pyroluria? It is not covered in this book but I blog about it, write about it in my book and talk about it a lot. During the last anxiety summit I talked about a possible pyroluria connective tissue link https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-prevalence-associated-conditions/
Thank you for the link Trudy. No, I’ve heard about the link between uctd & pyroluria. It seems to describe me pretty accurately, certainly the aspect of ‘usually manage to cover it up and push through.’
I’ve just ordered your book & look forward to learning more about this. It would be wonderful to find a solution to this without resorting to drugs.
Many thanks x
Trudy I’ve just spent so much time reading and writing my comment. I clicked submit and received an error message!
This is a huge disappointment to me; I’m frustrated enough by my “disorders”!!
I just submitted a description of my opinions and desires and my self-treatment.
Before I attempt to rewrite it all would you please check to see if you’ve received it. My name and e-mail were included. Please don’t leave me hanging!!!!
MaryEllen
I am sorry to hear this and am afraid that this is the only comment I see from you. If you’re going to redo it I’d suggest doing it in word first, just to be safe
I’d love to win this book! I work with these issues with clients, and am always interested in new perspectives on how to better ‘dial in’ support. I’m particularly interested in learning more about B3 and the dietary interventions. Thanks for sharing this book Trudy.
Great, thanks for commenting Jen
I’ve been in treatment for 19 years. Diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and ADD. I’ve had many medicines and many doctors. I also feel like a lab rat.
Regarding the book, I am interested in learning what natural therapies/supplements would benefit me. I might aim for a treatment plan tailored for me. Most important, I need to know that my non-pharmaceutical substances can safely be taken with my current meds. I also need to learn how to come off the meds safely. Is this possible?
I recently started a practice of yoga, meditation and mind/body fitness which has calmed me. I know walking should be very beneficial and I should return to it. I am adding more fruits and beneficial foods to my diet.
Dr. Bongiorno, do you recommend testing of oxytocin levels? Is there a changed form of lithium currently in use, or other medicine containing oxytocin?
Trudy, thank you for responding to my message about my comment which did not get through to you.
Trudy, I don’t have your book yet. Isn’t supervision by a practitioner necessary for treating depression and anxiety with supplements and amino acids?
Because I have no professional health or medicine training, I cannot fully appreciate this Q&A and conference. It’s frustrating. Should I be looking for a nutritionist? Can you reply to me with some advice, Trudy. You have not responded to my 6/14 message.
MaryEllen
Many people are able to take my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” and other self-help books like Dr Bongiorno’s and implement recommendations and see results.
There are also many people that need to one-on-one guidance of a nutrition professional or someone like Dr Bongiorno.
It all depends on how complex things are and how comfortable you feel with trying changes on your own. For someone on meds, working with a practitioner is recommended.
Dr Bongiorno won’t be responding here but if you do work with a practitioner I’d expect them to test oxytocin levels before prescribing. Regarding lithium, he talks about lithium orotate
Apologies for the delay in response but I am away in South Africa attending to a family medical situation
I would like to win this book because I have been treated for depression and anxiety since I was 32. I am now 58. I also have PTSD as a result of my twin sister being hit by a car when we were just 6 years old. She didn’t make it.
I just took myself off Trileptal. I realized something I took at night was making me a zombie until about 2 in the afternoon and that wasn’t acceptable to me.
I’m interested in fine tuning my diet (especially less sugar) and the Working Integratively with Medicines section. I was steady on Effexor and then my rheumatologist took me off to put me on one of the fibro medications, and I really crashed bad. I’m back on Effexor and doing okay but really want off the Xanax.
I recently switched from trytophan to 5-Htp and that has really helped.
I am eager to read this book. I have suffered from depression for what feels like my whole life (age 57 now). For my first career I was a clinical psychologist and I think it was my own depression and that of all members of my family that made me choose that field. Over the years the bouts of depression have devastated me and kept me from reaching my full potential. You can’t explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced it the feelings of total despair and feeling frozen – like I just can’t move or function. Anti-depressants have helped but only for a short time. I promised myself that this was the year I would release it for good. I am trying everything and anything to achieve that goal. Thank you Trudy for all your support. Audrey
I’m an Aussie with a BIG plan! There’s some great work being done out here and I’m going to give Holistic Solutions to my GP who is trying to give her patients more choice and better outcomes. She is keeping ahead of the game and I want to encourage her for being open minded and truly client focussed. What a great way to support the people whose impact can really make a difference… Something we can all do to say thanks to the brainiacs who provide better quality of life- what a product!
Part 2 (woops)… I’m particularly interested in hormone related issues, vitamin absorption problems, amino acids, gut issues and the links between them. I am finally getting somewhere and things are clicking. I am determined to get the most out of life, instead of being dogged by mood disorder, fatigue and gut issues. But I am thankful something can be done AND happily I am being forced into being healthy in the meantime. Great motivator! Peter Bongiorno’s book looks comprehensive and straight forward. Before giving it to my GP, I might have a quick flick through!
Trudy,
I hear you often recommend GABA, L-Tryptophan, 5 HTP and Lithium Orotate. What are safe dosages, effective brands and schedule for taking these supplements? I often have to have patients bring this info to their physicians and naturopathic doctors’ attention. Many just don’t understand.
Loved the interview with Dr. Bonjiorno! Great information! Great interview with Sean Croxton too!
In health,
Phaedra Antio, OTR/L
Phaedra
I would recommend your patients take a copy of my book to their doctor as it has all the doses, times, case studies and references
Glad you enjoyed my interviews!
I am interested in this book because I have experienced a lot of anxiety over the past couple of years in particular- largely related to my son…and HE is now experiencing intermittent periods of depression as he enters his teen years. We read the checklist of pyrrol disorders and that really seems to be a factor for him, so I ordered a supplement directed at that issue to see if it helps. So the section of the book that interests me most is the appendix:Supplements for Anxiety and Depression!:)
I am in school right now to attain my CNC. I should be finished by this September.I also have a mother with bipolar that I have been trying to help. This book would be a gem for me to gain greater knowledge and hope to helping others and possibly my mom. Thank you for the anxiety summit. I was unable to view them all, but the ones I did get a chance to hear was so well worth it!!Many blessings!!
As an herbalist, basic nutrition is of utmost importance. Interested in the medical professionals that are realizing the importance of nutrition – and how it affects our microbiome, and us. This is one that my kids might pay attention to; they have differing levels of anxiety. They learned my not-so-good eating habits, and let them slide even further away from nutrition. My changes happened after they were out of the home.
Unfortunately I could not attend the conference but would love this book. I know the power of this therapy having experienced it with you and would love the knowledge in this book so as to be able to better help those who come to me for help. I wanted to read the whole book instantly. Fascinating and important information.
Hi, I’d love to win this book to provide another CAM method to manage my anxiety/OCD. I have resisted medications after having serious side-effects that really frightened me.
I look forward to reading most about any of the sections that may cover OCD and social anxiety.
I use massage therapy and meditation to help manage my fears and compulsive thoughts. I was interested to see that chewing crunchy veggies helps in calming! No wonder I prefer big crunchy raw veggies to cooked ones. I’m an OT and am also interested in any sensory interventions that can help me or my mental health clients.
Thanks for the opportunity!
I suffered from major depressive disorder for most of my life until I neared age 40. My sister and my only female cousin also had major depressive disorder and had to be hospitalized numerous times. Two of my sons suffered depression and I found out in later years that it was on both sides of my family lineage. There is also a component of pyroluria for all three of us, my two sons and myself. If it were not for alternative medicine and supplements, I cannot imagine what our lives would be like. I am mainly interested in chapters 4 and 7 and appendix 1. The more I can learn about this condition, the better. I am really anticipating reading this book.
I’d love to win this book because I enjoyed your talk with Dr. Bongiorno on The Anxiety Summit. All the sections look interesting especially assessing contributing lifestyle and contributing internal factors. I have seen the effectiveness of a Paleo lifestyle and supplementation can have with controlling anxiety and depression. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi y’all – can you take my last name off of the comments please? My son saw it and was upset because I revealed things about him – which was a justified objection. I should not have mentioned anyone but myself. If you can, must put my first name only. Thank you. Margo
done!
Thank you if you commented! The response has been incredible. I’m so thrilled there is so much interest in this topic!
We do have a winner – Diana S. Congratulations!
The competition is now closed.
If you do end up buying a copy and love it please leave an Amazon review for Dr. Bongiorno – he’s put a lot of work into this book!