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Feeling All Time Low..

Discussion in 'Health Issues' started by Reenae, Nov 30, 2007.

  1. Reenae

    Reenae Bronze IL'ite

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    I have read some posts in this section and tips from IL's. Depression can be so difficult to snap out of sometimes. I am currently experiencing this with my MIL who is suffering awefully with this condition.

    She is 55 years old and going through the Menopause which in my opnion is a suffering in itself. She has terrible hot flushes in the night and she suffers from piles and is constantly having to take care of her diet and treatment for piles etc. Generally she has such huge mood swings, i.e. one minute she is ok and the next minute she is almost tearful. She feels lethargic all the time and as if nothing is important. We try to help her as much as we can by being with her, talking to her and making sure she takes a good rest. However, she works fulltime and has done so since my FIL died. She says she knows what it is like to bring up a family single handed and not having enough money to make ends meet. She also feels that her job motivates her to some extent and makes her day go by, without which she would be even more depressed and lonley. She has no friends (friends are few and far between nowadays) and her work colleagues are all very reserved and "unfriendly" type and just minding their own business. She seeked medical help but the doc simply prescribed anti-depressants which have side affects as well as can be addictive. She refused to take HRT to help with the menopause symptons as this was not her prefered option. She is really at all time low!! I so much wish to help her but nothing seems to work right now. Her moods are like a YO YO. She's constantly worried unnecessary. She meditates during her prayer sessions - one in the morning and one in the evening, I take her out at weekends to divert her mind but she has almost forgotten to smile. She's the most wonderful of persons I have ever known - kind, gentle, always willing to help others, never hurting anyone. It is such a shame to see a perfectly apt person become a tearful wreck.

    Do other women suffer in this way? has anyone experienced similar feelings of being unwell, not interested in anything and always worrying about what will happen?!!
     
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  2. roopadadia

    roopadadia Silver IL'ite

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  3. Reenae

    Reenae Bronze IL'ite

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  4. ushamt

    ushamt New IL'ite

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    Hi Reenae,

    I read your post. I really want her to practice some breathing techniques. People who has severe health problems also benefited by doing these practices. I learnt this from Art of living, a non-profit org. (Art of Living Foundation)

    They will teach you a powerful technique which releases toxins from body, calms mind. She'll definitely be enthusiastic about life & gets her smile back. Go to the website & get the contact details of your local branch(it is in your country too) & talk with them. Just give a try. She don't have to run for medicines for this problem.

    If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer.

    p.s I personally benifited from this program.

    -usha
     
  5. Reenae

    Reenae Bronze IL'ite

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    Thanks Usha for this valuable information. I really appreciate your concern.
     
  6. bdcosta

    bdcosta New IL'ite

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    As I went on reading about how things have been going for your MIL it kept me reminding of my mother too and she is worse than her because she does not work which can make her occupied to something. But I am glad to see the suggestions given by the others here, particularly the Art of Living was something that brought happiness back on her face. As someone said the toxins were successfully eliminated and she is much better now.
     
  7. Serenity_John

    Serenity_John Bronze IL'ite

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    Hi,

    I found some info online to try to help her. I hope it would be useful. This is a difficult time in itself but I'm glad that she has caring close people near her like you.

    Here's some info:


    Menopause: Staying Healthy Through Good Nutrition

    Some risk factors associated with aging and menopause cannot be changed. However, healthy eating can prevent or reduce certain conditions that may develop during and after menopause.
    What are some basic dietary guidelines?
    Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Since women's diets are often low in iron and calcium, follow these guidelines:
    • Get enough calcium. Eating and drinking 2 to 4 servings of dairy products and calcium-rich foods a day will help ensure that you are getting enough calcium in your daily diet. Calcium is found in dairy products, clams, sardines, broccoli and legumes.
    • Pump up your iron intake. Eating at least 3 servings of iron-rich foods a day will help ensure that you are getting enough iron in your daily diet. Iron is found in lean red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts and enriched grain products.
    • Get enough fiber. Help yourself to foods high in fiber such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables.
    • Eat fruits and vegetables. Include at least 2 to 4 servings of fruits and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables in your daily diet.
    • Read labels. Use the package label information to help you to make the best selections for a healthy lifestyle.
    • Drink plenty of water. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
    • Maintain a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight by cutting down on portion sizes and reducing foods high in fat, not by skipping meals. A registered dietitian or your doctor can help you determine your ideal body weight.
    • Reduce foods high in fat. Fat should provide 30 percent or less of your total daily calories. Also, limit saturated fat to less than 10 percent of your total daily calories. Saturated fat raises cholesterol and increases your risk of heart disease. Saturated fat is found in fatty meats, whole milk, ice cream and cheese. Limit cholesterol intake to 300 milligrams (mg) or less per day.
    • Use sugar and salt in moderation. Too much sodium in the diet is linked to high blood pressure. Also, go easy on smoked, salt-cured and charbroiled foods -- these foods contain high levels of nitrates, which have been linked to cancer.
    • Limit alcohol intake. Women should limit their consumption of alcohol to one or fewer drinks per day (3 to5 drinks per week maximum).
    What foods can reduce menopausal symptoms?
    Plant-based foods that contain isoflavones (plant estrogens) work in the body like a weak form of estrogen and may help relieve menopausal symptoms in some women. Some may lower cholesterol levels and have been suggested to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Currently, most research indicates that soy isoflavones are not particularly effective for treating several menopausal symptoms. Aside from soy products, isoflavones can also be found in foods such as whole grains and beans.
    Should I avoid certain foods while I am going through menopause?
    If you are experiencing hot flashes, you may find that avoiding certain "trigger" foods and beverages – spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol -- may lessen the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
    Are there dietary supplements I can take to ease symptoms/prevent disease?
    Because there is a direct relationship between the lack of estrogen after menopause and the development of osteoporosis, the following supplements, combined with a healthy diet, may help prevent the onset of this condition.
    • Calcium. If you think you need to take a supplement to get enough calcium, check with your doctor first. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good forms of calcium supplements. Be careful not to get more than 2,000 mg of calcium a day very often. That amount can increase your chance of developing kidney problems.
    • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium. People aged 51 to 70 should have 600 to 800 IU each day and those over age 70 should have 800 IU. More than 2,000 IU of vitamin D each day is not recommended because it may be too much for your body.
    -----------------------------

    Menopause: Natural Treatments


    REMEDY: BLACK COHOSH

    SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats Benefit:
    Black cohosh is derived from a species of buttercup. Studies have had mixed results on whether black cohosh is effective in reducing hot flashes. Some studies indicate it may help with mild hot flashes and night sweats for short-term treatment. May lower blood pressure as well. In rare cases, hepatitis has been reported.

    REMEDY: SOY

    SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats Benefit:
    Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Some studies have shown that soy be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. It also may lower cholesterol. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended. Soy in tablet or powder form is not advised.
    REMEDY: FLAXSEED, GROUND OR OIL

    SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes Benefit:
    Flaxseed has omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. Results from studies have been mixed, but it may help symptoms in some women. It is also believed to help with blood cholesterol. Avoid whole flaxseed because it is difficult to digest.
    REMEDY: VITAMIN E

    SYMPTOM: Vaginal Dryness, Hot Flashes Benefit:
    Vitamin E oil applied to the vagina helps improve lubrication and may also reduce hot flashes.

    REMEDY: YOGA, AEROBIC EXERCISE, DEEP BREATHING

    SYMPTOM: Mood Swings, Sleep Disruption Benefit:
    Exercise and meditation reduce irritability, even hot flashes, in some women. Yoga combines both. Exercise also helps most people sleep better.
    REMEDY: COLD BEVERAGES

    SYMPTOM: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats Benefit:
    Cold drinks help you feel cooler. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that encourage dehydration. Try cold water or fruit juices with antioxidant vitamins.
    Dietary or herbal supplements may have side effects or interactions with each other or with other drugs. Some may be unsafe to take due to certain medical conditions. Consult with your doctor prior to using them.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2008
  8. Arya Nandu

    Arya Nandu New IL'ite

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    Hi Reenae

    I first and foremost thing youcan do is start thinking that you are happy........ distractions from routine tasks will also help.........

    Cheers
    Jaya
     

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