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What about taking it while pregnant? I've experienced ppd with both of my first 2, and I'm experiencing mild depression now. I would like to head it off.
a true natural remedy?
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Is anyone still checking in on this thread? I just started using some of the recommended products and would like some input on it. I can't get The Mood Cure until some time after New Year.
Yesterday morning I took:
100mg 5-HTP
1000 IU Omega 3
1000mg Vit D3
These were taken in conjunction with my normal supplements: Iron, Multivitamin, Vit C and B Complex.
Yesterday afternoon I took:
100 mg 5-HTP
1000IU Omega 3
Last night:
200mg Magnesium
500mg GABA
I had some trouble sleeping last night and slept lightly, finally got up at 3pm. I felt ok during the day, not as anxious but it did creep in. I did start feeling very grouchy during the day.
This morning I took (about 2 hrs after my normal supplements):
100mg 5-HTP
2000 IU Omega 3
1000mg Vit D3
This afternoon I will take:
100 mg 5-HTP
1000 IU Omega 3
I will take the same Magnesium and GABA combination tonight. Does it sound ok? Too much or too little of anything? I still feel a bit down, but not as anxious, still very grouchy though. I'm almost 33w pg, btw. I just want to feel better. I'm constantly thinking about just going to an OB and getting anti-depressants because I'm so tired of feeling so panicky, anxious and down. Will this work? How long before I can expect a real change? Thank you.
Yesterday morning I took:
100mg 5-HTP
1000 IU Omega 3
1000mg Vit D3
These were taken in conjunction with my normal supplements: Iron, Multivitamin, Vit C and B Complex.
Yesterday afternoon I took:
100 mg 5-HTP
1000IU Omega 3
Last night:
200mg Magnesium
500mg GABA
I had some trouble sleeping last night and slept lightly, finally got up at 3pm. I felt ok during the day, not as anxious but it did creep in. I did start feeling very grouchy during the day.
This morning I took (about 2 hrs after my normal supplements):
100mg 5-HTP
2000 IU Omega 3
1000mg Vit D3
This afternoon I will take:
100 mg 5-HTP
1000 IU Omega 3
I will take the same Magnesium and GABA combination tonight. Does it sound ok? Too much or too little of anything? I still feel a bit down, but not as anxious, still very grouchy though. I'm almost 33w pg, btw. I just want to feel better. I'm constantly thinking about just going to an OB and getting anti-depressants because I'm so tired of feeling so panicky, anxious and down. Will this work? How long before I can expect a real change? Thank you.
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I can't say for certain, because I"m still learning. But, lets see I've been doing this for about a month and a half, and I am feeling loads and loads better than before. I can still report that I'm still not on the verge of becoming Ms Hyde at any second. I do find things are rougher for me during PMS, but I'm working out a possible alternate dosage for that time. I also notice that it's harder for me to stay on my dosage plan on the weekend (as it's much less structured than my work week) and so I a bit more prone to irritability then. But that's only because I've missed doses.
I noticed it took me a few days to really feel like a weight was lifted, rather than hours, but I feel much brighter (personality/moodwise) than I have since I was pregnant. And I feel like I don't have to hide this awful dark secret of rage and blow-ups anymore, because they're just not coming the same as they used to.
Just a suggestion, don't know if it's written in The Mood Cure this way, as I only checked it out from the library and sadly had to return it. I take my 5-HTP at 3pm and before bed. I am not yet perfect on the sleep, but it's getting so much better! I had a rough night sleeping a few weeks ago, and I noticed that the book stated that if you woke up and couldn't go back to sleep to take a dose of 5-htp then. So I did. It did help. Also for sleep, taking a bath with Epsom Salt helps me tremendously. I use 2 cups in my bath, per recommendations I've seen on another thread. You absorb the magnesium in the epsom salt through your skin, and boy does it help.
I have not made all the dietary changes so well as when I first started. THe holidays and my DH's tendency to buy junk food has gotten a hold of me. But I do notice that even though I'm taking the supplements, the way I eat sure makes a difference. So pay attention to the diet part of the book.
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Good luck momma!
I noticed it took me a few days to really feel like a weight was lifted, rather than hours, but I feel much brighter (personality/moodwise) than I have since I was pregnant. And I feel like I don't have to hide this awful dark secret of rage and blow-ups anymore, because they're just not coming the same as they used to.
Just a suggestion, don't know if it's written in The Mood Cure this way, as I only checked it out from the library and sadly had to return it. I take my 5-HTP at 3pm and before bed. I am not yet perfect on the sleep, but it's getting so much better! I had a rough night sleeping a few weeks ago, and I noticed that the book stated that if you woke up and couldn't go back to sleep to take a dose of 5-htp then. So I did. It did help. Also for sleep, taking a bath with Epsom Salt helps me tremendously. I use 2 cups in my bath, per recommendations I've seen on another thread. You absorb the magnesium in the epsom salt through your skin, and boy does it help.
I have not made all the dietary changes so well as when I first started. THe holidays and my DH's tendency to buy junk food has gotten a hold of me. But I do notice that even though I'm taking the supplements, the way I eat sure makes a difference. So pay attention to the diet part of the book.
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494 Posts
I'm on day3 now and feeling a bit better during the day. My anxiety is less, but I'm still super grouchy and irritable. My night times are still pretty bad. I'm not as anxious, but still have a lot of trouble sleeping. It's like my mind just never shuts down. Do I keep doing what I'm doing or not? I'm thinking of not taking the GABA at bedtime and seeing if I sleep better.
Thanks for the input Teenytoona. I'll see if I have some Epsom salts and soak in them a bit. I thought the 5-HTP had a stimulating effect, so I've been a bit wary of taking them at bedtime. Maybe I should try that instead of the GABA tomorrow. I just want to feel better.
Thanks for the input Teenytoona. I'll see if I have some Epsom salts and soak in them a bit. I thought the 5-HTP had a stimulating effect, so I've been a bit wary of taking them at bedtime. Maybe I should try that instead of the GABA tomorrow. I just want to feel better.
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It's tricky stuff.
Each of us has different needs, so we can each react differently to the supplements.
I didn't like the 5-htp at all-
it made me feel keyed-up and anxious, when I wasn't before
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GABA helps me get to sleep when I might otherwise have lain in bed making lists and mulling over everything under the sun...
Are you getting enough protein?
It's so helpful for this "mood" stuff (not a strong enough word, even though I know the intent is to help us see that these feelings are temporary and fix-able...)
but of course it's even more crucial when you are pregnant
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Each of us has different needs, so we can each react differently to the supplements.
I didn't like the 5-htp at all-
it made me feel keyed-up and anxious, when I wasn't before
GABA helps me get to sleep when I might otherwise have lain in bed making lists and mulling over everything under the sun...
Are you getting enough protein?
It's so helpful for this "mood" stuff (not a strong enough word, even though I know the intent is to help us see that these feelings are temporary and fix-able...)
but of course it's even more crucial when you are pregnant
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Quote:
No, I don't get enough protein. Since the anxiety started, I'm having a hard time eating in general. One day I had a hand full of All Bran and two hands full of Almonds for the entire day. I couldn't force myself to eat any more.
Originally Posted by ramlita  Are you getting enough protein? It's so helpful for this "mood" stuff (not a strong enough word, even though I know the intent is to help us see that these feelings are temporary and fix-able...) but of course it's even more crucial when you are pregnant
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Quote:
If 5-HTP stimulates you, then you might not need it, according to the book, or might need to keep it in the am. It seems to suit me best in the evenings. I find it also took me an adjustment period to really feel better. After a couple of weeks, it was definitely working with the rages (both HTP and GABA), but my sleep was still so-so. I'd still wake up in the early am (2-3) and have racing thoughts and not be able to go back to sleep. I've been taking this stuff for maybe a month and a half, and really it's been only the past week or so that I find myself having far better sleep. I can't remember if I woke up at 2-3 the past couple of nights. I think it might take some time for some folks to "get there." In the book she frequently talks about instant or near instant results, but for me, it's been a little slower to come by. Buy by golly, it is working. It has just taken a while. Oh and you really do need to up the protein intake. That helps a fair bit too. How's the rest of your diet? Any vitamins, minerals? Do you eat a fair amount of white flour and/or sugar, how about caffeine?
Mamamoo, it depends on the med. The book talks alot about those particulars. Have you read it yet?
Originally Posted by Veronika01 I'm on day3 now and feeling a bit better during the day. My anxiety is less, but I'm still super grouchy and irritable. My night times are still pretty bad. I'm not as anxious, but still have a lot of trouble sleeping. It's like my mind just never shuts down. Do I keep doing what I'm doing or not? I'm thinking of not taking the GABA at bedtime and seeing if I sleep better. Thanks for the input Teenytoona. I'll see if I have some Epsom salts and soak in them a bit. I thought the 5-HTP had a stimulating effect, so I've been a bit wary of taking them at bedtime. Maybe I should try that instead of the GABA tomorrow. I just want to feel better. |
If 5-HTP stimulates you, then you might not need it, according to the book, or might need to keep it in the am. It seems to suit me best in the evenings. I find it also took me an adjustment period to really feel better. After a couple of weeks, it was definitely working with the rages (both HTP and GABA), but my sleep was still so-so. I'd still wake up in the early am (2-3) and have racing thoughts and not be able to go back to sleep. I've been taking this stuff for maybe a month and a half, and really it's been only the past week or so that I find myself having far better sleep. I can't remember if I woke up at 2-3 the past couple of nights. I think it might take some time for some folks to "get there." In the book she frequently talks about instant or near instant results, but for me, it's been a little slower to come by. Buy by golly, it is working. It has just taken a while. Oh and you really do need to up the protein intake. That helps a fair bit too. How's the rest of your diet? Any vitamins, minerals? Do you eat a fair amount of white flour and/or sugar, how about caffeine?
Mamamoo, it depends on the med. The book talks alot about those particulars. Have you read it yet?
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I'm sorry I haven't been back here to update. Things are going a lot better. I still have moments of anxiety sneaking through, but it's not as bad as it was. More of a claustrophobic feeling, KWIM? Should the supplements eventually eliminate ALL feelings of anxiety and depression? I'm still taking the supplements as I posted earlier, but I dropped the GABA at bedtime and started taking 5HTP instead. What a difference! I've been sleeping a lot better for the past weeks.
Teenytoona, my white flour / sugar intake is very low at the moment, as is my caffeine intake. I dropped all of it when I started feeling bad because it made me anxious to eat/drink stuff that could possibly make me feel worse. I had a cup of coffee for the first time on Sunday since I started feeling bad, about two weeks before Christmas.
I do have a quick question though. I'm taking 2000IU Vit D3 daily. My friend is taking 5000IU per doctor's recommendation and I saw someone on another forum recommending 6000IU to fight PPD. Is it safe to take such huge amounts while pg? (Both ladies are pg, btw) Does it really make that much of a difference? Tnx for all the help so far.
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Teenytoona, my white flour / sugar intake is very low at the moment, as is my caffeine intake. I dropped all of it when I started feeling bad because it made me anxious to eat/drink stuff that could possibly make me feel worse. I had a cup of coffee for the first time on Sunday since I started feeling bad, about two weeks before Christmas.
I do have a quick question though. I'm taking 2000IU Vit D3 daily. My friend is taking 5000IU per doctor's recommendation and I saw someone on another forum recommending 6000IU to fight PPD. Is it safe to take such huge amounts while pg? (Both ladies are pg, btw) Does it really make that much of a difference? Tnx for all the help so far.
I pretty much have read this whole thread. I am very newly pregnant and my depression and anxiety are getting out of hand.
I am going to see a therapist tomorrow. I have the Rebuild from Depression book and eat TF, grain free. I just could not stop obsessing about phytic acid.
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Grain free was/is just easier for me.
I am trying to track down the Mood Cure. And start with some high quality B vits. Where I live I can only get them with folic acid. I have read that folate is superior to folic acid. I would prefere a food based B vitamin.
Anyway. I am terrified of experiencing PPD. I know I am at high risk.
I am going to see a therapist tomorrow. I have the Rebuild from Depression book and eat TF, grain free. I just could not stop obsessing about phytic acid.
I am trying to track down the Mood Cure. And start with some high quality B vits. Where I live I can only get them with folic acid. I have read that folate is superior to folic acid. I would prefere a food based B vitamin.
Anyway. I am terrified of experiencing PPD. I know I am at high risk.
I'm so glad I found this thread! Quick story on me: I dealt with somewhat bad PPD after having my first (went on Zoloft) and terrible anxiety after my 2nd (Paxil.) While the meds did work, I really prefer natural remedies. After having my 3rd baby almost a year ago, I was determined to try something natural before drugs. I talked with my Osteopathic doctor and she recommended 5-HTP. I tried that and it helped a lot, but then I added L-Tyrosine and what a difference! I have felt great this entire past year - even with having a colicy baby, a husband away a lot on travel, and homeschooling my oldest - previously any one of those three things would have caused me a lot of anxiety! I also supplement with fish oil, calcium, magnesium, B-vitamins, and Vitamin D.
DH & I are now trying for our 4th and I began dreading having to quit my supplements, as I have dealt with severe depression/anxiety during pregnancy as well. I ran out of my L-Tyrosine about a month ago and decided to see how I did without it. Within a week, I was moody, depressed, irritable, anxious, and wondering what on earth was wrong with me. I started back on the L-Tyrosine. Within a couple days, I was back to normal. Clearly, it makes a big difference for me.
All that being said, I am so relieved to have found this thread and while I will stop the 5-HTP, I will continue to take L-Tyrosine during my next pregnancy! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
DH & I are now trying for our 4th and I began dreading having to quit my supplements, as I have dealt with severe depression/anxiety during pregnancy as well. I ran out of my L-Tyrosine about a month ago and decided to see how I did without it. Within a week, I was moody, depressed, irritable, anxious, and wondering what on earth was wrong with me. I started back on the L-Tyrosine. Within a couple days, I was back to normal. Clearly, it makes a big difference for me.
All that being said, I am so relieved to have found this thread and while I will stop the 5-HTP, I will continue to take L-Tyrosine during my next pregnancy! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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oh I'm so glad I noticed this post... I've read through about 15 pages and have decided to try inositol, not sure tho does this need to be taken with niacin or choline? (both were mentioned as something that should be taken with it but I have no clue, I was writing everything down as I came to it and I'm just not sure.) also, I think I will try 5htp, gaba, L-theanine and calcium/mag. I'm taking B-complex currently - its all I'm taking. I also am getting wonderful sunshine... vit D.
Inositol sounds amazing! and I'm anxious to try it.
Inositol sounds amazing! and I'm anxious to try it.
Ok so I've read this thread & I now have the book, but it is still pretty confusing as to what I'm supposed to take! I've adjusted my diet to include much more protein & more good fats & I'm getting rid of most refined grains, & I've begun to exercise. I guess I've been a yo-yo dieter for the last 10 years of my life. When I diet I do it right by eating plenty of the right foods, typically dropping & gaining the same 20-ish pounds each year or two. I have gone from being a work out fanatic to being totally sedentary! From eating a perfect diet to not giving a crap & back too many times to count. If there is a name other than yo-yo dieter I'd love to know it because I feel like it is a major part of my issues besides anxiety. I also know that when I work out & eat right I feel better but I get kinda obsessed with it & it takes over until I can't do it any longer & I stop without looking back until one day I have the courage to step on the scale to see that after all that hard work the pounds have come back. The last couple times I really thought I had it figured out & that I'd never be starting over again! And here I am! Do any of you have experience or advice in this area? Therapy?
I just started taking my multi after reading this thread & I had not taken it for a while, but the book says to take 4-6 multi a day?! But my multi is a one a day so I don't want to go over board. When I run out I want to try True balance. How many 4/day? I'm also taking fish oil, please remind me what the best brand is because I'm taking Trader Joe's & it has soy in it & I avoid GMO stuff & I'm unsure if TJ's uses gmo for their non-organic stuff, anyone know? I think Carlson's is supposed to be good, but I'm not sure?? I'm also taking calcium, magnesium & D. I want to add a B-complex but it says to use a coenzymate type B which is sub-lingual & all tha tI've looked at so far look to be too high in B-12. I'll look for the brands recommended in the book. I also want to take 5-HTP I think, as well as True focus & inusitol. My main issue is anxiety, depression is pretty mild most of the time. I also suffer with PMS pretty bad most months, although not always. But the book doesn't really tell you what is better for anxiety so I don't know really what I should take. I've taken the tests in the book, I've scored high in all areas. There are so many supplements & she says to start taking them all at once & there is no way that I can swallow that many pills a day let alone afford to buy all of them! But I really need to do something because my anxiety isn't getting better own. I think I'll add the 5-HTP & B's for now.
Thanks
~Maria
I just started taking my multi after reading this thread & I had not taken it for a while, but the book says to take 4-6 multi a day?! But my multi is a one a day so I don't want to go over board. When I run out I want to try True balance. How many 4/day? I'm also taking fish oil, please remind me what the best brand is because I'm taking Trader Joe's & it has soy in it & I avoid GMO stuff & I'm unsure if TJ's uses gmo for their non-organic stuff, anyone know? I think Carlson's is supposed to be good, but I'm not sure?? I'm also taking calcium, magnesium & D. I want to add a B-complex but it says to use a coenzymate type B which is sub-lingual & all tha tI've looked at so far look to be too high in B-12. I'll look for the brands recommended in the book. I also want to take 5-HTP I think, as well as True focus & inusitol. My main issue is anxiety, depression is pretty mild most of the time. I also suffer with PMS pretty bad most months, although not always. But the book doesn't really tell you what is better for anxiety so I don't know really what I should take. I've taken the tests in the book, I've scored high in all areas. There are so many supplements & she says to start taking them all at once & there is no way that I can swallow that many pills a day let alone afford to buy all of them! But I really need to do something because my anxiety isn't getting better own. I think I'll add the 5-HTP & B's for now.
Thanks
~Maria
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Quote:
I just ordered Inositol and 5htp... I am also unsure about the others but I figured I would start with this. I also take a b complex and Vitamin D.
Originally Posted by D'smomma oh I'm so glad I noticed this post... I've read through about 15 pages and have decided to try inositol, not sure tho does this need to be taken with niacin or choline? (both were mentioned as something that should be taken with it but I have no clue, I was writing everything down as I came to it and I'm just not sure.) also, I think I will try 5htp, gaba, L-theanine and calcium/mag. I'm taking B-complex currently - its all I'm taking. I also am getting wonderful sunshine... vit D. Inositol sounds amazing! and I'm anxious to try it. |
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Sorry, I haven't read the whole thread, but just wanted to add that my midwife told me to take up to 10000 UI of fish oil daily to deal with depression. She said studies show it is as effective as being on anti-depressents.
It really helps.
It really helps.
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ok so it IS SAFE while BFing to take inositol and 5-htp correct?
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