As if it is not hard enough in itself going through a deep sadness, for those who take anti-depressant medication another risk is surfacing, brittle bones. This is a rather serious problem. In the model of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the kidneys are the rulers of the bones. The kidneys are involved in water metabolism, relate to bone problems (knees, teeth, low back); urinary and sexual issues, growth, mental development and from an emotional perspective relate to fear and insecurity.
The makers of Prozac list osteoporosis as a rare event (1 in 10,000). Are those who have smaller, nagging symptoms ignored? Researchers are also concerned about growing teens that there later health may be affected by taking SSRI medication.
Antidepressant medication should not be stopped suddenly. Following are a few measures to build bone and fight the blues.
- Take a daily walk. If you just can’t find the motivation, find a friend, a relative, a neighbor or a coach to help you.
- Increase your vit D by spending time in the sun. Find 30 minutes to relax and sunbathe.
- Increase your green vegetable intake.
- Increase whole grains in your diet.
- Make a soup of sprouted barley and kale. Cook the sprouted barley for 10 minutes and add the kale towards the end.
- Practice T’ai Chi the gentle exercise strengthen the bones.
- Reduce meat intake. Meat in excess interferes with calcium absorption.