Frequently Asked Questions
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Asked by Consumers, Answered by the Wellness Advisor.
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Q: What are the side effects of SAM-e? |
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A: Large doses of SAM-e may cause headache, jitteriness, stomach upset, or loose bowels, but these symptoms are usually mild and generally subside with continued use. If side effects persist, try taking SAM-e with meals or decreasing your dose for one to two weeks, then gradually increasing to desired dose. SAM-e has no known drug interactions. People with bipolar depression should consult with their physician before taking SAM-e. |
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Q: What is a natural way to relieve occasional anxiety? |
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A: First, ensure an adequate and healthy diet with regular exercise as these two factors are known to promote optimal emotional health. A natural alternative to consider is the herb valerian. Valerian may offer some benefit for anxiety and as a sleep aid. This herb may promote relaxation and deal with temporary feelings of nervousness or temporary sleeplessness. If symptoms of occasional anxiety persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider. |
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Q: Is there something lacking in the diet that could cause a bad mood? |
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A: Nutrient deficiencies that may cause or worsen mood states or symptoms include vitamin B6, B12, and iron. Ensure adequate intake by eating a healthy well-balanced diet and filling any nutrient gaps with appropriate supplementation. Foods rich in B6 include fortified cereals (fortified with B vitamins), beans, meat, poultry, fish, baked potato with skin, and bananas. Foods rich in B12 include fortified cereals (fortified with B vitamins), fish, milk, milk products, eggs, meat, and poultry. Iron-rich foods include iron fortified breads/cereals, meats, dry beans and peas. |
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Q: What supplements can help elevate mood? |
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A: There are numerous factors that can contribute to mood disturbances/mood changes. Therefore, before taking supplements for mood or emotional health, you should first speak to your health care practitioner, to be sure you are receiving the best treatment. SAM-e, or S-adenosylmethionine, is a dietary supplement that helps the nervous system work properly and can help boost mood. Although it is not completely understood, SAM-e may work by allowing brain serotonin levels to increase, and may ease mood disturbances. B vitamins also help SAM-e work effectively and adequate levels of B vitamins may help to maintain normal brain functioning, which may also affect mood.
Another alternative for low moods, is St. John’s Wort. The exact mechanism of how St. John’s Wort works is not completely understood. St. John’s Wort should not be taken in combination with SAM-e. St. John’s Wort may have additive effects with prescription antidepressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRI’s), and should not be used at the same time due to possible adverse effects. For people who tend to be sensitive to the sun (such as fair-skinned individuals), they should be cautioned when taking SJW, or, individuals taking large doses of the herb should avoid excessive sun exposure. In addition, St. John’s Wort is also contraindicated in pregnancy because it may stimulate uterine contractions. More recently, it has been discovered that SJW may affect the cytochrome P450 system, which is responsible for metabolizing various drugs or medications. Therefore, St. John’s Wort may affect the metabolism of certain drugs such as: warfarin, digoxin, theophylline, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives. Patients on any medication should check with their physician or health care provider before taking St. John’s Wort.
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