Can Chromium Cause Insomnia?

Dr. McLeod

I have taken 1,000 mcg of chromium for about 5 days
now. The only problem I am having is, I am having a hard time falling
asleep and staying asleep at night. Read more

Can Chromium Curb SSRI-Induced Weight Gain?

Hi Dr. McLeod,
I have read a lot of information regarding weight gain with long term
use of ssri’s. Do you believe that taking chromium with an
antidrepessant, such as prozac or zolft,helps with such weight gain?
Thank you
M.G. Read more

Does Chromium Cause Irregular Heartbeats?

Dr McLeod,
I read that chromium(whatever the brand)could induce irregular
heartbeats.What is your pactical experience about that? First of all
is it possible?either maybe the dosages are into question or anything
else(chronic diseases,other drugs interaction)?Please,what is your
practical experience about this side effect?
Thank you very much.

A.C.

Dear A.C. No person has ever reported to me that chromium causes irregular heartbeats.  There are many possible causes, such as lack of exercise, excess caffeine, nicotine, prescription medications, and anxiety. You must check in with your primary physician and look for the cause. Please let me know.

Thank you for contacting me.

Malcolm McLeod MD

Can I Find Chromax in Canada?

Dear Dr McLeod,

Thank you so much for putting together this great wetsite. It is so informative and enlightening. 

I can’t seem to find Iceland Health Chromax in Canada at Walmart or any other retailer. Where can I find it?

Thank you for all of your help.

R.S.S

ANSWER:  Dear RSS:

I suggest you contact Mike Kolifrath at Iceland Health.  mikek@champusa.com or mikek@iclandhealth.com.  I hope he can steer you in the right direction.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Must I Be Overweight to Have Atypical Depression?

Dr. McLeod

I have many of the symptoms of atypical depression you describe, but I am not overweight. Does that mena I can’t be considered to have atypical depressio.

C.P.

Dear C.P.

Many underweight people, especially when young, are underweight and yet have atypcial depression.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight as they age.

Please let me know of your experience.

Malcolm McLeod MD

Can an Underweight Person Have Atypical Depression?

Dear Dr. McLeod

Is it possible to be both underweight and have the atypical depression
that you describe that would be helped by chromium supplements? I know
that I have erratic blood sugar problems (glucose testing), depression
beginning in childhood, severe social sensitivity and anxiety, and
issues with being underweight. Would chromium be worth a try?

Thanks,
JJ

ANSWER

Yes indeed, JJ.  In many people atypical depression begins when they are young and trim.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight over the years.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Difference Between Chromium and Chromium Picolinate

Hi Dr Mcleod,
Loved your book. I’m a bit confused with aussi doses tho. Read more

Are SAD and Atypical Depression the Same?

Dr. McLeod,

Are Seasonal Affective Disorder and Atypical Depression the same disorder?  My psychologist tells me I suffer from SAD, but as I was reading your book, it sounds like I have Atypical Depression.  Confused. Help. Thanks.

CR

ANSWER

Dear CR,

Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD and winter blues) and Atypical Depression (AD) share many of the same symptoms.   These include depression, cravings for carbohydrates, a tendency to gain weight,  loss of energy, oversleeping, heightened sensitivity to rejection, social isolaltion, and difficulty concentrating.  SAD and Atypical Depression are different, however.  In SAD depression usually begins in the the late fall or early winter months, and lifts when spring arrives, whereas AD can occur at any time during the year. People with AD often complain of a heavingess of their arms and legs, referred to as leaden paralysis. AD often starts in the teenage years.

What causes these disorders? An imbalalce of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) are thought to play a role in causing AD. If you have a biological family member with AD or alcoholism, you may be more suspectible to AD. Childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. and loss of a parent may predispose a person to AD.

The causes of SAD are not known for certain, but SAD is thought to be caused by a reduced amount of light which changes

• your biological clock (circadian rhythm) and lowers mood
•  serotonin levels, and  
• melatonin levels, which play a role in sleep regulation and mood.

What is the treatment for these conditions?

Phototherapy (light therapy) and medications (including melatonin) are often used to treat SAD. Psychotherapy and medications are used to treat AD. 

Based on a small amount of data, I think that chromium, as chromium picolinate, might be helpful in these disorders.  The FDA has not reviewed this claim.

I would be pleased to receive a followup from  you.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Can Chromium Help One Lose Weight?

QUESTION:
Hi Dr. McLeod,
I have read a lot of information regarding weight gain with long term
use of ssri’s. Do you believe that taking chromium with an
antidrepessant, such as prozac or zolft,helps with such weight gain?
Thank you

ANSWER:

Chromium reduces carbohydrate cravings in many people and it gives them more energy to exercise.  With this combination of reduced carb intake and increase many of my patients have lost weight after beginning to take chromium.

Please let me know if chromium helps you lose weight.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Chromium’s Help with Mood and Concentration

Hi Dr. Mcleod,

This is a comment and a question. But first, I want to say I’m very
happy you have done this research on chromium. I have known about the
benifits of this mineral for years. Read more

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