The Rev. Frederick R. Engdahl Jr. of Grace Episcopal Church in Rice Lake, WI found relief from the painful symptoms of a serious depression by following Dr. Mercola's recommendations of reducing the amounts of grains in his diet and adding a daily dose of omega-3. His inspiring story follows:

On December 9, 2002 I visited the Optimal Wellness Center in Schaumburg, Illinois... Dr. Mercola provided me with renewed hope, and a deeply rooted belief that the more holistic approach to medicine that he was practicing could help me to not only find relief from the devastating and painful persistent symptoms of a major depression, but, additionally, could assist me in overcoming the root causes of this insidious disease.

The treatment plan advocated and recommended by Dr. Mercola and his staff has been life changing and transformational. I am feeling better than I have in 12 years, which, incidentally, is right before the time I experienced my first major depressive episode. Most of the time during that period I was living with dysthymic disorder, an ongoing low-grade depression.

Dr. Mercola and his staff were able to gather valuable data about my particular metabolic type from information I provided by filling out a questionnaire. With this information they would be able to recommend a diet that would provide my body with quality nutrition, and, of equal importance, a diet that would also help my body eliminate the toxins that were in part responsible for keeping it from functioning at an optimal level.

Immediately Dr. Mercola started me on a dose of one tablespoon of cod liver oil twice daily for thirty days and then one tablespoon a day for a time thereafter. Quite frankly, Dr. Mercola was very surprised that the other doctors I had seen for the treatment of my depression had not mentioned or recommended the use of cod liver oil. My wife made the following comment: "There was a big improvement in your mood after you started using the cod liver oil."

Providing my body with a diet that matched the metabolic type I was identified with having has been most helpful. A drastic reduction--if not the total elimination--of grains from my diet has also been most beneficial. I was accustomed to--and familiar with--juicing having owned a quality juicer for many years, but was not taking full advantage of the benefits that could be realized from providing my body with the nutrients contained in a large variety of vegetables. Now I provide my body with the nutrients contained in juices on a daily basis.

The emotional, physical and spiritual changes I’ve experienced since making this rather significant change in my diet have been remarkable. My energy level has greatly improved, and, as a result, I am exercising more regularly and enjoying the many benefits of a more active lifestyle.

Each of us is, indeed, unique and different. Dr. Mercola and his staff are well aware of this important and crucial fact. Their approach takes into consideration the individual nuances and intricacies that are manifested differently by each person.

I did not find temporary relief from my symptoms, instead I was provided with the tools for empowerment that equipped me with the necessary information and skills to restore my body to the optimal level of functioning it was designed to enjoy in this marvelous world we live in.

I express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mercola and the entire staff of the Optimal Wellness Center.

-- (The Rev’ d) Frederick R. Engdahl Jr. (Grace Episcopal Church, Rice Lake, WI)