Mental Health

Fats for Thought: How Omega-3 and Olive Oil Impact Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Evidence suggests that inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression. We’ve previously delved into the role of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are cell wall components of gut bacteria, in triggering inflammation through the TRL4 cellular signal in immune cells. LPS in the gut can find its way into the bloodstream via chylomicrons, lipid […]

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Enhancing Mood with Water-Soluble Vitamins: B-Complex and Vitamin C

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health, Nutraceuticals /

Water soluble vitamins, including vitamin B and C are important for our mood.  A recent study conducted in the inpatient psychiatric unit of Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston found that vitamin C deficiency is highly prevalent in the psychiatric inpatients [1].  Strong evidence from clinical studies also suggests that supplementation of vitamin B could decrease

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Magnesium & Vitamin B6: A Natural Path to Beat Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Magnesium and vitamin B6 are essential nutrients for our body. They play a key role in the way our brain chemicals work. Vitamin B6 and magnesium serve as cofactors for synthesizing serotonin in our brain, which affects our mood. Clinical Trials on B6 and Depression Vitamin B6 has different forms, and the active one is

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St. John’s Wort: An Alternative Approach to Managing Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

St. John’s Wort is one of the most commonly used herbal nutraceuticals for treating depression. Its action is similar to SSRI drugs, as it can inhibit serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system, but it also contains polyphenolic substances, such as hypericin, which may provide better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to medications. Studies have

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Exploring Antidepressants and Treatment Strategies for Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

I am frequently asked about the appropriateness of taking antidepressants. Typically, I refrain from giving direct advice on the use of prescription drugs. Instead, I believe it is crucial for individuals dealing with depression to engage in open discussions with their healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment strategy for their specific situation. However,

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Boosting Serotonin for Better Mood: A Comparison of Tryptophan and 5-HTP for Depression

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

The cause of depression has been a topic of debate for years, but one widely accepted theory is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Among these neurotransmitters, serotonin is considered crucial, and the Serotonin Hypothesis is well-regarded. It is believed that three neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) influence depression, with serotonin being

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Depression and Anxiety: Debunking the Sugar Myth on Mental Health

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Back in 1989, a “groundbreaking” study suggested that carbohydrates might help alleviate depression symptoms. [1] The theory, presented by Dr. Judith Wurtman, then the research director for women’s health at MIT, proposed that when we feel down or anxious, we tend to crave carbs like sweets or cakes. This is because depression can lead to

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Depression and the Gut-Brain Connection: The Impact of LPS and Dietary Fats

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

We have discussed how a bacterial metabolite called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can enter the bloodstream and stimulate the immune system, causing inflammation in the body. This inflammation can lead to damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and result in mental health issues like depression and anxiety. LPS and Blood Brain Barrier Now, let’s explore how LPS

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Depression and Anxiety: Understanding the Impact of Gut Microbiota and Inflammation

Depression and Anxiety, Mental Health /

Modern medicine is highly specialized, and when it comes to conditions like depression and anxiety, it’s common knowledge to seek help from a psychiatrist or psychologist rather than a gastroenterologist. It doesn’t make sense to go to a digestive specialist for a problem in our head, right? It goes against what we generally understand. In

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