It might surprise you to know that the serotonin theory of depression has never been proven.
Despite the billions of dollars being spent on antidepressants that enhance serotonin in the brain, studies attempting to correlate low serotonin with depression have never panned out.
Some studies have even shown that depression may be related to high serotonin.
Which might explain why the best studies show that, for most people, there is no benefit to antidepressants over placebo.
So what do we know about the biochemistry of depression?
The most strongly correlated depression markers are those associated with inflammation – CRP (used to predict heart attack) and IL6. Unsurprisingly, depression and heart disease are strongly linked.
So when it comes to balancing your biochemistry naturally, addressing inflammation is an essential target.
How do you reduce inflammation? The following natural interventions have been shown to reduce systemic inflammation and reduce depression.
- Eat a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. Aim for 5-7 servings daily to get the full antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mood benefits.
- Meditate – meditation stimulates the vagus nerve (essential for relaxation and proper digestion), and reduces the size of the amygdala – the part of the brain involved in fear.
- Exercise – improves cardiovascular health, and lowers blood levels of inflammatory cytokines.
It’s time to stop thinking of depression as a disease isolated to the brain. That’s as outdated as treating cardiovascular disease as simply a heart issue. By treating the whole person, you not only decrease the likelihood of side effects and relapse – there’s a good chance you’ll come through better than ever.
Teray Garchitorena Kunishi, ND
Get in touch at http://www.deeplyhappy.com/contact/
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