Park Ridge
Cardiology
Park Ridge
Cardiology
| Depression Is Not A Drug Deficiency |
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Depression Is Not A Drug Deficiency A Look Into How We Think
The majority of my patients have a mood disorder, of which depression is the most common. More than 10 % of the population are treated for depression. Depression is predictably a complex problem. There is no “standard” case of depression. It can stem from numerous forms of stress, inherited and cultivated pathways in our brains and from bad habits. Our heavenly Father has made our bodies to have a innate capability to cope, repair and function without self-destructing. Emotional, physical or chemical triggers can disrupt our brain chemistry. There are over 5000 known chemicals in the human brain that function to keep us stable and alive. Any one of them that is not delivered to it’s receptor properly can cause you to be unbalanced and the devil knows this.
SSRIs
Over the last 20 years, a family of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)* have become the most popularly prescribed medicine in the world. SSRIs are used for mild to moderate depression, (not bipolar depression or major depression). SSRIs increase serotonon levels in the brain and are safer than the tricyclic antidepressants discovered in the 1950s. Every medication comes with a very long list of side effects. Any medication can cause any side effect in any given patient at any time. Antidepressants have been shown to be only moderately effective, so what else can I do? Serotonin Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter (the happy brain chemical), it helps relay electrical signals from one neuron to another between the cell ends (synapses). Only 10% of serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where it has various functions, including control of appetite, sleep, mood and anger. 90% of our serotonin supply is found in the digestive tract where it is used to regulate intestinal movements and in blood platelets. In fact, every important chemical in our brain has an identical chemical structure counter part in our human gut. Tryptophan
Serotonin is made via a unique biochemical conversion process using tryptophan, a protein building block, which forms 5-hydoxytryptamine (5-HT), otherwise known as serotonin. Tryptophan is one of 20 essential amino acids in the human diet. Essential amino acids are not manufacture by mammals, who must eat enough to supply their needs. Tryptophan is encoded in the standard genetic DNA code as the codon UGG. Tryptophan is a routine constituent of most protein-based foods. Plant based sources are alkaline (not acidic) and are the best source of tryptophan. Tryptophan is found in: chocolate, oats, durians, mangoes, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, sesame, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, walnuts, almonds, tofu, gluten flour and peanuts. Complex carbohydrates (rice, potato, pasta) may increase serotonin levels some, explaining feel good carbohydrate comfort foods, but the protein content of these foods might actually inhibit serotonin production over time. Although tryptophan is found in red meat, fish and poultry, it competes with other essential amino acids** from flowing to the brain tissue. Therefore, the human body must get enough tryptophan from other sources to make enough serotonin to prevent you from getting depressed (serotonin depleted). Sugar And Serotonin Harmful dietary habits that increase serotonin levels temporarily are, believe it or not, candy and sweets, which are simple carbohydrates. Sugar has the greatest impact on serotonin levels, but only increase serotonin for one to two hours. This may explain the Candy/Chocolate craving so many of my patients have. This has a yo-yo effect on their mood by creating wildly fluctuating serotonin levels in their gut and brain. No wonder they come to me depressed!!! Herbals For Mood St John’s Wort St. John’s Wort-Hypericum Perforatum is a shrub perennial used for mild and moderate depression, (not bipolar depression or major depression and not to be combined with other SSRIs). It’s mechanism of action is illusive, but it is believed to lie in selective inhibition of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine re-uptake in the central nervous system. It’s active compounds are hypericin and hyperforin. Multiple studies have shown an over 50% of improvement in symptoms. St John’s Wort can cause photo sensitivity and cataracts. Consult with your Care Giver to be sure there are no contraindications with other prescriptions you might be taking. SAMe, “Sammy”, SAMe, S-adenosyl-methionine is a natural occurring brain chemical that provides a boost to both mood and outlook. It is formed from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Approved in the US in 1999; it is thought to increase the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) The seeds of an African plant--Griffonia simplicifolia, is the precursor of serotonin. It is metabolized in the small bowel, increasing levels of serotonin in the brain by 5-HTP being decarboxylated to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) by the enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase with the help of Vitamin B6. This over the counter supplement “Tryptophan” (5-HTP) was banned from sale in the US in 1991 for 38 deaths and 1500 having a disabling autoimmune illness called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). It was traced to a contaminant (Peak-X) in L-tryptophan supplied by the Japanese manufacturer, Showa Denko. Since 2002, L-tryptophan (5-HTP) has been sold in the U.S. in its original form. Other Mood Improving Herbs Chamomile has been used for depressed mood and loss of appetite. Feverfew can be helpful for migraines and lifting the spirit. Ginkgo Biloba can increase blood flow to the brain, if lack of blood flow is cause, thus improving your mood. Lavender and it’s aroma can improve the mood, nervousness and insomnia. Lemon Balm can improve nervousness, insomnia and gastric complaints. Valerian can help nervousness, insomnia, stress and anxiety. Food For Mood Omega-3 Omega 3 benefits eye problems, inflammatory diseases because it inhibits prostaglandin E2 (PE2). PE2 contributes to blood vessel inflammation and plaque on arteries. Other anti-inflammatory processes which may be helped include: arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, psoriasis, cardiac dysrrhythmias (atrial and ventricular), PMS, mood disorders and depression to name a few. Flaxseed, a source of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid-ALA) and lignan, has been shown to inhibit melanoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer growth. Two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed a day decreased free testosterone and cholesterol levels, by day 21-43. Low grade prostate disease had a decreased cell proliferation in the flaxseed groups, but a recent study of 47,000 men showed that flaxseed oil may worsen advanced prostate cancer. The reason was high levels of ALA did not convert to the beneficial EPA/DHA omega-3. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are part of the omega-3 family and are found in cold water fish. The enzyme delta six desaturase converts ALA (vegetarian sources) to EPA/DHA, but delta six desaturase is severely inhibited by elevated insulin levels. Thus, anyone: with diabetes type 2, that is over weight, having high cholesterol or high blood pressure can have elevated insulin levels and should not take vegetarian sources for their omega 3, but use fish oil (the only direct source of EPA/DHA)! Omega 3 (alpha linolenic acid-ALA) is found in: Flaxseed 1 Tbs 7520 mg.
English walnuts 1/4 cup 2043 mg. Canola oil 1 Tbsp 1267 mg. Black walnuts 1/4 cup 1031 mg. Wheat germ oil1 Tbs 938 mg. Soybean oil 1 Tbs 927 mg. Green soybeans 1 cup 637 mg. Spinach (canned) 1 cup 353 mg. Avocados ½ cup 132 mg. Almonds 1/4 cup 127 mg. Safflower oil 1 Tbs 55 mg. Turnups 1 cup 50 mg. Banana (medium) 39 mg. Sweet potatoes 1 cup 36 mg. Apple (medium) 25 mg. Potato (medium) 17 mg. Cucumber ½ cup 16 mg. Whole Wheat bread 14mg. Omega 6 essential amino acid (gamma linolenic acid-GLA; is the isomer of ALA). Borage Oil Evening Primrose Oil Black currant seed oil Hemp seeds Spirulina All GLA should be cold pressed Homocysteine Your homocysteine level helps predict how fast you will age, your B vitamin-nutritional status, your immune-system function, and the state of your brain. It also helps show how well your body’s chemistry can roll with life’s stresses. Your body forms homocysteine when you eat any animal or vegetable protein, because it contains the amino acid methionine. But too much homocysteine (like a high protein diet or life long protein only diet-including a typical diet of only meat and potatoes) literally shreds your arteries from the inside out, allowing fat and cholesterol to stick to the walls of your blood vessels. Our blood level of homocysteine is more accurate than your cholesterol number in predicting the risk of a heart attack, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. Thirty years of research has shown that excess homocysteine disables a mechanism in your arterial cells called contact inhibition. Contact inhibition regulates the growth of the smooth muscle cells just below the endothelium (inner wall) of your arteries. This causes smooth muscle cells to multiply out of control, creating a bulge that pushes other layers of the vessel wall apart and causes protrusions into the artery. Your body requires a steady supply of a particular “helper nutrient,” to process, convert and excrete excess homocysteine–B Vitamins. These B vitamins help convert homocysteine into harmless cystathione and methionine. Folic acid is the most important B vitamin in controlling your homocysteine levels. There are over 800 studies demonstrating folic acids’ benefit in fighting homocysteine. All nine of the “B” vitamins (Thiamine B1, riboflavin B2, niacin B3, pyridoxine B6, biotin, inositol, p-aminobenzoic acid PABA, cyanocobalamin B12, and folic acid) are found in citrus fruits, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, Brussel sprouts and fresh leafy green veggies (more below). Blueberries are one of the highest sources of folic acid in a fruit/berry. You need at least nine servings a day if your homocysteine levels are high. Also remember: high levels of folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency and avoid “B” supplements if you have just had a bare metal coronary stent placed. B vitamins are OK with drug eluding stents. The bare metal stent has been shown to close down faster when people were taking B6, B12 and folic acid vitamins, but not when eating foods high in “B” vitamins.
Folic Acid Deficiency Folic acid deficiency can be a direct cause of depression. It is more commonly seen in meat eaters. Sources of Folic Acid:
Chickpeas 1 cup 1114 mcg.
Black-eyed Cowpeas 1 cup 1057 mcg. Lentils 1 cup 831 mcg. Red Kidney Beans 1 cup 725 mcg. Okra pods 1 cup 269 mcg. Navy Beans 1 cup 255 mcg. Spinach 1 cup 109 mcg. Mustard greens 1 cup 105 mcg. Spanish Peanuts 1/4 cup 88 mcg. Fresh Orange Juice 1 cup 75 mcg. B12 Deficiency B12 deficiency is much more common than previously thought. Since B12 accelerates the synaptic function of your nerves, it can directly cause fatigue and depression. Sources of B12 include:
Dry cereal (Total) 3 oz 6 mcg
Fortified breads 1 slice1 mcg Egg 1 lg 1 mcg Soy milk 8 oz 1 mcg Skim milk 8 oz .38 mcg Nutritional (Brewer’s) yeast 1 tsp 1.2 mcg Seaweed products 1/4 cup .002 mcg Spinach organic 1 cup .02 mcg Soybean organic 1 cup .01 mcg Skin of potatoes .01 mcg Fruits and vegetables NONE Heavy Metal Toxicity Lead, mercury, arsenic, bismuth, organotins, trimethyltin chloride, solvents (like carbondisulfide, toluene, perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene) can cause depression, fibromyalgia and mood disorders. The most common sources of lead includes: drinking water, dust, calcium supplements (usually from China), manufacturing environments and lead based paint. Mercury sources include: imported herbs and vitamins, beauty supplies, certain vaccines, and fish (including fish oil capsules). The most common source for arsenic poisoning is chicken. Arsenic is used prior to processing to kill the bird’s parasites. The chronic use of PeptoBismol can cause gray matter changes of your brain, thus mood disorders. Organotins (and organophosphates) are from insect and rodent killers and disinfectants. Industrial workers can show signs of a mood disorder due to various solvent exposures. Heavy metal testing at your Care Provider is available. Low Thyroid (Hypothyroid) 40% of the US population have an underactive thyroid which can cause depression, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss and brain fog. Fluoride (water supplies, tooth care products), a high intake of soy (not tofu or tempeh) and bromide (sodas, breads etc) have been shown to interfere with iodine metabolism and thus inhibit thyroid function. A glutein free diet can help those with thyroid antibodies (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Graves’ Disease). I recommend a blood test including: TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies. Using a prescription thyroid to bring your blood levels up to high normal can improve your mood. Other Causes of Depression
Lack of exercise, any chronic health problem, lack of sleep, legal (nicotine and alcohol) and illegal drug use, absence of social support, caffeine (and theobromine=chocolate, tea), in between meal snacking, movies, TV, video games, internet, high sugar intake, lack of trace minerals–like magnesium, etc. Self help for depression, once you are in the black hole is rarely helpful. Turning to your friends, care provider and family may be your only solution. Changes You Can Make 1. Eat a low fat vegetarian diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. 2. Exercising in the sunlight, markedly improved depression in 75 % of the cases. 3. Music therapy (It worked for King Saul). Rock music has been shown to contribute to depression. 4. Regular restful sleep. Correcting a sleeping disorder can improve chronic pain and your mood. 5. Inner spiritual experience. Daily devotions lift the mood. Nothing tends to promote health of body and soul more than a spirit of gratitude and praise. “Think Happy.” 6. Avoid anger, it can cause depression. 6. Social support (own a pet). As Christians we can play a part in supporting those around us. 7. Hydrotherapy, massage, etc. 8. Three Steps: Analysis of your life, a desire to change, the courage to embark on a new plan for your life. 9. Nutrition and lifestyle choices offer a reasonable expectation of a lasting solution to mood disorders. Help For Depression Isa 58:10,11 Service to others gives peace, Prov 17:22 Keep a smile on your heart, Mt 6:34; Phil 4:6 Don’t worry, 1 Thess 5: 16-18; Phil 4:4-7 Rejoice, pray with thanks, Isa 26:3; Ps 40:1-4 For peace, focus on Christ *Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva),
Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluvoxamine (Luvox) **Tyrosine, Valine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Phenylalanine, and other large neutral amino acids
References:
Barbara, P., “Antidepressant Use Doubles In US, Study Says,” Reuters, Aug 3, 2009. Nedley, N, “Depression, The Way Out,” 2001, Nedley Publishing, Ardmore, OK. Williams, D., “Depression Is Not A Drug Deficiency,” Alternatives, April 2008; 73-80. Lucca, A., “Plasma tryptophan levels and plasma tryptophan/neutral amino acid ratio in patients with mood disorder, patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and normal subjects,” Psychiatry 1995 Jul;9(4):615-626.
The Failure Of Flaxseed To Reduce Prostate Cancer. Am J Clin Nutr, July 2004;80(1):204-216. 15,000 Physicians And Their Homocysteine Levels, Harvard Study, JAMA, 1992; Vol.268, 877-881. “Folic Acid And Stents Don’t Mix,”Cardiology News, Aug 2003:16. Birdsall TC, "5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor" Alternative Medicine Review: Journal of Clinical Therapeutic August 1998;3 (4): 271-80. Wilson, J., “Hypothyroidism: Lacking In Metabolic Fire,” Health Matters, Vol.1, Iss.6, www.gsmcweb.com. |
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