Depression

Here are just some of the imbalances that can trigger depression:

Adrenal/HPA Axis Dysfunction

Our stressful modern lifestyle too often disrupts normal adrenal function, which is closely associated with depression. Stress, overwork, poor dietary habits, insufficient sleep, and environmental toxins can all trigger an overproduction of cortisol, which is associated with anxiety, insomnia, and loss of libido. If stress levels are high long-term, adrenal function can become exhausted. Insufficient adrenal production is associated with depression, fatigue, laziness, and indifference. Individuals suffering from any of these symptoms benefit from having appropriate labwork run to uncover exactly how the adrenals are functioning so the treatment to recover function can be precise, personalized, and data-driven. Knowing exactly how well your HPA axis is working helps us recommend the best treatment option for you. We can help you identify if overactive or underactive adrenals are the cause of your depression.

Bacterial Overgrowth, Parasitic Infections, and Microbiome Imbalance

Dysbiosis is an imbalance of healthy organisms or impaired microbiota in the intestinal tract. Dysbiosis can occur as a result of bacterial overgrowth, a parasitic infection, or an invasive yeast known as Candida. Dysbiosis and gut inflammation can arise from hidden or subclinical inflammatory conditions. MIcrobial imbalance and the inflammation created by subclinical or hidden infections are associated with depression. When created by a gut infection or imbalance, the source of the depression is usually missed unless appropriate lab work is done to determine the true culprit.

Furthermore, a healthy gut microbiome is full of beneficial bacteria that break down and absorb nutrients from the food you eat, which fuels every process in your body. Gut microbes also help produce serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” chemicals that help regulate your mood. Approximately 80–90% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine are produced by the bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.

When your gut is healthy, adequate serotonin and dopamine are produced, and proper brain signaling can occur. As a result, you’ll feel energized and have an overall greater sense of well being. On the other hand, if your gut is unhealthy, you're more likely to suffer from depression, fatigue, and anxiety.

Nutrient Deficiencies/Imbalances

Brain function and mood rely on many nutrients which can easily be inadequate in our modern diet. Vitamin D plays a significant role in serotonin activity, and serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved with mood. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy brain cell functioning and the reduction of inflammation. B vitamins like folate help clear homocysteine, which is associated with cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. Folate also works to support serotonin production. Known as the building blocks of protein, amino acids are necessary for healthy brain function. Amino acid deficiencies have been linked to depression, brain fog, lack of focus, and general sluggishness. Mineral imbalances also contribute to mood. Excess or deficiency of minerals like zinc, magnesium, vanadium, and copper can promote depression and other mood imbalances. By performing necessary lab work to determine exactly what nutrients are lacking, we take the guesswork out of your treatment program.

Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid hormone insufficiency is a known trigger of depression. Studies have shown that approximately 10-15% of patients with depression have deficient levels of thyroid hormone. Having a complete thyroid panel is important to determine if a thyroid disorder is causing you to feel depressed.

Toxin Exposure

Since WWII, nearly 80,000 new synthetic chemicals have been released into the environment, with approximately 1,500 new chemicals released annually. Many of these chemicals end up in our food, water, air, clothing, and cosmetics. The cumulative exposure that we are experiencing in our modern world can inflame the brain and promote depression. In addition, medications sometimes alter brain chemistry, and certain medications have been shown to trigger depressive symptoms.