Modern medicine rarely, if ever, looks at the underlying causes of chronic disease.  Instead medications are prescribed that cover up the symptoms but don’t really cure anything.

Nowhere is this truer than with DEPRESSION!

Shockingly, the theory behind depression that continues to be parroted by many mainstream medical professionals and the pharmaceutical industry is that depression is the result of some kind of chemical imbalance in the brain that can be magically abated with an antidepressant.

But research into this theory is proving it to be largely false.

For example, in a 2014 white paper on antidepressant use, analyses of the published data and unpublished data that were hidden by drug companies in their testing revealed that most (if not all) of the reported benefits were due to the placebo effect!

Other causes that are more plausible

Regardless of what drug companies claim (and sweep under the rug) regarding their antidepressants, research is showing that these factors can play a big role in the development of depression and should be considered in anyone suffering from the illness:

Blood sugar imbalances

This is commonly the result of a diet heavy in refined carbs including white bread, bagels, hamburger and hot dog rolls, cookies, cakes, pastries, pasta, crackers, chips and soda.

How to help:  To encourage a brighter mood (as well as help prevent type 2 diabetes and obesity, among other things), avoid refined carbohydrates as much as possible.

Low thyroid function

Depression is very often a symptom of a low-functioning thyroid.

How to help:  If you suspect this is an issue for you, ask your doctor to perform the very thorough and accurate "TRH challenge test" also known as the “TRH Stimulation test” to detect low thyroid function.

If low thyroid is diagnosed, ask for natural thyroid hormone support like Armour Thyroid instead of synthetic Synthroid. 

Unhealthy gut microbiome

Inflammation in the gut has been linked to depression, plus your gut is where 90 percent of your body’s serotonin (your natural antidepressant!) is made—so it’s crucial to keep it healthy!

How to help:  Eat gut-loving foods like fermented foods and lots of fresh vegetables.  Also, supplementation with a potent full-spectrum probiotic blend like Super Shield Plus can help repopulate your precious microbiome and keep it in a healthier balance. 

B vitamin deficiency

Vitamins B3, B6 and B12 are essential to strong mental health, and deficiencies are common (especially deficiencies in Vitamin B12).

How to help:  Hydroxaden 2.5 B12 spray provides a therapeutic dose of B12, plus its mental health teammates vitamins B3 and B6, as well as riboflavin (vitamin B2).

Vitamin D deficiency

Studies have repeatedly shown that people with low Vitamin D levels are more prone to depression. 

How to help:  Since most of us don’t consistently get the sun exposure we need to produce adequate Vitamin D all the time, it’s wise to supplement with an outstanding product like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B.

Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA) are vital to mental health--your brain absolutely must have them to function properly, including proper neural functioning, which is now suggested as being an underlying cause of depression. 

How to help: In addition to incorporating more wild-caught (NEVER farmed) fatty fish like salmon into your diet, a high-quality Omega-3 fish oil formula like VitalMega-3 can help support sound mental health.

A disturbing cause of depression that’s largely ignored

Here’s yet another cause of depression that you never hear about.

Prescription medications!

That’s right—over 200 different prescription medications have been either linked to depression or out and out list depression as a potential side effect.  These include:

• Acne medications
• ADHD drugs like Ritalin, which is typically prescribed for children
• Antibiotics like Cipro
• Anticholinergic drugs used for IBS
• Anticonvulsants like gabapentin
• Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin used for anxiety and insomnia
• Beta-blockers for high blood pressure
• Birth control pills
• Certain allergy medications
• Corticosteroids like prednisone
• Interferons used to treat cancer and certain viral infections
• Parkinson’s drugs
• Prescription-strength ibuprofen and other pain medication
• Proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists and antacids used for acid reflux and heartburn
• Smoking cessation drugs like Chantix
• Statins

You have probably noticed that several of the drugs listed above are among the most commonly prescribed drugs…so is it any wonder that our depression rates continue to rise?

Additionally, many of these drugs also increase your risk of suicidal ideation.  Our rates of suicide are at an all-time high, and alarmingly that includes children.

So what do you do now?

If you feel depressed and are on ANY medications, check the package insert to see if depression is a potential side effect.  If so, it’s time to have a conversation with your doctor about alternatives. 

Ask about natural alternatives like fish oil for cholesterol or blood pressure, digestive enzymes for acid reflux, or turmeric for pain relief.  Don’t be afraid to “go there” with your doctor—remember he/she works for you, not the other way around.

Also, having a healthy diet, keeping stress low and getting regular exercise can go a LONG way in improving your overall health and perhaps even negating the need for some of your medications.

Get to the bottom of what may be behind your depression and start feeling better now!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia