What causes depression or depressive disorder? Many think that depression originates from a lack of serotonin, but is that really the case, or is depressive disorder caused by something else? We debunk the myth that antidepressants are the ultimate solution for depressive disorder and what natural steps you can take to combat your disease naturally.
Are Antidepressants the Best Solution for Depression
Whether it be selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRI) millions of people have and are being prescribed antidepressants every day to combat their depressive disorders. Antidepressants work by boosting certain chemicals in your brain, mainly serotonin, called neurotransmitters. While antidepressants can work for some people, upwards of 40% of patients who are prescribed these medications state that the first prescription does not work for them.
What’s happening here is that you have SSRIs or NRIs making much, much more serotonin around your nerve endings. From there your brain takes on the serotonin and you say “Awh, maybe I’m happier.” and maybe it does help for a little while. But, for some patients this sensation is like chewing gum, it only tastes good for a little while and then it starts to lose its flavor. After that initial boost of energy, some patients notice that they become even more tired as the mass amounts of serotonin your nerve endings are producing naturally transform into melatonin, your sleep hormone. This isn’t the only side effect antidepressants can have, they’re also known to cause:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Agitation / Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Weight Gain
- Loss of Sexual Desire
More often than not, antidepressants are prescribed as a catch-all when the problem itself may not be a lack of serotonin at all.
What are Natural Ways to Combat Depression
The truth is, there is research to support that depression is actually an allergic response to inflammation in the brain. It’s far more likely that you are not suffering from a lack of serotonin, but, instead experiencing an inflammatory response, driven by cortisol imbalance, and stemming from an unhealthy or sick gut. The approaches to combating chronic illnesses like depression are complex, however, there are a few healthy steps you can take to help improve not only your depressive disorder but, also your quality of life.
- Supplementation – Probiotics, Polyunsaturated fats (fish oil), and curcumin (turmeric) are all natural anti-inflammatory supplements that work in tandem with the additional suggestions below.
- Exercise – There are many kinds of exercises that can help combat inflammation. Work with your doctor to discover what works best for you. When you exercise you also get a release of endorphins that can improve mood as well. Unlike antidepressants, the endorphin rush achieved by exercise does not diminish over time.
- Diet – Your body prefers natural fats for fuels but with an unhealthy lifestyle can become reliant on sugar and other chemicals that are unfavorable. Work with a professional to find a diet that’s right for you and your body type.
The Epigenetics Healing Center Can Help
The Epigenetics Healing Center can help restructure your diet, exercise, and supplement schedule to combat your depression or depressive disorder. Contact Us Today!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19150053
https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressant-effects#1
Are you ready to restore your life?
Dr. Jay Goodbinder ND DC DABCI is a doctor in Kansas City, MO who serves patients in the surrounding Kansas City areas, cities across the United States, and in several countries around the world.