Depression and Inflammation

Depression and Inflammation

The aim of this article is to talk to you about one way in which Vitamins, Minerals, and Fatty acids can help treat depression.

You probably already know that Omega-3 fatty acids have many beneficial properties. Do you know what foods contain Omega 3?

Research has shown that Omega 3 fatty acids are mainly found in fish of cold water origin, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, anchovies and herring, but are also found in walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

In addition foods with inflammatory properties such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, peaches, mango, melon, apples, carrots, squash, sweet potato, spinach, kale, greens, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts, also grains such as lentils, chickpeas, brown rice, wheat germ and non-instant oatmeal, all contain Minerals and Vitamins which can be used to help prevent and cure depression.

The method by which Depression can be treated involves a reduction in inflammation. By increasing the use of minerals and vitamins such as Folate and B12, which are found from the foods talked about above, we can reduce inflammatory proteins called cytokines.

These Cytokines circulate in the blood as a response from our Immune system. When any tissue in the body becomes chronically inflamed, say in response to toxins or substance abuse, the immune system will release Cytokines which act as chemical signals between immune cells, other Cells and Organs including the Brain. However these Cytokines increase the risk, development or maintenance of illness. People suffering from Clinical depression are found to have 40-50% higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory Cytokines.

The Cytokines released to enhance recovery are believed to induce a change in behaviour having entered our brains. They are associated with mood state changes, neuro-developmental problems, some Psychiatric conditions, social withdrawal, loss of interest in sex, change in appetite, change in sleep patterns, and anxiety. All these are symptoms of depression.

Stress is also a powerful Immune inflammation activating event. Cytokines interfere with the dominant neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – the main focus of the Pharmaceutical approach. Cytokines can also increase anxiety and fear. Not everyone responds to inflammation as a depressive trigger or to the same severity. This depends on genes, hormones, diet, medication, gender, and the environmental and emotional exposures in life.

In addition to Cytokines, indoleamine is released when our immune system is activated against infection, trauma or stress. This enzyme has a key role in controlling some illnesses but also has a role to play in depression. It affects the neurotransmitter serotonin, and results in prolonged inflammation and loss of available serotonin both of which contribute to depressive behaviour. Furthermore the re-uptake of serotonin is blocked by inflammatory chemicals, so the longer the inflammation is there the less serotonin is available. It also limits the biosynthesis of nicotinic acid (B3) which is Needed for serotonin production, further contributing to stress and depression.

In summary, Vitamins, Minerals, and fatty acids can all be used to help treat Depression. However everyone is different and what may work for one person may not work for another. We generally advise all patients to have a Consultation with a Doctor to diagnose the illness, investigate the body’s biochemistry and then advise on the best solutions available which may well involve prescription of an appropriate mixture and dosage of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

These ideas are not new. They have been around since 200AD. Indeed in 1927 Viennese Psychiatrist Julius Wagner-Jauregg won the Nobel Prize for medicine for his work inducing fever through bacterial substrates to affect the course of Depression and schizophrenia. Since then understanding associated with the immune system has grown significantly.

Please note the information for this article comes from ‘Nutrition and Mental Health’ a handbook edited by Martina Watts and is backed up by a range of research and evidence.

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