...required metabolites may become depleted in a similar way to leaky gut, dysfunctional mitochondria in the blood-brain barrier can make it become more leaky Dysregulated calcium loss of calcium homeostasis is a major cause of dysfunction in the mitochondria it can be caused by excitotoxicity (over-activation of glutamate receptors which allow excessive calcium influx), misfolded proteins and the saturated fatty acid palmitate mitochondria are sensitive to calcium and respond by making more ATP – excess calcium will overdrive mitochondria leading...
...in psychosis and schizophrenia Problems with brain development, cognition and behaviour including ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia EFAsare necessary for the construction and maintenance of all cells in the body and brain EFAs are an essential constituent of the myelin sheath – sheathssurrounding the nerve cells ensuring they can work rapidly and effectively EFAs are a key constituent of prostaglandins – a group of physiologically active lipid compounds having diverse hormone-like effects in animals EPA and DHA (forms of EFAs) are key...
...reduces the skin’s ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency Diagnosing D deficiency To diagnose deficiency, get a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test, also called a 25(OH) D test: This tests for the inactive form of vitamin D Testing for the activated form of vitamin D does not accurately reflect vitamin D deficiency, even if levels comes up as normal or elevated...
...reduce the amount of phytic acid , , Diagnosis of zinc deficiency The most reliable test is a blood test for plasma zinc, especially if combined with metallothionein studies (Acumen) It is also possible to do a urine or hair analysis, although these are more controversial and possibly less reliable Testing for blood levels of zinc can provide useful diagnostic information, especially when there is a history of alcohol abuse or poor nutrition Magnesium Magnesium is important for maintaining a...
...and we absorb them by breathing, eating, drinking, using personal care products and pharmaceuticals etc. Endogenous toxins are created in our bodies, usually by compromised digestion, inefficient metabolism, or poor detoxification Some common toxins, their sources, and their effects Exogenous toxins are found in many of the things we encounter every day, from cleaning products to tap-water. Endogenous toxins, meanwhile, are produced by the body itself. Below are some common sources of toxins. Alcohol Alcohol abuse can damage our brains...
...your gut lining and prevent the optimal absorption of nutrients Insome people, gliadin can produce a similar effect to the antibodies that attack the thyroid gland in autoimmune conditions While one condition has nothing to do with the other, the symptoms are often the same – fatigue, loss of enthusiasm, mild to moderate depression, unexplained weight gain and hair loss In cases where these symptoms are present but thyroid tests all prove to be normal, always recommend that clients have...
...The word “inflammation” comes from the Latin word “inflammare” which means “to kindle or set on fire”.The inflammatory response consists of redness, heat, and swelling, either internal or external, and is the normal response of living tissue to injury or infection. Inflammation is a complicated process involving more than just the activation of the immune response. It has a diverse effect on many organs of the body, including the brain. Inflammation and mental health The association between the immune system...
...variety of vegetable proteins from legumes, whole grains, nuts, sprouts, hemp, vegetables, dairy (unless you are intolerant or vegan) and organic soy products. Also consider supplementing with protein powder or free-form amino acid blends If you are a vegetarian, the most complete forms of protein is found in eggs. Organic and/or free-range eggs If you are vegan, you can get protein from Quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, mycoprotein (quorn) Rice and beans/lentils/chickpeas Spirulina Nuts (almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, hazel nuts,...
...mitochondrial integrity. Damaged mitochondria and lead to damage gut and blood brain barriers, and damaged gut can compromise the mitochondria. many lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species support the gut-brain axis by curbing inflammation and cortisol levels, which can result in a reduction of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Read more about how to heal your gut. Detoxify Read more about how to detoxify for better mental health. Encourage appropriate mitophagy and biogenesis through hormesis Ways to promote mitohormesis: Love and bonding...
...with sleep disorders, stress, and depressive symptoms in both men and women Frequently using a computer without breaks further increased the risk of stress, sleeping problems, and depressive symptoms in women A combination of both heavy computer/laptop use and heavy mobile use made the associations with sleep issues even stronger Finally, social media in particular has been closely linked with depression. It can make us compare our lives with other people’s, and lead to lower feelings of self-worth, or higher...
...on neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain which play a key role in relaying information, regulating behavior and modulating mood. Although the relationships are often complex, neurological and mental health issues often involve imbalances in neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals including: GABA – for calm and focus Serotonin – for mood, sleep and appetite regulation Norepinephrine – for arousal, alertness, attention and action Dopamine – for pleasure, motivation and reward BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic...
...information, advice and criticism of our selves and compensate any maladaptive attitudes and behaviours that limit our potential Word associations test or ‘free associations test’ The patient is asked to say the first things that come to their mind after the therapist says something Response time is recorded and used to indicate activated unconscious complexes related to certain problem words Creative activities: methods of self-expression, such as painting, drama, dance, sand playing, dream journaling etc., Can help patients engage with...
...Continue to do a small breath hold followed by normal breathing for 10 to 15 seconds until your symptoms have passed Reduced breathing exercise or shallow breathing Relax all your muscles in any comfortable position with a straight spine, which is favorable for complete relaxation. Such relaxation normally produces a quiet spontaneous exhalation. Now follow these steps: Pinch your nose with two fingers and hold your breath for about 1-2 seconds Since the feeling of air hunger at the end...
...Our attention and focus Our anxiety levels Key neurotransmitters and their effects on mental health There are many different neurotransmitters, and when they are imbalanced, they can contribute to a wide range of mental health symptoms. Below are some of our key neurotransmitters, and examples of the effects they can have. The role of neurotransmitters in mental health issues The relationship between neurotransmitters and mental health issues is a complex one. But some mental health issues do seem to involve...
...women also have testosterone, men have it in greater quantities. It is produced in the testes for men, and in the ovaries for women, but also in smaller quantities in the adrenal glands in both sexes. Testosterone and mental health Both men and women produce testosterone – in the gonads (testes for men, ovaries for women) and also small amounts in the adrenals. While testosterone is considered a “male” hormone, women also make it, and need it, though in much...
...the middle of the night Intolerances to food (gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, sugar), which can lead to gut inflammation, and also cause our cortisol levels to rise A lack of healthy bacteria in our diet, which can lead to gut dysbiosis Possible effects of poor sleep on mental health Research shows that our mental and physical issues may become worse if we sleep for fewer than seven hours. Over time this can contribute to, or exacerbate, problems including: Irritability...
...example undiagnosed food intolerances, infections and stress, can cause the tight junction of the gut lining to become ‘leaky’ — a condition known as ‘leaky gut’ or ‘intestinal permeability’. Age Studies show that intestinal inflammation and forms of intestinal permeability have been documented to increase with age. A causal factor is a natural decline in stomach acid production as we age. By age 50 most women and men produce less than half the stomach acid they did in their twenties....
...Healthy connections with others, healthy relationships, and a healthy community are essential for our mental health, and can often be the difference between life and death when it comes to suicide. Feeling that you are connected to others, that you matter to others, and that your life is important to those in your life, is often a key to survival in the face of suicidal ideation. Often, those who have suicidal ideation feel that they don’t matter to others, that...
...Nurture healthy relationships Healthy connections with others, healthy relationships, and a healthy community are essential for our mental health, and can often be the difference between life and death when it comes to suicide. Feeling that you are connected to others, that you matter to others, and that your life is important to those in your life, is often a key to survival in the face of suicidal ideation. Often, those who have suicidal ideation feel that they don’t matter...
...mood”. Mild depression Superior to placebo for depression based on a review of 23 randomized control trialsof 1,757 patients “A number of well-controlled studies comparing the St. John’s wort extract to prescription antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) have found St. John’s wort to be comparable in effectiveness, but superior to prescription drugs with regard to tolerability” While St. John’s wort has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants in the treatment of mild depression,...