Clinical depression is a multifactorial condition leading to a reduction of metabolism in brain tissue disrupting neurotransmitter synthesis and flow. The following factors contribute to these pathologies, order sorted for its magnitude as a contributing factor to depression may vary based on personal context.
Time in the sun surrounded by tree's that reflect infrared light and friends is a huge boost to the mind and body.
Emphasizing quality over quantity can increase depth in relationships, if the majority of our relationships are formed over chat, text, email, dm and phone our relationships will suffer. Browsing social media can trick us into improperly filling a void that we could otherwise be filling with authentic human experiences. Spectating other peoples curated experience gallery's can also push our subconscious into comparison the thief of joy.
Quality over quantity also for things we own, each item we own also own's a piece of us.
Are we operating in our passions and balancing our ambitions with what creates value for us and the people around us.
Study's show that taking altruistic action can blunt the effects of depression by turning our attention outwards. As our culture advances it is possible that multiple forces are turning us inwards. It is difficult to understand if the new methods of passing time are allowing us to become beneficially introspective.
Instant gratification has separated us from both ourselves and our community. We must define our values and have something to aim for.
Mycotoxins can be acquired through the air we breath or contamination of the food that we eat. This is why it is important to test living or workplace environments and make the necessary adjustments to blunt the growth of mold or fix areas where water and moisture can enter. Mycotoxins steal heme from the host vital for its own neurotransmitter synthesis.
Heavy metals can cause direct neurological damage and secondary damage by blocking copper essential for collagen production. Mercury amalgam fillings, farmed fish, large fish and other seafood can be sources of heavy metals like mercury, lead and cadmium. Since copper is also essential for proper iron metabolism a drop in heme availability to tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase will result in a reduction of dopamine and serotonin synthesis.
Our bodies require minerals, vitamins, high quality ruminant animal fat, protein, quality carbs from white rice and fruit to function optimally. One major disruption that can affect neurotransmitter flow is the impairment of iron metabolism, this condition is widespread and almost totally underrecognized. Trace mineral deficiencies are the number one cause of iron metabolism impairment.
Omega 6 consumed in excess has been demonstrated to cause a destruction in the mitochondria's ability to produce ATP. Further evidence for this can be observed on the Omega 6 page under Nutrition.
Solving the impairment of neurotransmitter synthesis and flow.
Attempting to balance neurotransmitter levels with receptor blockers is dangerous and is the method pharma has fooled practitioners into prescribing. This is irresponsible and incredibly dangerous as it adds another level of damage to someone who is already afflicted by trauma. It is of paramount importance to isolate the leading contributor of the individuals depression whether that be biotoxins, heavy metals, excess omega 6 consumption, bacterial infection and begin to treat them for that immediately. Genetic results can help guide mineral dosing, a simpler approach may be to gently introduce minerals all together as a gentle symphony.
Increasing NAD with nicotinic acid (B3) proven to be therapeutic in depressive disorders.
Vitamin B3 nicotinic acid can help increase energy metabolism that is often a contributing factor in depression. A small 10 mg dose per meal is perhaps all that is needed. Studies have shown that chronically elevated levels of B3 in the blood can be damaging to the liver, so avoid large dose niacin with Inositol hexanicotinate that cause timed release. B3 increases the bioenergetic state of the brain tissue via the creation of NAD and support of ATP production. It is also a cofactor in the production of various neurotransmitters.
Supporting the Production and Flow of Dopamine and other Neurotransmitters
Interrupted iron metabolism is likely the leading contributing factor in the development of neurotransmitter related depression. Essential trace minerals are essential for the restoration of iron metabolism, since the body often has plenty of iron hiding in tissues we just need transferrin and ceruloplasmin to transport iron back into the blood. Iron overload can impair the utilization of copper leading to copper toxicity. Ironically copper is the treatment to copper toxicity as iron absorption can be reduced with copper and restore its proper metabolism in the body. Without proper iron metabolism we cannot synthesize heme a critical cofactor for the manufacturing of all neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B6 is also a cofactor for Tyrosine Hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for converting the amino acid Tyrosine to Dopamine. Copper, Magnesium and vitamin C aid in the conversion and protection of neurotransmitters. While riboflavin (Vitamin B2) aids in the recycling of BH2 back into BH4 that is another required cofactor of Tyrosine Hydroxylase.
Other important notes for receptors and re-uptake transporters.
Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) is downregulated by low heme, important to correct what may be causing low iron rather than supplementing iron. Fungal, bacterial and viral infections can feed on blood iron giving a false sense of iron deficiency. It is important not to dose supplemental iron. In almost all cases it is easy enough to get iron levels back up by consuming heme iron rich ruminant animal meat. Ensuring you have proper intake of riboflavin from animal foods can also be important for this receptor and related process's.
Dopamine re-uptake transporter SLC6A3 can be upregulated with sodium or downregulated by welding fumes, BPA, PCBs cocaine, nicotine meth, Ritalin and Wellbutrin. Important to be informed on this one as a medical practitioner when dosing Ritalin or Wellbutrin because it can easily be inappropriately prescribed. But as ill discuss later their are better actions to take than Ritalin and Wellbutrin.
Genetic variations or environmentally related downregulation of the DBH gene can cause a drop in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. This can result in anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), lethargy (lack of energy), inattention, memory problems, sleeping problems, low blood pressure, low blood sugar and changes in heart rate. Slow function in the DBH gene is not the only culprit for low levels of norepinephrine however. PQQ can be a great nutrient to support DBH and other reactions in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.
Supporting the Production of GABA
Nutrients such as glutamate, B6, zinc, magnesium, iron and vitamin c are essential for the production of the GABA neurotransmitter that is required for healthy mood regulation and gut peristalsis.
Supporting the Production of Acetylcholine
Choline, B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B1 (Thiamine) and antioxidant vitamins C and E are important to protect Acetylcholine as it is vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Adequate sleep with physical and mental stimulation can support the release and utilization of acetylcholine in the brain and gut.
Solving puzzles and physical activity encourage the release of acetylcholine.
Supporting the Flow of Serotonin
The HTR3A and HTR3B serotonin receptors may be fast or slow depending on some genetic variations or environmental situation affecting the speed of those serotonin receptors.
Chronic stress downregulates the HTR1A serotonin receptor important to eliminate stress so that we do not have a over accumulation of serotonin.
Acute high stress can upregulate HTR2A and caffeine and smoking can upregulate HTR2C.
Further down the chain serotonin can also get transformed into 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde and can cause issues if aldehyde processing genes are not supported by sufficient bile flow, zinc and B3.
Tryptophan Hydroxylase gene is required for the production of serotonin, question is, are we serotonin deficient or do we have accumulations in the presynaptic clefts or elsewhere. All scenarios require differing actions and knowing where our genes need support can be helpful in difficult situations. Emerging evidence is demonstrating that serotonin deficiency is extremely rare and not a cause for concern. It is preferable to increase the metabolism of serotonin rather than to inhibit it with SSRI drugs. Foods that contain high quantity's of tryptophan could be detrimental in this case and so can foods that contain exogenous serotonin like bananas (especially in the stringy parts that should be peeled away) and kiwis.
Excess serotonin can be an inhibitor of the bio energetic state and since depression is linked to a drop of ATP in the brain it is advisable to avoid over consumption of items that would encourage excess or buildup of serotonin. Another reason why stress is absolutely destructive to our health.
Broadly speaking following the steps I have outlined in my PDF available from easy signup on the home page.