Nutritional Help for Depression

In 2002 Dr Wallach and Dr Ma Lan discussed a very serious symptom of nutritional deficiency – Depression – in their books ‘Lets Play Herbal Doctor’ and ‘Lets Play Doctor’ .  Recent Clinical Studies have confirmed their findings, proving yet again how far ahead they both are in understanding the main cause of disease.  We will also discuss the Youngevity products that have been formulated to help assist  and support Gut health which is an underlying factor in the cause of depression. Recent scientific research suggests there is in fact nutritional help for depression.

Patients, who are suffering from depression exhibit suicidal tendencies and to a large degree are usually treated with antidepressants and/or psychotherapy.   In America alone, more than 20 percent of adults are on at least one prescription medication to treat psychological and behavioural conditions of depression and anxiety.  However, new clinical studies have confirmed what Doctor Wallach has been hypothesizing for over 20 years.  Dr Wallach has always held that depression is a symptom, not a disease, and is caused by the lack of certain key nutrients in our diet along with inflammation caused by food allergies and poor micro-biome health.  (Micro-biome – trillions of beneficial microbes that live inside our gastrointestinal tract).

Up until recently, it has been widely believed that depression was the result of a simple imbalance of brain chemicals despite there being not one valid study to support this belief.  Although brain chemicals are certainly part of the cause, this explanation is far too simplistic. Even just considering the biological dimensions of depression, the brain has multiple layers of complexity and uses a number of chemicals as messengers to communicate with other parts of itself and with the nervous system. These chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, are released and received by the brain’s many nerve cells, known as neurons.  The critical players in the synthesis and function of neurotransmitters are vitamins & minerals which are being received by the body through the gut.  But this is not the only issue at play.

Depression is often found alongside gastrointestinal inflammations

Studies have also shown, the interplay between the gut and the brain is a complex and profoundly important relationship to appreciate.  It is now believed that the most powerful path to the brain is through the gut and depression is primarily an inflammatory condition.

On the basis of this accumulating scientific evidence, it appears gut inflammation may be more than just another risk factor for depression; it may in fact be THE risk factor that underlies all others. Our modern lifestyles often mean that we eat nutrient poor foods that are processed beyond recognition and we are also exposed to thousands of modern chemicals and pharmaceuticals that can radically change our gut micro-biome causing imbalances (dysbiosis). Inflammation is the result of these types of conflicts. Further, many people are unknowingly eating inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy that cause allergenic reactions that further activate gut inflammation.

Once inflammation is active, it is highly self perpetuating and can affect the brain via the vagus nerve, causing the production of anxiety-provoking chemicals like quinolinate, (an inflammatory causing neurotoxin) instead of happy chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin.

The most common nutritional deficiencies seen in patients suffering from depression are of omega–3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin C and D and the essential trace minerals lithium, vanadium, chromium and zinc, along with amino acids which are precursors to neurotransmitters.  A healthy diet along with consuming the 90 for life essential nutrients advocated by Dr Wallach has no side effects, and is good for the whole body, not just the brain and gut.

The problem of poor digestion and its accompanying health issues is growing rapidly.   A well balanced digestive system includes probiotic bacteria and good flora.   Youngevity has designed specific products that are designed to assist in the repair and support of the digestive system and they are as follows –

Ultimate Enzymes™
Many of today’s food allergies stem from the lack of certain enzymes.  Enzymes are responsible for functions in the body such as breaking down food, building bones and tissue and aiding in detoxification.  Joint pain and gout can be the result of undigested proteins, fats and minerals which form uric acid crystals that get caught in the joints.  The solution is to replenish the already taxed and depleted enzyme supply.  Youngevity Enzymes are formulated to support all aspects of digestion including absorption.  Better digestion means better absorption and better absorption means better brain health.

Ultimate Flora FX™
We have a symbiotic relationship with friendly bacteria which is living in our intestinal tract because the body uses the fermentation process and the enzymatic activity of this beneficial flora to help us digest and assimilate food and we really could not live without them.  Ultimate Flora FX is a proprietary blend of probiotics blended to support healthy digestive function which is imperative for ideal absorption and the utilization of nutrients.  The probiotic helps to re-establish a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria flora in the intestine. Ultimate Flora Fx™ also contains the prebiotic glucono delta lactone (GDL), a patented, naturally-occurring agent that nourishes the beneficial bacteria in the small intestine, helping to promote intestinal health and better absorption.

Root Beer Belly™
This is a tasty, delicious root beer flavoured, probiotic sprinkle that is a real treat for your digestive system while promoting healthy bacteria in the intestine.  It contains 5 of the most advantageous, microencapsulated probiotic strains on the market.  Being microencapsulated makes it more likely to survive stomach acidity, allowing it to cultivate and provide a healthy immune system while increasing your overall health.

Bio-Lumin Nightly Essence™
This product has an amazing blend of the latest cutting edge systemic enzymes along with a complete panel of 14 different strains of probiotics making it contain the highest level of probiotics on the market.   It is said to be the Queen of probiotics because it is more than a complete panel of acid stable probiotics. The systemic enzymes and other nutrients that have been added are an invaluable addition, making this a very unique product.  When it comes to your gut it’s the good guys verses the bad guys so adding more of the good guys always wins.

At the basis of healthy digestive function Dr Wallach always recommends the mighty 90 for Life essential nutrients to underpin a complete approach to health.

For more information on how to improve your digestion listen to Cerial Killers – Dr Joel Wallach is interviewed by Blake Graham