Major Depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious public health concern. Patients with depression are at least 27 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. Unfortunately MDD is often chronic and patients are highly likely to experience a relapse.
One theory as to why people suffer from MDD is that individuals are unable to synthesize or utilize mood-related neurotransmitters appropriately. This could be genetically linked or it could be due to an epigenetic enzyme deficiencies, environmental exposures to neurologically and lastly Physiological or phycological trauma.
Patients with major depression have inflammatory biomarkers in their blood. These inflammatory cytokines affect all brain chemistry and the immune system. We offer advanced testing to determine levels of these inflammatory chemicals or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Testing is usually covered by insurance.
Inflammatory states have been associated with treatment-resistant depression, suggesting that addressing underlying inflammation may be the key to treatment.
We consider all of your lifestyle habits that contribute to inflammatory states - do you smoke, exercise, what do you eat, have you been tested for heavy metals, what is your dental health like, do you have periodental disease?, do you have gut dysbiosis or food allergies and what is your total body burden?
It is recommended to supplement in order to help MDD because the combination of amino acids, nutrients and botanicals can be designed to help improve mood by providing neurotransmitters and adrenal support. Some vitamins that help include, C, B5, B6, B9, B12 and iodine. As well as the neurotransmitters L-tyrosine, 5-hydroxytryptophan and gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Vitamin C supports adrenal gland function and is known to reduce oxidative stress known to be present in depression. B vitamins are essential for energy and executive function.
Here at Second Nature Naturopathic Care we offer all of these vitamins and more in an IV drip, you can see the benefits almost immediately.