Is inflammation the main cause of depression?

Is inflammation the main cause of depression?

Did you know that chronic inflammation can play an important role in your mental health? If you or a family member suffers from conditions such as depression, it may be due to significant inflammation in the body. This can be combated naturally with the help of alternative practitioners.

According to a 2012 study published in theNeuropsychopharmacologyJournal, depressed patients were found with inflamed cytokines and acute phase proteins. The development of depressive symptoms has also been linked to the administration of inflammatory stimuli. Research shows that interactions can occur between inflammatory cytokines and multiple pathways that directly affect your mental state, including monoamine metabolism.snapticPlasticity,neuroendocrineFunction and neurocircuits. These are all known to regulate your mood.

Other factors include your diet, stress, leaky gut, and an imbalance of regulatory and pro-inflammatory T cells. You can consult with alternative practitioners to find out more.

How inflammation causes depression

In one model, depression is thought to be caused by inflammation because your body is trying to protect itself from an inflammatory response. This process uses neurotransmitters and hormones. Various depressive symptoms may occur, including cognitive changes, metabolic changes, flat mood, avoidance, and slowed thinking.

The cytokines contained in your blood as well as inflammatory messengers such as interleukin-1, CRP,TNF-alphaand interleukin-6 may predict or correlate with depression. For example, if you have depression or bipolar disorder, your white blood cells promote the secretion of cytokines while reducing sensitivity to cortisol (the stress hormone). Cortisol is also responsible as an inflammatory buffer.

Both inflammatory agents release information into your nervous system and stimulate your vagus nerve, which connects your brain and gut. When inflammation is present, brain cells known as microglia become activated, which then results in decreased production of serotonin and melatonin and an increase inNMDA. This is an amino acid that can cause fear and anxiety.

Improve the mood withAnti-inflammatory agents

In one study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given immune-related medications and then brain scans. The results showed that her brainneurochemicalThe circuit had changed significantly. This opened avenues that would help alleviate depression. There is also evidence that people with overactive immune systems do not respond as wellAntidepressants.

There are various methods that alternative practitioners use to help patients combat depression. Some may offer services such as chelation and hormone replacement therapy.

Inspired by Katie Spiess