Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 people with a cardiovascular disease experiences Major Depressive Disorder or that a diabetes diagnosis doubles your odds of having depression? These type of statistics show the deep connection between our minds and bodies.
Our physical health can have a big impact on our mental health and vice versa. And, with depression being one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, it’s more important than ever to understand the causes of depression and the burden it has on
one’s physical and mental wellness.
Emerging research draws a connection between Major Depressive Disorder, the immune system, and our inflammatory response as a potential cause of depression. Patients with depression can have higher rates of “comorbid inflammatory conditions, including coronary heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.”
Understanding Inflammation
Certain diseases and conditions can lead to painful joint inflammation that impacts your physical health. It happens when your immune system doesn’t work properly. It can release inflammatory chemicals that eventually attack your joint tissue. The same type of response is true when it comes to inflammation and depression except in the case, stress-induced inflammatory signals are transmitted to the brain.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry shows that clinical depression is associated with a 20% increase in inflammation of the brain. It’s possible that psychological stress can also increase inflammation. This is because the inflammatory pathways in the brain interact with every system in the body so individual responses to stress and
inflammation can vary.
How To Fight Inflammation
Omega 3 fatty acids, such as the ones found in fish oil, have long been known for their natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Perhaps this is because omega-3s can easily travel through the brain cell membranes which allows them to interact with
molecules inside the brain that affect the way we feel.
In addition to Omega 3, curcumin has also risen as a natural contender in the fight against inflammation and depression. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory ingredient found in the spice turmeric. Aside from its robust flavor, curcumin has many healing and proactive benefits for our minds and bodies. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can
help reduce inflammation.
The gut-brain connection (microbiome) is an important part of our overall health. But, for some people, a healthy, vitamin-rich diet alone is not enough to fight treatment-resistant depression. And, when medications don’t work, it’s important to
understand your treatment options like TMS therapy.
The link between inflammation and depression still needs to be studied, but we know they go hand-in-hand. At Neurohealth Maine, we believe in transforming lives through better brain health which means we look at our patient’s health as a whole.
Our Brain Mapping technology will record an EEG and send it to experts to analyze your brain function. This is a powerful tool for treatment and relief of your depressive symptoms to help you get on the road to a happier, healthier life.