Depression and Postpartum Depression

Do you identify with these symptoms of Depression?

· Persistent sadness or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

· Significant changes in appetite and sleep, including insomnia or hypersomnia.

· Fatigue or lack of energy.

· Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.

· Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

· Thoughts of death or suicide.

· Physical pain or increased recurrent aches without an apparent physical cause.

Depression is a common condition characterised by a depressed mood, fatigue, insomnia or excessive sleep, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and in some cases, suicidal ideation.

Depression can appear as a side effect of medications or due to substance abuse.

The cause of Depression seems to be related to psychosocial, genetic, and biochemical factors. Abnormalities in the activity of serotonin, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters may directly contribute to depression.

Conventional treatment for depression includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

These medications work by increasing the release, decreasing the reuptake, or inhibiting the degradation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and others in the brain.

Inadequate nutrition is common, especially in people suffering from some illness. Various nutrients play a role in mood regulation, and a deficiency of one or more of these nutrients could contribute to depression. For example, certain amino acids obtained from dietary proteins and a range of micronutrients are necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

mune system, as in the case of autoimmune disease.

6. Infections: Some chronic infections can contribute to Chronic Fatigue, including Lyme disease and herpes simplex and candida virus infection (detailed below)

Reactive hypoglycaemia is one of the most frequent symptoms in depressive processes. There are several possible mechanisms by which hypoglycaemia could contribute to depression.

Firstly, low blood sugar can cause a range of depressive symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a feeling of sadness. Additionally, to raise blood sugar levels, the body may release cortisol, a hormone related to the pathogenesis of depression.

Secondly, hypoglycaemia can also lead to repeated norepinephrine release, which could, in turn, cause depletion of this neurotransmitter.

Thirdly, hypoglycaemia is often associated with insulin resistance, which could affect the uptake of tryptophan and other neurotransmitter precursor amino acids in the brain, thus contributing to neurotransmitter deficiencies.

Moreover, people with depressive states where hypoglycaemia is present may experience worsening symptoms late in the morning or afternoon, before meals, and perhaps slight improvement after eating. They may also have cravings for sweets, chocolates and feel that consuming refined sugar temporarily relieves their symptoms, although they later experience an exacerbation.

Reactive hypoglycaemia is a metabolic disorder that can result from excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, primarily refined sugar. The intake of these rapidly absorbed carbohydrates leads to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, triggering an exaggerated insulin response, causing a decrease in blood glucose.

This hypoglycaemia, in turn, triggers the release of several counter-regulatory hormones, which can lead to continuous fluctuations in blood glucose levels, potentially resulting in reduced glycaemic control. Furthermore, diets high in refined carbohydrates tend to be deficient in micronutrients, which help regulate blood glucose levels.

Other causes of reactive hypoglycaemia include hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and liver dysfunction. Thyroid hormone, adrenal glands, and the liver play key roles in the metabolic regulation of glucose. Another important factor to consider is allergic reactions to foods/intolerances and the clinical cause that connects these allergy or intolerance processes.

As additional information for the reader, hypoglycaemia is also often found in people who have undergone surgeries such as total or partial gastrectomy or gastric bypass, known as Rapid Gastric Emptying Syndrome.

Research has shown that essential fatty acids play a vital role in the development and maintenance of a healthy brain.

Did you know that the human brain has a high lipid content and that its unique composition of essential fatty acids, especially DHA, is crucial for maintaining good mental health?

Studies have found a strong relationship between decreased DHA levels and mood disorders, including postpartum depression. As a result, studies on the appropriate clinical application of essential fatty acid therapies in patients with Depression and Postpartum Depression have been accelerated.

Eating fish during pregnancy can be an excellent way to support future brain development and reduce the risk of asthma and atopy in children by 40%.

Additionally, it can help prevent mood disorders in the mother and prevent Postpartum Depression.

Fish is a rich source of n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

SAMe has also shown significant effects on other conditions associated with Depression and Postpartum Depression and in drug rehabilitation. The benefits and discoveries in these fields are likely due to a combination of SAMe’s effects on brain chemistry and liver function.

Sleep disruption or circadian cycle disruptions is a common symptom in illnesses like depression and can affect a person’s quality of life. Sleep is essential for memory function and hormone production and is influenced by internal factors like tension and anxiety, as well as external factors like light and noise. Disruption of circadian cycles can negatively affect health, significantly reducing your Redox potential, including an increased risk of numerous diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, among others.

Modern society and the lack of contact with nature can also affect daily rhythm and sleep. Therefore, having good sleep quality is important for maintaining good physical and mental health.

A properly planned treatment can change your life.

Have you felt depressed or low on energy? Have you been told that Nutrition has nothing to do with your mood?

Well, you’re wrong!

A balanced diet, a correct combination of nutrients, avoiding refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, and other advice could make a big difference in your emotional well-being. Take control of your life and discover how to improve your mental and physical health,

Take the first step towards a brighter and more vibrant life!

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