Depression may be a result of inflammation.
Recent research indicates that the body’s inappropriate response to inflammation may be the cause of depression and other mental health imbalances. Inflammation is an early stage in the body’s response to infections, injuries, and foreign matter (proteins, foreign bodies, etc.). When inflammation is initiated, the body sends a variety of immune cells and proteins to the site. Among the first responders are molecules called cytokines which serve as the coordinators of the immune response. As with many bosses, cytokines can sometimes be overly enthusiastic and command too much of their subordinates -in this case, immune cells. Not to be overlooked is the fact that many depressed people are saturated with cytokines and have excessive inflammation throughout the body.
First things first, stop feeding the fire. A major contributor to inflammation is the diet. An anti-inflammatory, whole-foods diet rich in colorful vegetables may help to reduce inflammation. Eliminating inflammatory foods like soda, sugar, wheat, (carbs in general), white potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (nightshade plants) and processed foods may also be beneficial. Hydration with ample amounts of clean water to help your body to wash away cellular waste is critical to any wellness plan.
Natural antioxidants that fight inflammation include turmeric, vitamins C and E, and high quality fish oil. Leafy greens like spinach and kale along with most brightly colored vegetables typically carry and arsenal of anti-inflammatory molecules.
According to a January, 2015 article by Feelguide, “By treating the inflammatory symptoms of depression — rather than the neurological ones — researchers and doctors are opening up an exciting new dimension in the fight against what has become a global epidemic. Caroline Williams of The Guardian writes: “The good news is that the few clinical trials done so far have found that adding anti-inflammatory medicines to antidepressants not only improves symptoms, it also increases the proportion of people who respond to treatment, although more trials will be needed to confirm this.””
NUW Immune Balance Spray
Keeping in mind that most prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs bring with them a variety of toxic side effects so with the pharmaceutical route, you may be trading inflammation for kidney and liver toxicity. Eliminating the causes of inflammation and supporting the body in naturally balancing the cytokine response may yield better holistic results in the long run.
While lifestyle and dietary improvements are paramount, there may be some help in balancing the cytokine response to inflammation. NUW Immune Balance Spray is a bovine colostrum immune balancing spray containing Proline-Rich Polypeptides (PRPs), which help to modulate normal immune responses.* PRPs are information-carrying proteins (peptides) with amazing adaptability. In times of immunological challenge, they enhance immune activity by promoting the production of cytokines.* Conversely, when the immune system unnecessarily reacts to environmental factors through cytokine production, PRPs send signals via specific cell receptor sites to decrease the production of cytokines.* PRPs help regulate the thymus gland (the body’s central command for the immune system), stimulating an underactive immune system or down regulating an overactive immune system.* They inhibit the overproduction of lymphocytes and T-cells and may help reduce minor symptoms related to allergies, swelling and tenderness.* Statements not evaluated by the FDA.
The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe for any disease or condition. Always consult your healthcare provider when making wellness choices.
