HOLISTIC APPROACH
According to Dr. Scott Shannon, “Integrative psychiatry, is ecologically sound care of the whole person body, mind and spirit. It encompasses mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual issues, and the ecology of the whole person and his environment. It is also ecologically sound, cognitive in style, scientific in framework, humanistic in approach to the patient, developmental in concept, and collaborative in practice." When it comes to a patient in the functional medicine arena, we have to consider the ecology of the patient, which is a holistic approach. The key is the environmental milieu, where he is suspended or submerged. We know that patients, who live in an environment where air is polluted with toxins, have a higher incidence of coronary artery disease and mental health conditions as well. Soils that are devoid of nutrients and contaminated with pesticides such as glyphosate, adversely affects the human microbiome and contribute to adverse mental and physical conditions. Our social connectivities and spirituality also play a very important role. In addition, one’s body weight, sleep patterns, and other comorbid health conditions each have their own unique role.
DIET
To treat depression, we need to have a very holistic approach that includes exercise, nutrition, acupuncture, hormonal treatments, herbs, and supplements. We know that food is medicine. What is good for the brain is also good for the heart. According to the prior studies like the Mediterranean diet study, we know that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk for Alzheimer's disease and acute coronary syndrome by more than 50%. That led the researchers to dwell into the MIND diet or Mediterranean–intervention for neurodegenerative delay by Rush University Medical Centre, by nutritional epidemiologist, Martha Morris, Ph.D. The MIND diet lowered the risk for Alzheimer's dementia by 53% who followed it vigorously and 35% who followed it moderately well. Then came the Modi-Medi Diet, which was a three-year study on patients with moderate-to-severe depression. Treatments group were provided with 12 food groups including whole grain, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, greens, meats, chicken, and sea food, plus a decrease intake of empty carbs in the beige or empty starches and highly processed foods. Outcome of the Modi-Medi Diet was stunning. There was a statistically significant 7.1 point difference on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Number Needed to Treat (NNT) was 4.1 in the case of Modi-Medi Diet. In the case of the popular drug aripiprazole, it was 10. The treatment group remission rate was 32% versus the controlled group at 8%. The foods contributing to bad moods are high-fructose corn syrup, alcohol, sugar, artificial sweeteners, margarine and hydrogenated oils, deli meats, and other processed meats. High- fructose corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners are known to cause brain inflammation as manifested by higher level of tumor cytokines. According to the neurotransmitters, we know that serotonin help us relax and dopamine help us feel more focused. The fast food industry has contributed to increase risk for depression, greater aggression, anxiety and other mental illness by all altering our levels of serotonin and dopamine. Adding insult to injury, chemicals, such as fluoride, lead and other heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues in our water supply also have a big impact on mood. Fluoride blocks the uptake and production of iodine in the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can lead to severe depression and suicide.
Interesting studies conducted in the detention centers and the schools where sugary beverages and fruit juices were substituted with healthy drinks, and highly processed foods were substituted by raw organic foods, prison inmates behaved much better. Food creating good moods are: flax seed oil, rich in omega 3; sea weeds, high in iodine; avocado, I call it Gods butter; quality protein; grapefruit, lemons, blueberries, grapes, pomegranates, and other fruits high in beneficial flavonoids; Shiitake mushrooms, with vitamin B6; raw nuts with serotonin; wild-caught salmon with vitamin B12, which is very important for our neuronal cell integrity; sesame seeds with tyrosine; berries, with vitamin A, C, and manganese, and a clean water supply. Biochemical individuality can explain why there is a variation in percentages of responses. While the basics vitally apply, one size diet doesn’t always fit all.
ENDORPHINS & MOOD
Endorphins contribute to dopamine production, serotonin, and oxytocin. They are manufactured by our central nervous system. They have a lot in common with prescription anti-anxiety drugs and opioid pain killers, but without the side effects. Below are some natural ways to increase endorphins; the feel good chemicals.
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