NPR article highlights various research and doctors weighing in on an interesting theory that inflammation and infection can lead to depression.
“Inflammation in general, not exclusively inflammation caused by infection or direct effects of infection itself, as a major contributor to mental maladies.”
Several doctors go on to describe how their studies and research has shown a correlation between our body’s inflammation — whether stirred up by infection or by other factors — contributes to or causes mental illness.
Now, this theory comes with caveats, at least in terms of potential treatments. Trials testing anti-inflammatory drugs have been overall mixed or underwhelming.
How infection and other causes of inflammation and overly aggressive immune activity may contribute to depression and other mental illnesses — and whether or not it’s actually depression driving the inflammation — is still being investigated, and likely will be for some time. But plenty of leading psychiatrists agree that the search for alternative pathologic explanations and treatments for psychiatric disorders could help jump-start the field.
NOW, WHAT TO DO WITH THIS INFO?
Well, after my experience and having the chronic inflammation and pain years, yes I can say my mood wasn’t good. However, if you’re in pain and can’t live your life, that would make someone sad. So commonsense would tell us that the correlation is there; however, it’s possible that the two may go hand-in-hand rather than one physically cause the other!
Either way, no one wants to be sad or in pain! There comes a time when you need to make changes (natural ones!) to fight the inflammation, the pain and the blues!
So with this new found information, we now know we need to keep our body super healthy and fight inflammation. We can do this by using vitamin supplements, stress-reducing exercises and choosing the right foods!
Harvard Health Reports “Doctors are learning that one of the best ways to reduce inflammation lies not in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator. By following an anti-inflammatory diet you can fight off inflammation for good. “The Mediterranean Diet”, rich with fatty fish, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables has been said to help lower inflammatory markers — most notably, Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that omega-3s may help RA patients lower their dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whereas, carbs, high fat and all that processed food contributes to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. So yes, food is the way but we can’t always fit in All that goodness into our daily diet.
That’s when supplementation comes in…. Some vitamin supplements have been known to fight inflammation include fish oil, turmeric, and even the controversial medical marijuana.
I truly notice a difference in my inflammation (and therefore pain) when I eat bad food or forget to take my vitamins! For me, the most noticeable would be my multi-vitamin, which ya’ll should be on!!! Then there’s these key supplements that I feel my muscles yelling at me, if I’m traveling or just being bad about taking them:
– Magnesium has been life-changing for me to keep my inflammation in check! I have found that specifically in the form of the powder found in Natural Vitality Natural Magnesium Calm. I take the night version with GABA and melatonin, that calms my my body and mind to send me off to sleep!
– Fish Oil. Since I’m not a huge fish eater (fisherman dad), I need to be sure to supplement fish oil daily into my diet!
– Copaiba Vitality Essential Oilhas been a big help when I’m having a rough day. I take a drop of Copaiba in a vegetable capsule daily to promote wellness and stay ahead of my muscle’s natural inflammatory process! I add an extra drop when I’ve had a hard workout or I’m hurting. (This oil is in the in Premium starter kit). You can also rub Copaiba on sore muscles.
Take Away
We all know that elevated stress levels are bad for your health too, sounds like a vicious cycle where the sick and sad, get sicker and probably sadder! The important thing is to not just chase symptoms, try to find root causes of inflammation, and stay on omega-rich whole foods. Of course sleep and stress rates affect inflammation and mood too so try some meditation, deep breathing, essential oils and (the always easier said than done) live a healthy, active lifestyle.
Stay tuned for more ideas!
Plants Power Purpose 