ALL NATURAL ADVANTAGE

Natural Healthcare And Advice

Mood Disorders

Genetic Susceptibilities

Our genetic makeup and hence individual biochemistry plays a major role in determining the factors that will affect each of us and how these impact on our mental health. Certain people may have a disposition to deficiencies in certain nutrients and hormones which can lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters and the development of mood / mental disorders. Neurotransmitter imbalances can be genetic in nature and involve abnormal absorption, metabolism and / or storage of key nutrients. Our individual biochemistry can help to determine which nutrients are individually required to balance health and prevent more serious disorders. Some examples include:

Pyroluria

This genetic condition is related to an error in pyrole chemistry. These people have a chemical called kryptopyrrole detectable in their urine, which binds with vitamin B₆ and zinc, depleting the body of these nutrients. Symptoms associated with pyroluria: explosive temper, mood swings, poor short-term memory, frequent infections, fearfulness, continuous stress and anxiety.

Low Magnesium

A high proportion of the population is deficient in this vital mineral, magnesium. Magnesium has a calming effect on the body and is required for many of the body’s metabolic processes. Common symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency include: an exaggerated startle response, anxiety, palpitations, ramping, irregular heartbeat, premenstrual syndrome.

Elevated Stress Hormones

Chronic stress can lead to excessive stress hormone levels circulating within the body and the normal regulating mechanisms may no longer be able to cope. Chronic stress depletes the body of many vital nutrients. The body cannot begin to cope with chronic stress without these vital nutrients. Some signs of nutrient depletion include an inability to cope with stress, fatigue, depression and impaired immunity.

Nutrients which can be invaluable for helping the body cope with stress include: magnesium, vitamin B₅, vitamin C, tyrosine, tryptophan, acety-l-carnitine and phosphatidylserine.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Any digestive disorder will affect the absorption of nutrients. Abnormally low or high hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, a “leaky gut” and inflammatory bowel disease (such as irritable bowel syndrome or gluten sensitivity) can contribute to deficiencies in certain nutrients and promote food sensitivities. This can lead to protein (amino acid) deficiency and directly affect the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood. If the integrity of the gut lining is damaged toxic substances may also be passed through into the bloodstream affecting mental health.

 Hormone Imbalance

Research has discovered that anxiety disorders are associated with abnormal levels of certain hormones. People with anxiety tend to have higher than usual levels of a hormone called, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), which switches on the stress response by initiating cortisol production (the main stress hormone). Other hormone secreting glands are also stimulated resulting in the dominance of certain hormones and inducing deficiencies in others. Low thyroid hormones are associated with depression and anxiety. An imbalance of the oestrogen to progesterone ratio can contribute to decreased blood sugar control, impaired immunity, migraines, mood swings, depression and violent outbursts. Low testosterone is associated with lack of interest and passive behaviour, whereas elevated levels are associated with aggression.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Individuals suffering from mood disorders may be deficient in particular nutrients and must be supported with appropriate nutritional supplementation.

Nutrients of particular importance

•    Vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B₆ and folate: low levels are associated with mood disorders

•    B complex vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, vitamin C, etc are all essential cofactors involved in maintaining a good balance of neurotransmitters involved in mood and behaviour

•    Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA): DHA is essential to healthy brain functioning and inadequate levels may contribute to depression, poor concentration and memory

•    Specific amino acids essential for neurotransmitter health include tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histamine and glutamine.

Herbal Medicine In Mood Disorders

Herbal medicine has a long tradition in treating mood disorders successfully, without the unwanted side effects of prescription medications.

Hypericum perforatum is famous for its application for nervous tension and has a reputation as restorative for depression and anxiety.

Ziziphus jujuba has been used widely in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. 

Piper methysticum is used in conditions associated with anxiety especially when associated with depression, nervousness and stress.

Scutellaria laterifolia helps rebalance the adrenal (stress) hormones and is therefore useful during nervous exhaustion and depression.

Warning

Please seek professional advice when selecting supplements. Self-prescribing is not recommended and supplements should not be taken in conjunction with current medication without proper supervision.

If you believe that you may have a mood disorder, we have a  Comprehensive Mood Appraisal Questionnaire to assess any nervous system neurotransmitter imbalances you may have available at our clinic. Don’t suffer in silence, book an appointment and get an initial assessment using the questionnaire and follow up pathology testing can be organised if required.  

For advice or to book a consultation call (03) 8802 7687 or email me. 

Always seek a consultation with a qualified practitioner first before trying any new treatments.

Natural therapies through a qualified practitioner, specialising in your disorder, provides safe and effective treatments that work.

Disclaimer

This website has no financial connection to the supplement or health products industry.

The information on this website is provided as a guide to your healthcare options only.  The All Natural Advantage website makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and should not be relied on as a sole source of information.  We take no responsibility or liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any expenses, losses, damages or costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason including but not limited to, you deciding whether or not to choose specific treatment based on the information.

Please contact me or another qualified health professional before embarking on any health treatment program

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Last modified: 06/01/08