Depression affects millions of Americans at some point in their lives.  Americans are looking for answers, but the most common thought, “What is the natural solution for depression”.  While the exact cause of depression remains unknown, the problem appears to be an imbalance of brain chemicals; called neurotransmitters. The nerves of the brain (called neurons) do not actually touch each other; there is a small open space between each nerve. So what “connects” the neurons of the brain and permits the brain to function properly? Neurotransmitters do! Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the communication between neurons in the brain. Neurons, or nerve cells, are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. The communication between neurons occurs at specialized junctions called synapses.  Learn more about the natural solution for depression with functional medicine.

Functional Medicine and Depression

A functional medicine doctor approaches the treatment of depression by conducting comprehensive assessments, taking into account factors such as medical history, lifestyle, environment, diet, stress levels, and genetic predispositions. This holistic evaluation helps identify potential root causes of depression beyond the symptoms. In treating depression, functional medicine takes a patient-centered approach, aiming to treat the whole person by addressing specific underlying factors. Through individualized and effective treatment plans, functional medicine doctors strive to support mental well-being.

Nutrition and Depression

In addressing nutritional aspects, functional medicine doctors conduct thorough nutritional assessments to identify deficiencies or imbalances that could contribute to depressive symptoms. Recommendations may include dietary changes, supplementation with specific vitamins and minerals, or the incorporation of nutrient-rich foods to support mental health.

Blood sugar levels play a crucial role in mood regulation. Functional medicine doctors emphasize a balanced diet comprising complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar. Regular, balanced meals and snacks may be recommended to prevent energy crashes that can impact mood.

Depression and Hormones

Hormones, including those related to the thyroid and sex hormones, are evaluated for potential imbalances. Functional medicine doctors may address hormonal issues through lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, or hormone replacement therapy if needed, recognizing their role in mood regulation.

Gut Health

The gut-brain connection is a key focus in functional medicine. Doctors evaluate the health of the digestive system and may recommend dietary changes, probiotic supplements, or interventions to address conditions like leaky gut, which could impact mental health.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is considered, as it has been linked to depression. Functional medicine doctors explore and address sources of inflammation through dietary recommendations, promoting anti-inflammatory foods, and suggesting lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and regular exercise.

Lifestyle and Environment Factors

Environmental factors are taken into account, including exposure to toxins or allergens. Recommendations involve minimizing exposure to environmental stressors and adopting practices that support detoxification.  Stress management techniques are integrated into treatment plans. Mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques may be recommended to help individuals manage stress effectively.

Functional medicine doctors work with individuals to develop personalized lifestyle plans. This may include optimizing sleep hygiene, promoting regular physical activity, and fostering positive social connections—all of which can positively impact mental health.

Problems With Depression Medications and Imbalances

These vital chemicals are produced by the neurons themselves and when they want to send information to an adjacent neuron they release neurotransmitters. If neuron A wants to “speak” to neuron B, it has to produce neurotransmitters and release them in the open space. The chemicals float over to neuron B, carrying the message from neuron A. Neurons produce different neurotransmitters and each of these carry a different message.

Those who suffer from depression are not making enough of these chemicals and their neurons are not talking; in essence their brains are “disconnected.”  Medications prescribed for depression do not increase neurotransmitters but they can help make the few that are present more available; they make it easier for neuron B to get the message.

One of the problems with these medications is that while they may help make some chemicals more available, they can create an unnatural imbalance in other chemicals. Any imbalance in neurotransmitters will cause problems with the brain and therefore, with how you feel. This is why some people do not respond well to antidepressants or they initially had a good response that faded over time. Medications can create an unnatural imbalance in brain chemicals and dependency.

Functional Medicine A Natural Solution

A better solution is to determine which neurotransmitters are not being produced in sufficient quantities. The next step is to provide neurons with the specific nutrients required to produce more of these essential chemicals. It has been found that individuals who suffer from depression usually require much larger quantities of neuron-nutrients than other people do. Depression sufferers are deficient in the nutrients required to make neurotransmitters. This is a functional medicine approach to depression and the method employed at Naperville Integrated Wellness.

Two Options For Depression

1. Give your neurons what they are starving for (neurotransmitters-producing nutrients) – Providing the brain with balanced nutrients does not cause dependency or side-effects.

2. Take drugs that make neuron deficiencies bearable and something you live with – All antidepressants have serious potential side-effects and often lead to dependency.

Speak To Us About A Natural Solution For Depression

If you suffer from depression, please get the help you need. It destroys quality of life and can even be life-threatening in severe cases. Contact us today for more information on how we can help if seeking depression treatment in Naperville. If you are looking for a functional medicine doctor in Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Wheaton,  Frankfort or Geneva, please contact us today!