New research links bipolar disorder and depression to insulin resistance, revealing mood disorders may be metabolic diseases treatable through diet changes.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the antidepressant activity of L-methylfolate and SAMe supplementation in individuals with depression. Furthermore, the amino acids L-acetylcarnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and N-acetylcysteine have been linked to the development of depression and have been shown to exert antidepressant effects. Other agents with evidence of improving depressive symptoms include zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10.
Recent work highlights coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency as a hallmark of the onset of depression, which is related to oxidative stress pathways. The underlying mechanism of CoQ10 in the treatment of depression is still poorly understood. CoQ10 acts as an important electron carrier in the electron transport chain (ETC). It is known to promote mitochondrial function and plays a key role in ATP production. The therapeutic effect of CoQ10 could be a consequence of the prevention of oxidative damage. It appears that acute and chronic use of CoQ10 does not have serious adverse effects in humans and experimental animals. Furthermore, almost all clinical trials have confirmed the beneficial properties of CoQ10 in the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
Both depression and anxiety disorders have a basis in pro-inflammatory states; these findings have been established in both human and animal models. In recent years, vitamins and components of anti-inflammatory pathways, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, have been identified as promising pathways for reducing anxiety and depression. Studies of antioxidant pathways have also suggested that when stress causes biochemical changes, antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and suppress the oxidative stress pathway, eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that can damage neurons in the brain. Consequently, this process may lead to a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, the gut-brain axis is a complex system in which the gut microbiota communicates directly with our nervous system and provides it with neurotransmitters for its proper functioning. An imbalance in our gut microbiota due to poor nutrition will trigger an inflammatory response that, if prolonged and combined with other factors, can lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression. Changes in the functions of the gut-brain axis have been linked to several mental disorders. Modulating the composition of the microbiome is believed to be an effective strategy for a novel treatment of these disorders. Modifications to nutritional behaviors and the use of ergogenic aids are presented as important non-pharmacological interventions in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression.
Vitamin C deficiency is widely associated with stress-related illnesses. While the efficacy of this vitamin in anxiety spectrum disorders is less established, several studies have shown that ascorbic acid supplementation produces an antidepressant effect and improves mood. Interestingly, the modulation of monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems is postulated as a key target for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of this vitamin. Since ascorbic acid supplementation produces a rapid therapeutic response with low toxicity and high tolerance, it can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, especially those refractory to current treatments.
A meta-analysis has demonstrated the potential antidepressant effect of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a non-enzymatic antioxidant that plays a secondary role, along with enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, in reducing oxidative changes resulting from stress. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, have been implicated in both depression and anxiety. Common natural sources of vitamin E include nuts and vegetable oils.
In another review, the analysis revealed an association between lower anxiety and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, healthy eating habits, calorie restriction, breakfast consumption, supplementation with broad-spectrum micronutrients, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, probiotics, and various phytochemicals. The analysis revealed an association between higher anxiety levels and a diet high in fat, inadequate tryptophan and protein intake, high consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy eating habits.
Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3, are known to influence the modulation of neurotransmitter function. Furthermore, diets low in saturated fat, refined sugars, and processed foods can help reduce inflammation and improve mental health.
Addressing the gut-brain axis: The gut microbiome is becoming a key factor in mental health, influencing inflammation, neurotransmitter production, and brain function. In clinical practice, supporting gut health by promoting diets rich in prebiotics and probiotics can have positive effects on mental health. This may include foods such as yogurt, fermented vegetables, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Supplementation and ergogenic aids: In patients with diagnosed deficiencies or specific risk factors, supplementation with key nutrients, such as vitamins B6, B12, and D, folate, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, should be considered. These nutrients support neurotransmitter synthesis and help regulate mood, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Healthcare professionals should monitor this process.
The studies also included culinary herbs (rosemary, cinnamon, coriander, basil, and nigella), herbal teas (chamomile, hibiscus, and rose tea), the phytonutrients curcumin (present in turmeric), quercetin (present in various vegetables and fruits), resveratrol (present in grapes), saffron and its components, soy and its components, and other phytoestrogenic foods, nut and seed extracts, chocolate and cocoa, and a variety of flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Furthermore, experimental studies in humans with green tea, curcumin, saffron, chamomile, and soy also reported anxiolytic effects. Meta-analyses of experimental studies using chamomile, saffron, and curcumin found a decrease in anxiety symptoms, while the meta-analysis of studies administering resveratrol reported a non-significant improvement. A small number of human experimental studies involved participants with anxiety disorders, including three studies using chamomile, two using saffron, one using curcumin, and one using L-theanine. All trials, with the exception of the L-theanine study, reported a reduction in the severity of anxiety symptoms.
Bipolar - sugar high, sugar crash? Can't force ten pounds of sugar into a one pound bag. Makes a mess doesn't it. Now add in all the extra 'goodies' in the Ultra Processed Foods fare. Now add in all the magic of Marketing Science for Profit to daze and confuse the public. Now add in all the toxins to overload our metabolism with one thing after another that does not exist in Creation/Nature. Now add in add in med's to hide the negatives we are supposed to embrace as "the new normal."
Careful, point such things out and you are a quack, a nutburger, tin foil hatter.
Doc shares the cure, better yet, the preventive path to avoid such things in the first place. Proper balance of carbs, protein and fats with carbs packaged as they have from before there were humans to eat them. Proper carbs from healthy ag practices, not eating Processed sugar out of a bag. Proper carbs absorbed slowly giving energy over a long period - No Sugar Highs, No Sugar Crashes.
More Gut Health, more feed the microbes to feed us healthy compounds, more fuel for the mitochondria to keep us in balance and ready to handle life's challenges.
I like how this frames depression as the body’s warning system, not just “random sadness.” The idea that a scrambled metabolism and morning routine can show up as panic, fog, or collapse feels a lot closer to how people actually experience it. It makes sense to look at blood sugar, light, sleep, and real food as part of treatment instead of pretending the brain is floating around separate from the rest of the body.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the antidepressant activity of L-methylfolate and SAMe supplementation in individuals with depression. Furthermore, the amino acids L-acetylcarnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and N-acetylcysteine have been linked to the development of depression and have been shown to exert antidepressant effects. Other agents with evidence of improving depressive symptoms include zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10.
Recent work highlights coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency as a hallmark of the onset of depression, which is related to oxidative stress pathways. The underlying mechanism of CoQ10 in the treatment of depression is still poorly understood. CoQ10 acts as an important electron carrier in the electron transport chain (ETC). It is known to promote mitochondrial function and plays a key role in ATP production. The therapeutic effect of CoQ10 could be a consequence of the prevention of oxidative damage. It appears that acute and chronic use of CoQ10 does not have serious adverse effects in humans and experimental animals. Furthermore, almost all clinical trials have confirmed the beneficial properties of CoQ10 in the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/767 (2021).--
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128179338000360 (2021).--
https://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/abstract/2024/05000/discovering_the_potential_value_of_coenzyme_q10_as.6.aspx (2024).--
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/5/1697 (2021).--
Both depression and anxiety disorders have a basis in pro-inflammatory states; these findings have been established in both human and animal models. In recent years, vitamins and components of anti-inflammatory pathways, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, have been identified as promising pathways for reducing anxiety and depression. Studies of antioxidant pathways have also suggested that when stress causes biochemical changes, antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and suppress the oxidative stress pathway, eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that can damage neurons in the brain. Consequently, this process may lead to a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, the gut-brain axis is a complex system in which the gut microbiota communicates directly with our nervous system and provides it with neurotransmitters for its proper functioning. An imbalance in our gut microbiota due to poor nutrition will trigger an inflammatory response that, if prolonged and combined with other factors, can lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression. Changes in the functions of the gut-brain axis have been linked to several mental disorders. Modulating the composition of the microbiome is believed to be an effective strategy for a novel treatment of these disorders. Modifications to nutritional behaviors and the use of ergogenic aids are presented as important non-pharmacological interventions in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression.
Vitamin C deficiency is widely associated with stress-related illnesses. While the efficacy of this vitamin in anxiety spectrum disorders is less established, several studies have shown that ascorbic acid supplementation produces an antidepressant effect and improves mood. Interestingly, the modulation of monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems is postulated as a key target for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of this vitamin. Since ascorbic acid supplementation produces a rapid therapeutic response with low toxicity and high tolerance, it can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, especially those refractory to current treatments.
A meta-analysis has demonstrated the potential antidepressant effect of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a non-enzymatic antioxidant that plays a secondary role, along with enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, in reducing oxidative changes resulting from stress. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, have been implicated in both depression and anxiety. Common natural sources of vitamin E include nuts and vegetable oils.
In another review, the analysis revealed an association between lower anxiety and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, healthy eating habits, calorie restriction, breakfast consumption, supplementation with broad-spectrum micronutrients, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, probiotics, and various phytochemicals. The analysis revealed an association between higher anxiety levels and a diet high in fat, inadequate tryptophan and protein intake, high consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy eating habits.
Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3, are known to influence the modulation of neurotransmitter function. Furthermore, diets low in saturated fat, refined sugars, and processed foods can help reduce inflammation and improve mental health.
Addressing the gut-brain axis: The gut microbiome is becoming a key factor in mental health, influencing inflammation, neurotransmitter production, and brain function. In clinical practice, supporting gut health by promoting diets rich in prebiotics and probiotics can have positive effects on mental health. This may include foods such as yogurt, fermented vegetables, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Supplementation and ergogenic aids: In patients with diagnosed deficiencies or specific risk factors, supplementation with key nutrients, such as vitamins B6, B12, and D, folate, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, should be considered. These nutrients support neurotransmitter synthesis and help regulate mood, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Healthcare professionals should monitor this process.
The studies also included culinary herbs (rosemary, cinnamon, coriander, basil, and nigella), herbal teas (chamomile, hibiscus, and rose tea), the phytonutrients curcumin (present in turmeric), quercetin (present in various vegetables and fruits), resveratrol (present in grapes), saffron and its components, soy and its components, and other phytoestrogenic foods, nut and seed extracts, chocolate and cocoa, and a variety of flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Furthermore, experimental studies in humans with green tea, curcumin, saffron, chamomile, and soy also reported anxiolytic effects. Meta-analyses of experimental studies using chamomile, saffron, and curcumin found a decrease in anxiety symptoms, while the meta-analysis of studies administering resveratrol reported a non-significant improvement. A small number of human experimental studies involved participants with anxiety disorders, including three studies using chamomile, two using saffron, one using curcumin, and one using L-theanine. All trials, with the exception of the L-theanine study, reported a reduction in the severity of anxiety symptoms.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286320304915 (2020).--
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/12/4418 (2021).-
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/3/656 (2022).--
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/10/549 (2024).--
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/12/4418 (2025).---
Bipolar - sugar high, sugar crash? Can't force ten pounds of sugar into a one pound bag. Makes a mess doesn't it. Now add in all the extra 'goodies' in the Ultra Processed Foods fare. Now add in all the magic of Marketing Science for Profit to daze and confuse the public. Now add in all the toxins to overload our metabolism with one thing after another that does not exist in Creation/Nature. Now add in add in med's to hide the negatives we are supposed to embrace as "the new normal."
Careful, point such things out and you are a quack, a nutburger, tin foil hatter.
Doc shares the cure, better yet, the preventive path to avoid such things in the first place. Proper balance of carbs, protein and fats with carbs packaged as they have from before there were humans to eat them. Proper carbs from healthy ag practices, not eating Processed sugar out of a bag. Proper carbs absorbed slowly giving energy over a long period - No Sugar Highs, No Sugar Crashes.
More Gut Health, more feed the microbes to feed us healthy compounds, more fuel for the mitochondria to keep us in balance and ready to handle life's challenges.
I like how this frames depression as the body’s warning system, not just “random sadness.” The idea that a scrambled metabolism and morning routine can show up as panic, fog, or collapse feels a lot closer to how people actually experience it. It makes sense to look at blood sugar, light, sleep, and real food as part of treatment instead of pretending the brain is floating around separate from the rest of the body.
Could we just hear YOUR voice Dr M? I hate AI
Stresses me out - I miss your real talks!