depression

According to the WHO, major depression is expected to rank as the second leading cause of disease burden worldwide in the near future. Depression has been such a mystery for years, but now it appears that the mystery is unfolding and revealing one of its potential causes – inflammation. I was referred to a very interesting research by one of my patients that indicates that depression may be associated with an allergic reaction to inflammation. This is especially enlightening to those of us who are dealing with or have dealt with the deep emotions associated with healing Breast Cancer. I think understanding the possible relationship between depression and inflammation is especially important to be aware of as you work at Healing Your Emotional Wounds. What’s the link between inflammation and depression? When we’re injured, stressed out, and exposed to toxins, our immune system reacts through inflammation. That’s when the body pumps various cells and proteins, including cytokines, into the Anxiety word cloud concept with abstract background The link between inflammation and depression is getting clearer. blood stream. Cytokines are a class of proteins that support intercellular communication and immune responses. It just so happens that those who battle depression are loaded with cytokines. According to a study article in Affective Disorders, ” Cytokines have received increasing attention as potential mediators of the interaction with immune, neuroendocrine system and specific pathways involved in mood, energy, and activity control.” “Cytokines skyrocket during depressive episodes and, in those with bipolar disorder, halt in remission,” Eleanor Morgan of VICE UK was quoted as saying. “The fact that ‘normal,’ healthy people can become temporarily anxious or depressed after receiving an inflammatory vaccine — like typhoid — lends further credence to the theory. There are even those who think we should re-brand depression altogether as an infectious disease…” These findings suggest that infection and inflammation can affect basic motivational state moods. Where does inflammation come from? The role of Inflammation and Breast Cancer has become abundantly clearer. It has been estimated that 95% of all cancers have a common factor: Inflammation and a protein complex involved in cellular stress called NF-kB. Think of inflammation in the body as a slow burning fire that is fueled by chronic injuries, stress, toxins and auto immune responses. When this alarm reaction is not slowed down or stopped, the terrain of the body becomes overloaded which creates an environment that supports cancer. Inflammation can be triggered by: Smoking and Alcohol Sleep deficit Environmental toxins, both in and out of the home Unhealthy saturated fats, trans fats and too many Omega 6’s Chronic elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance Chronic stress Emotional wounds Chronic, low grade infection There are other clues, too: people with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis tend to suffer more than average with depression. Cancer patients given a drug called interferon alpha, which boosts their inflammatory response to help combat the cancer cells, often become depressed as a side-effect. Studies have shown have that inflammation in the body creates an environment that can trigger cancer growth. In fact, women with elevated inflammatory markers have a poorer prognosis than those who have lower markers. Next steps Many, many women on a healing journey fall into a state of depression seemingly associated with diagnosis, treatment, recovering and even surviving. However, we know that scientists have speculated about the emotional connection to dis-ease for years, and now this research indicates that, for some, it may be more about biology and physiology than psychology alone. While the medical world is researching and testing the impact of adding anti-inflammatory medicines to antidepressants, nature has given us more effective and less toxic tools. Here are my top 10 specific foods and supplements to reduce inflammation and thus supporting the healing of depression. Curcumin Resveratrol Omega 3 fatty acids Vitamin C Spirulina Broccoli Sprouts Bromelain from pineapple Green organic vegetable smoothies Organic Flax seeds and flax seed oil Vitamin D3 If you find yourself feeling chronically or frequently depressed, investigating the inflammation-depression connection may be a positive solution to a challenging emotional issue. The side benefits would include a healthier, happier you. Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of The 7 Essentials System ™, a step-by-step guide that teaches you exactly how to prevent and heal Breast Cancer Naturally. To get your F.R.E.E. 7 day mini e-course, and to receive her weekly action steps and inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit http://breastcancerconqueror.com/.