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Depression Has NOTHING to Do With Your Brain
Description
What causes depression? Surprisingly, depression has nothing to do with your brain and everything to do with your gut microbiome. In this video, we’ll take an in-depth look at the brain-gut connection and the often overlooked relationship between depression and gut health.
Watch this episode next: Reset Your Body in 5 Days (With Zero Food)
0:00 Introduction: Depression explained 1:17 Side effects of SSRIs 1:32 St. John’s wort and depression 2:27 The brain-gut connection 3:22 Depression and gut health 3:40 Depression and gut inflammation 3:51 Antibiotics and depression 4:33 L. reuteri and mental health
Depression has consistently been viewed as a chemical imbalance, but it's actually related to a problem with the gut.
Depression is often treated with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but many studies show normal serotonin levels in people with depression.
SSRIs do not fix depression and have even been called placebos by some medical professionals. They also come with serious side effects, including sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, inability to experience emotion, and worsening depression.
St. John’s wort affects both serotonin and dopamine. It’s an anti-inflammatory and reduces cortisol, but doctors and the medical world often recommend against it despite its very few side effects.
Serotonin and oxytocin are made in the gut. Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that can help with depression and stress, so gut health is at the core of mental health. The vagus nerve works as a highway that orchestrates the brain and gut connection.
If you have a problem with your gut microbes, this can lead to depression. Studies have found serious microbes missing in depressed people! Gut inflammation can also alter your mood.
One of the side effects of antibiotics is depression. Antibiotics erase the good bacteria that control your mood chemicals. Once wiped away, microbes don't always come back, and you could be left with an imbalance.
L. reuteri is an amazing microbe that many people are missing. Dr. William Davis has shared an expert technique for cultivating L. reuteri using half and half to increase its potency. People have consumed this probiotic mixture and experienced significant health benefits such as improved sleep, muscle tone, and reduced stress.
L. reuteri acts as a natural antibiotic without side effects and is found naturally in breast milk.
Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Thanks for watching! I hope this increases your awareness about the connection between depression and gut health. I’ll see you in the next video. ---