Can we alter the GIT (Gut) micro-biome and change our emotions? Often a client will say to me, “John, I feel it here…”, pointing to their abdomen, and as we deal with the anxiety-Depression their GIT symptoms decrease, or, as we have noted before, as we treat the Gut Inflammation the depression or Anxiety lifts.
Dr Bender, who is a consultant Chemist for the American Psychiatric Association also reminded us all that “inflammation” is another thing we have ignored to our peril and our patient’s detriment in the past. That mood is intricately related to inflammation, and irritability, and that settling inflammation bio-chemically, be it in the Gut lining or other smooth muscles will lift mood.
There is now increased interest in anti-inflammatory medication as a possible treatment for depression itself, as inflammation is often associated with (challenge to think – is it caused by) depression. What causes what here? “Anti-Inflammatory medications relieve depression and anhedonia”. This is especially true if the patient has elevated CRP levels indicating they have a genetic propensity to inflammation. Blood test for C-reactive protein!
The findings have caused some clinicians to describe depression as an inflammatory condition, but we are cautioned again, one size doesn’t fit all here. There is clearly however a sub-group of depression sufferers who have their depressive symptoms as part of an inflammatory response and treatment of their inflammation and encouragement to gut balance and optimal nutrition for the settling of the gut will lower depressive symptoms.
Once again, the “lifestyle” psychiatry message is a crucial one for us all to hear. In my own notes for the athletes I speak of the 5 “P”s, to get the whole system settled and balanced with fluid, food, nature exposure, and relaxation in place well before we look at medications being played around with.
The evidence is clear that “higher intake of plant fibres, unsaturated fats and polyphenols” is beneficial for the gut micro-biome. I love the reference to the polyphenols as they are my favourites from the early 1990s when I did my Diploma in Nutritional Medicine. They are the fruit, vege, tea, coffee, and dark chocolate we love when we have a healthy diet. Liver imbalances and Gut trouble are often resolved by simply adding in some lovely coffee and dark chocolate. My personal favourite medication is at least two Mochachinos each day….
Dr John C McEwan
At Monarch Psychology Rooms, Greenlane