Depression is the most widespread mental illness in the United States, with nearly one in ten adults reporting that they currently suffer from depression according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typically depression is treated with a combination of therapy and drugs to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. Several recent studies, however, point to some underlying factors that may change the way medical professionals regard the disorder. With this new information, doctors are coming to understand just how intimately the body and the mind are connected.
One study carried out by the Barwon Psychiatric Research Unit at Deakin University found a link between what adolescents ate and their future likelihood of their developing depression. In the study, more than 3000 participants had their mental health measured in both 2005 and 2007. It was shown that one of the biggest predictors of mental health was diet quality; the poorer the diet in 2005, the higher the risk of depression in 2007. Conversely, participants whose diets improved during those two years were also likely to show improvements in mental health.
Another mind/body link found by researchers is the increased likelihood of depression that corresponds to chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s typical response to illness or injury, and, as one study showed, those with depression also tend to have high levels of inflammation. The inflammation fades as does the depression.
Even more compelling is the fact that depression sufferers who are resistant to normal treatments seem to have high levels of inflammation and that inhibiting inflammation may help alleviate depressive symptoms. All of this evidence suggests that the conventional wisdom about depression as primarily a chemical imbalance may not be properly understood.
Brad Chase, president of Progressive Health, a company that promotes wellness through natural remedies, advises that people suffering from depression look into all their options.
“Vitamin deficiencies can play a role in depression,” said Chase. “A body without the proper levels of B6, B12, and folic acid is not as able to fight off stress, which can certainly be a factor.”
Progressive Health offers a supplement for people suffering from depression called Exulin. This product is a natural depression supplement that relies on a blend of vitamins, herbs, and amino acids to combat depressive symptoms.
“As medical professionals learn more about depression and its causes, they realize that traditional treatments may not be the best response,” said Chase. “That’s why we closely analyze each formula and each product that we offer to find the right balance of effective ingredients.”
About Progressive Health
Progressive Health is a privately held and funded company that specializes in offering multivitamins for men and women and products that promote health and wellness. Progressive Health eliminates much of the overhead and fixed costs that go along with running a business, meaning that the company focuses on developing high quality products to aid a wide variety of health concerns. The company has a unique process that it uses to develop its one-of-a-kind formulas that includes a team of naturopathic physicians and rigorous quality control testing.
