If you struggle with depression, stress, or anxiety, and you're unfamiliar with Orthomolecular psychiatry or the impact of nutrition on the brain, then this article is for you.
A bit of background: about 20 years ago, I battled severe depression. At its worst, a simple trigger could send me into a tailspin, causing me to retreat to my bed for days, unable to function. This went on for years, but I chose not to take psych medications after witnessing friends become addicted to them. What they don’t tell you is how nearly impossible it is to get off them after long-term use. I saw them endure withdrawal symptoms like shaking, anxiety attacks, sweating, and even physical illness when trying to taper off. One of my friends was eventually able to wean off slowly, but only after committing to a significant health journey. With the risk of addiction to psychiatric drugs, plus the potential damage to the liver, libido, and digestion, I decided against them.
Over time, I learned to manage my depression. Even during stressful times, I made sure not to lose sight of how precious my close circle of loved ones is. When I reminded myself of their importance, my severe depressive episodes stopped.
That’s not to say I never got depressed again, I did, but when it happened, I didn’t lose myself in it. Even during tough times, I managed to function.
However, life always throws challenges our way. About six months ago, I went through a very tough situation, and my stress and anxiety levels skyrocketed. My adrenal glands showed signs of burnout (chronic stress can deplete the adrenals, thyroid, and even cause digestive issues). I developed sores in my mouth and throat, which made it difficult to swallow. All signs pointed to adrenal burnout. Our adrenal glands do much more than we realize—they regulate stress responses, produce sex hormones, influence immune function, control blood pressure, and manage carbohydrate metabolism.
Adrenal Glands and Cortisol
Too much or too little cortisol can cause a range of health issues, including mouth sores.
The situation was becoming unsustainable, and I had to find a way to lower my stress levels quickly.
Two herbal supplements (Boost and Calm & Tranquil) played a significant role in reducing both the physical and mental symptoms I was facing. From the first few days of taking both supplements my mouth sores disappeared. Within 30 minutes of taking Calm & Tranquil I would feel my body relax, and the physical tension caused by stress begin to dissipate. I also increased my intake of fruits and vegetables.
As I continue my healing journey, I'm excited to delve into the realm of natural medicine for mental health. I'll be sharing my research here.
This is Part 1.
Professor Linus Pauling's Belief in Nutrition for the Mind
Professor Linus Pauling was a strong advocate for using nutrition to treat mental health, and he criticized the medical community for dismissing vitamin therapy for psychological disorders. Just as a lack of certain vitamins or minerals causes physical illnesses—such as scurvy from a lack of Vitamin C or osteoporosis from a deficiency in calcium—deficiencies in specific vitamins and amino acids can lead to brain and mood disorders.
Other notable psychologists, including Dr. Abram Hoffer, supported this idea, with Hoffer successfully using Vitamin B3 to treat schizophrenia.
As for me, my daughter’s autism was healed thank G-d after I spent two years almost solely focusing on a superfood regimen, preparing all of her food from scratch and juicing fresh vegetables daily. I also did a detox protocol that I tailored for her. In the end she was healed by miracle, but I do believe that my efforts played a role.
The experience taught me that:
The Brain Needs Specific Nutrients to Thrive
Have you ever skipped a meal? You may experience a headache, fatigue, or irritability. Some foods give an energy boost followed by a crash, while others may trigger tiredness right away.
It’s clear: what we eat directly affects how we feel.
Poor eating habits can starve our brain of essential nutrients, leaving it underperforming.
The Impact of the Adrenal Glands on Depression
The adrenals do so much more than we are aware of, they regulate reactions to stress, produce sex hormones, influence immune and allergic responses, blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism.
Overworked adrenal glands due to chronic stress or other factors can cause adrenal fatigue or insufficiency.
Mood Disorders cause adrenal fatigue and vice versa, Adrenal Fatigue can lead to depression.
Adrenal Glands and Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone naturally released from your adrenal glands with many essential functions for your health.
Cortisol levels normally increase at times of stress.
Too much or too little cortisol causes health problems
Symptoms of Adrenal Problems:
- Irritability/tears
- Anxiety and depression that improves after food
- fears phobia
- dark circles under eyes
- Insomnia
- sensitivity to light
- fatigue
- small jaw/uneven lower teeth
- sweet or salt cravings
- allergies/heartburn/chemical sensitivity
- heart palpitations low blood pressure
- indigestion/stomach pain/
- low thirst
- low sexual vitality
I had 8 of these symptoms which led me to believe to that I had adrenal burnout due to chronic stress.
The best herbal supplement for adrenal fatigue is our BOOST. I recently started taking it and its been helping relieve many of these symptoms.
Click here to learn more
Boost Herbal Supplement
If you suffer from Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue or have some of the symptoms listed in the paragraph above, its likely that your adrenal glands need support.
In fact, You may have adrenal fatigue.
Ultimately, adrenal fatigue leads to the body not being able to produce enough cortisol, and the resulting low cortisol levels contribute to decreased energy, abnormal hormonal levels, high stress levels, depression, and low libido.
Boost Herbal Caps Benefits:
- Rejuvenates the Adrenal Glands*
- Helps to maintain energy and stamina*
- Combats High Blood Sugar and High Blood Pressure
- Fights Fatigue & helps the body cope with Stress*
- BOOSTS athletic performance and fuels muscle growth*
- Boosts Libido*
