Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Gut
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 2 of 2) Last week’s post examined the vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) and the important role it plays in connecting the body to the brain. We explored how breath, laughter, and exercise all “tickle” the nerve to send soothing, calming signals to the brain and…
Fighting Depression and Anxiety Through the Body
Vagus nerve stimulation for mood support (Part 1 of 2) There are many ways in which the physical body can influence the mind and mood. One very important link in the mind-body connection is the vagus nerve. Also known as the tenth cranial nerve X (abbreviated CN X), the vagus nerve “wanders” from the…
Ways to Ease Inflammation and Depression
Smart lifestyle choices for a happy brain and healthy mood In last week’s post we explored the ways in which inflammation can cause depression. The science shows that we cannot blame genetics alone for depression. That’s a good thing: it means there is a lot we can do to heal our brains. Here are…
Inflammation Drives Depression
Move over serotonin, inflammation is the new target of depression treatment Is inflammation a bad thing? Not necessarily: Inflammation helps the cells of the immune system fight infections and repair injuries. Like many things, however, the key to inflammation is balance – not too much, and not too little. Too little inflammation allows infections…
The Promise of NAC for Mental Health and Addiction
Numerous studies support the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for mood disorders and substance use cessation N-acetylcysteine (NAC), well-known for its function as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory,[1],[2] is commonly used in the clinic as a mucolytic,[3],[4] the treatment of choice for acetaminophen overdose,[5] and to help prevent liver damage resulting from acetaminophen and other toxic…
Breaking Habits and Making Resolutions
Natural substances that can help our mood and support healthy choices in the New Year and beyond As echoes of “Happy New Year” grow more distant, and we brace ourselves for the remaining long winter, the resolve with which we embarked upon our January 1 resolutions can rapidly erode. With January 17th as the…
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