Depression and Chronic Inflammation

[drtbear1967]

theguerillachemist

More and more studies are coming out with compelling data that a)SSRIs are no better than the placebo for treating depression and b) depression is not a "chemical imbalance" but is caused from chronic inflammation. Almost all studies on depression show that subjects have elevated levels of cytokines (pro-inflammatory enzymes) mainly IL-1 and TNF-alpha. Big pharma has shoved the term chemical imbalance down our throats bc anti-depressant medications are a $10B sector. However, in a meta analysis of over 40 studies and thousands of subjects, the data suggests that these medications, which have terrible side effects, are no better at treating depression than the placebo. What does have really good data is cannabinoids such as THC and CBD oils, and surprise surprise...the ketogenic diet! Both of these treatments are all natural and can help reduce inflammatory cytokines via different mechanisms. We already know that type-1/2 diabetes can be caused by chronic inflammation, and a study showed mice that we genetically bred to develop type 1 diabetes were given CBD oils. Only 30% of them developed diabetes vs 90-100% from the placebo! CBD also decreased inflammation by 50% in patients with arthritis. Ketones have also been shown to decrease NLRP3 inflammasome, an enzyme linked to diabetes and inflammation. Why would anyone in his/her right mind take anti-depressants which a) don't work and b) have severe side effects including suicide, when there are all natural alternatives with compelling data?!?? BTW- both of these treatments have data showing its efficacy for treating CANCER, which has been linked to chronic inflammation.

[The Dude]

I don't care what any study says... I struggled with depression all my life... it was like a switch flipped when I started anti depressants. And when they lose effectiveness after a few years I feel the old symptoms returning. I'm sure there are other causes, but there is absolutely a clinical correlation to brain chemistry and depression. There is also a much more direct correlation with stress and anxiety and a lack of muscular gains and even a loss of tissue despite everything else being exemplary... I've been there... despite nearly 2g of AAS. 100mcg of IGF, and 4 times a week training along with 4k calories a day and 350g of protein I was losing tissue. I struggled to maintain 220 for a time. I train 4-5 times a month now and some days I probably get no more than 100g of protein and I easily maintain and have some gains at around 228-230 and I take less than 600mg a week of AAS.. along with my IGF of course LOL..

I'm very certain that overtraining also plays a huge role in some cases of depression though... personally I say F it... I don't care what's causing it just keep me stocked in my anti depressants...

[drtbear1967]

I don't care what any study says... I struggled with depression all my life... it was like a switch flipped when I started anti depressants. And when they lose effectiveness after a few years I feel the old symptoms returning. I'm sure there are other causes, but there is absolutely a clinical correlation to brain chemistry and depression. There is also a much more direct correlation with stress and anxiety and a lack of muscular gains and even a loss of tissue despite everything else being exemplary... I've been there... despite nearly 2g of AAS. 100mcg of IGF, and 4 times a week training along with 4k calories a day and 350g of protein I was losing tissue. I struggled to maintain 220 for a time. I train 4-5 times a month now and some days I probably get no more than 100g of protein and I easily maintain and have some gains at around 228-230 and I take less than 600mg a week of AAS.. along with my IGF of course LOL..

I'm very certain that overtraining also plays a huge role in some cases of depression though... personally I say F it... I don't care what's causing it just keep me stocked in my anti depressants...

I believe that that are many causes for depression and stress can be one of the main precursors. I know that there have been many studies regarding the actual chemistry or the brain and how the body responds to different stressors. Smell can stimulate a major change in the brain as it can trigger memoirs greater than any other sense.

On another note, where has Silk been?

[Muscle mechanic]

I don't care what any study says... I struggled with depression all my life... it was like a switch flipped when I started anti depressants. And when they lose effectiveness after a few years I feel the old symptoms returning. I'm sure there are other causes, but there is absolutely a clinical correlation to brain chemistry and depression. There is also a much more direct correlation with stress and anxiety and a lack of muscular gains and even a loss of tissue despite everything else being exemplary... I've been there... despite nearly 2g of AAS. 100mcg of IGF, and 4 times a week training along with 4k calories a day and 350g of protein I was losing tissue. I struggled to maintain 220 for a time. I train 4-5 times a month now and some days I probably get no more than 100g of protein and I easily maintain and have some gains at around 228-230 and I take less than 600mg a week of AAS.. along with my IGF of course LOL..

I'm very certain that overtraining also plays a huge role in some cases of depression though... personally I say F it... I don't care what's causing it just keep me stocked in my anti depressants...

I take my lexapro every morning. Years ago I used the throw them away or never fill. Like 20 years ago. I used to only fill narcotics. Now I do opposite. I am not afraid to try the right ones for me. They help me with anxiety and my mood positive. But overtime of coarse balance the brain chemicals. I know depression will kill libido. My lexapro causes ed but I adjusted to it

[Muscle mechanic]

I know that alot of things increase dopamine cure depression. I also know as recovering addict that coming off drugs being sober affects chemicals in brain. Medicine among antidepressants help during this time.
Opiate addicts suffer from this for example dopamine has been stimulated to the point that nothing feels right. Methadone and buprenorphine are giving to them to help them get by also stabilize dopamine because the addict is already opiate tolerate they only feel normal not high.
All I know is Cymbalta and a couple others or giving to people with nerve neuropathy from diabetes from fibrimyalgia and other things. It helps because neurotransmitters communications are better because of antidepressants and if not nerve pain. Pain anywhere can exist. Someone with depression has no tolerance to pain