By Dr Adrian Lopresti We are currently experiencing extraordinary and uncertain times. The ramifications associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing daily and we are bombarded with constant news and discussions on TV and social media. Even our email inbox is being flooded with regular messages about the coronavirus and steps we should take (I […]
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Inflammation and its effect on how we think There is increasing evidence confirming a relationship between inflammation and depression. That is, higher inflammation (as measured by inflammatory biomarkers) is associated with a lower mood. Even if someone is not currently depressed, having higher levels of C-reactive protein (a blood measure of inflammation) increases the risk […]
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How increasing fibre intake can help treat depression There is an increasing abundance of research confirming an association between diet and mental health conditions such as depression. Overall, the evidence indicates that eating a healthier diet is associated with a reduced prevalence of depression, and there are a few studies showing dietary interventions can improve […]
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Heart rate variability: an objective measure of health Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. Each time our heart beats, there is a variation in time between each beat. It does not (or should not) beat in a consistent rhythm. In fact, research shows that a higher HRV is associated […]
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The Relationship Between Sugar Consumption and Depression Sugar is ubiquitous in today’s food supply and is found in approximately 75% of all packaged foods [1]. A high intake of sugar is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes including obesity [2], type 2 diabetes [3], and cardiovascular disease [4]. A recent paper published in […]
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Should a gluten-free diet be recommended to people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems? Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular as gluten is believed to be associated with the exacerbation of a range of physical and mental symptoms. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where people cannot tolerate gluten. It is often associated […]
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Relaxation Exercises for Stress Reduction Below is a range of relaxation exercises to help you reduce stress and muscle tension. Try out each of them to see which you initially prefer Then commit to practising at least one of them every day for the next couple of weeks. To get the most out of these […]
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Could the herbicide glyphosate be affecting our mental health? Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide in agriculture (e.g., found in Roundup®). Its widespread use is generating significant controversy particularly due to its reported carcinogenic effect. Glyphosate-based herbicides have also been shown to induce neurobehavioural impairments [1]. In an animal study, sub-chronic and chronic exposure […]
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Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by avoiding glutamate and MSG in the diet Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in our brain and central nervous system (CNS). It is classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter believed to be important for learning and memory. Neurotransmitters are required for the signalling across cells and an excitatory neurotransmitter is one […]
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Probiotics as a treatment for post-natal depression Research is continuing to confirm the important bi-directional relationship between the gut and the brain. In fact, treating the gut is proving to be an effective way to reduce depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders in adults. In a recent review paper, it was concluded that probiotics may […]
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