Acupuncture May Be An Effective Treatment For Depression Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting very thin needles through a person’s skin at specific points on the body. Inserting needles into meridian points (or pathways in the human body) with appropriate combinations are believed to bring one’s energy flow back into proper […]
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Non-Pharmacological Sleep Interventions Can Effectively Treat Depression Sleep problems are common in people with depression. It is estimated that up to 80% of adults with depression suffer from insomnia or other sleep-related condition. Suffering from insomnia (with and without depression) can lead to an increased risk of several physical and mental health conditions. In fact, […]
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Study shows blueberries can rapidly improve mood in children and young adults Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the consumption of flavonoids is associated with a decreased risk of developing depression. In two separate double-blind, crossover studies, young adults (18-21 years […]
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Important factors associated with a full recovery from depression Although there are effective treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, research confirms that a significant portion of people continue to suffer from ongoing symptoms. In relation to depression, the bulk of research suggests that approximately 30% of people experience full remission after psychological/ pharmacological treatment, […]
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The effects of childhood adversity on inflammation in depressed adults Increased inflammation is consistently seen in adults with depression. In this study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, the effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on inflammation was examined[1]. Levels of inflammatory markers (e.g, interleukin-6, c-reactive protein, and white blood cell count) were compared between: adults […]
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Ketogenic diets as a treatment for depression and mood disorders The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Normally, the carbohydrates contained in food are converted into glucose, which is the main energy source for the brain. However, by eating a diet high in fats, the body utilises fats rather than carbohydrates for energy. […]
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Cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of depression and anxiety: What is the evidence? There is increasing interest in the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of a range of health conditions. In particular, there is excitement about its potential to treat neurological conditions, including psychiatric disorders. The two primary phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant […]
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Update on Integrative-Based Research A pilot randomized study of a gratitude journaling intervention on HRV and inflammatory biomarkers in Stage B heart failure patients Link to study Gratitude is the practice of appreciating positive life features and has been shown to be an effective clinical tool. It also seems that it may have anti-inflammatory effects. […]
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Update on Integrative-Based ResearchDietary Polyphenol Intake and Depression: Results from the Mediterranean Healthy Eating, Lifestyle and Aging (MEAL) StudyLink to study In this study, the dietary characteristics of over 1500 adults living in southern Italy were analysed. A total of 509 individuals reported having depressive symptoms. Based on the analyses, total polyphenol intake (found in plant […]
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Are You Always Stressed? In today’s society, overflowing with regular demands and pressures, stress is commonplace. While stress can be helpful (termed eustress), if it is too high or remains elevated for too long it can have detrimental effects throughout the whole body. Excess stress levels can damage every part of the body including the […]
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