Should the gut microbiota be a target for treatment in people with anorexia? The gut microbiota consists of a community of microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts. Interest in gut microbiota has increased dramatically over the last decade as these microorganisms have many physiological roles in our body. Microbiota are important for digestion, have […]
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Identifying subtypes of insomnia for personalised treatment Insomnia is characterised by problems falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or early morning awakening. It is estimated that up to a third of people suffer from sleep problems with most people experiencing a ’bout of insomnia’ sometime during their life. Insomnia is particularly problematic as it is associated with […]
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The relationship between the parasitic infection, Toxoplasma gondii and psychiatric disorders There have been significant efforts at identifying causes of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Most causes are often related to biological/genetic and/or psychological factors. However, there is increasing research to suggest that exposure to a common parasite may also […]
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Is Adrenal Fatigue Real? There has been increasing interest in a condition known as Adrenal Fatigue, particularly by proponents of natural medicine and naturopathy. However, most mainstream medical practitioners view it as a mythical disease designed to sell more supplements and drum up business for natural practitioners. These medical practitioners argue that there is no […]
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The Essential Relationship Between Sleep and Inflammation Excess inflammation is associated with many medical diseases such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research also confirms an association between inflammation and most mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. There is accumulating evidence demonstrating a […]
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Higher inflammation can make depression harder to treat Over the past decade it has been confirmed that, overall, adults with depression have higher levels of inflammation. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a commonly-used measure of inflammation. In a recent study [1], levels of hs-CRP were examined in adults with treatment-resistant (TRD) depression and compared to […]
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The Relationship Between a Leaky Gut and Depression Inside our digestive tract our intestinal lining comprises a continuous layer of cells that form tight junctions. When working properly this lining is permeable enough to allow the absorption of water and nutrients. However, the intestinal lining also needs to be tight enough to prevent harmful substances […]
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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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Antidepressant Medication Increases Relapse Rates Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression and in the short term, can be effective for many people. However, they are far from perfect and there are several studies highlighting their potential dangers in the long term. In a paper published in the journal, Frontiers in Psychology, researchers demonstrated that […]
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Important Mood-Enhancing Hormones and Chemicals There are a large number of hormones and chemical messengers circulating throughout our body. While we still have a lot to learn about their role, there are several that we know can affect our mood. Many of these are associated with depression, anxiety-related disorders, ADHD, sleep, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. […]
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