I get depression due to an internal 'chemistry'.

I have had acute attacks of depression after changing my diet quite drastically and
inadvertantly putting myself largely on an "exclusion" diet and then reacting to specific foods
fairly predictably. They were common food allergens.
THIS CAN BE CONFUSING AND NEEDS CAREFUL MONITERING BY A 2ND PARTY.
I thought food allergies were a load of ******* before this happened to me.
NHS GP's are largely taught not to believe that food allergies/intolerances/reactions can cause
mental health difficulties. There needs to be some careful analysis of dysbiosis, food
reactions, additives, other environmental stresses for various health and learning problems as
a factor, a help or a cause. DO NOT EXPECT DRUG COMPANIES TO BE INTERESTED.
I hardly ever get reactive depression. It was part of the grief process when my boyfriend died
but partly felt natural as a way to help deal with it. Partly therefore l did not discuss this with a
doctor _ but did have the benefit of not having to work. Interestingly it affected my selfesteem alot less because l thought l had good reason to be feeling depressed as a normal
human reaction.
Depression can also be caused by : physical or mental fatigue; directly by illness; legal and
illegal drugs - including prescription drugs - including those prescribed for 'mental health'.
I am explaining my experiences because depression causes a lot of suffering and l do not
think there is enough awareness it can be caused by a physical/chemical reason. I have a
degree in science and am fairly lucid and logical. I have a an understanding of myself. GP's
seem to find this very difficult, maybe due to their training. I have found probiotics and St
Johns Wort helpful.
A proper understanding of the causes of internal chemistry could also help people with
related, unrelated or with any disability.
IT CAN BE COMPLICATED AND A GOOD UNDERSTANDING IS REQUIRED.
I was prescribed a 'benzodiazepine' at one point which i was under the impression was a shortacting anti-depressant [l had a 'mellow' disposition and would not have taken anything l knew
to be a tranquilizer knowing it wold not suit me ]. l did not know about benzodiazipine
addiction or side-effects at the time. I do now, and still have not recovered 25 years later.
So there can be many issues but this research could help many people {and for other major
illnesses}, and also the stigma still associated mental health symptoms and problems, which
can worsen them and affect treatment.
If modern health practitioners are interested in the alleviating suffering; and the health and
well-being of people and patients; they should be interested in getting a proper understanding
of dysbiosis, inflammation and immune responses to digestion and food.
Economists and politicians should be interested in a less stressful economic 'system' for
individals, our environment, and the bioshpere.

Environmental circumstances are often the cause of depression through the stress system of
the brain. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone plays a central role in the regulation of the
hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal-axis, i.e., the final common pathway in the stress response.
The HPA is activated according to the level of stress and in turn the level of activation will
determine the degree of depression. Continuous stress will therefore underlie regular periods
of depression. Subsequent changes in this chemical system in the brain may also enhance the
risk of suicide. They also change the biological clock and that can cause sleep disturbance.
There is also a disturbance of the sex hormones which continues the increased liability to
depression.
So, to answer the writer's question it is not an allergy as such but a response to an inadequate
lifestyle. As is often the case in other mental conditions, it is easier to try and change the
condition by medication than it is to improve the patient's well being.

This is interesting, but as in so many illnesses there are many different causes. In
my case I had depression throughout my teens, and then every spring and
autumn for about 60years. I had therapy and anti depressants throughout, but
finally a psychiatrist at my Hampstead hospital said that he thought it was
inherited and gave me Venlafaxine. It worked within hours. Finally I had solid
ground under my feet, and ever since have been depression free, despite a bout
of cancer and two strokes in the last five years. What a relief, depression is
exhausting.

Indeed! By getting the right biota in the gut & elsewhere, not simply by
consuming it,but by living in a favourable environment,e.g. the great outdoors,I
have come clear of GM Epilepsy while living in a tent for 400 days,and
found,afterwards, that living in a city was a miserable experience. Take that walk,
go for a swim, have a picnic: the more one is exposed to all that is out there,the
better his immune system & general health will be. And don't eat per-packaged
muck that masquerades as food: it isn't. Fresh is best,unless you have gotten it
fresh, and processed it yourself. For the Raw Foodies out there, this includes
jerky, biltong, & pemmican. I am 65, my osteo-arthritis is on the wane. Cheers

I look forward to the day scientists figure this out. Majority of our serotonin is
created in our gut. It doesn't seem too far off that we could hope to link
inflammation throughout the body and gut to depression. As a psychotherapist
interested in both neuroscience and psychoanalysis, I find myself going back and
forth wondering which came first. The story and then the emotion, or was the
emotion created out of a biological process followed by our own attachment of
meaning? This inflammation theory would back the idea that the emotion comes
first, then the meaning we attach to it about why we're miserable.

In the 1980s, I (along with thousands of others) was diagnosed as suffering from
ME - myalgic encephalitis. I attended a clinic specially set up to cope with the
increasing numbers of patients diagnosed with the condition. In time, the
clinicians suggested that some patients were turning to alternative therapies and
suggested I might want to follow that route. I did, and was prescribed herbal
medicines for some time. Concurrently, I was encouraged to change my eating
pattern. This had not been too 'unhealthy', but until I had cut out sugar, yeast,
fungi, coffee and alcohol, and dairy produce, I continued to feel depressed and to
have no energy. I continued with this regime for around ten years, having begun
to improve in mental and physical health after a couple of years. I was reluctant
to reintroduce some items to my diet, but eventually found that in small
amounts, on occasion, my body could cope even with sugar. I was most offended
when a GP told an insurance company 'This patient believes she has suffered a
debilitating illness', but now I see where he was coming from. I had been very ill but there had been no easy answer to my symptoms (or those of thousands of
others), hence the 'epidemic' of ME in that decade. This article by Caroline
Williams makes a lot of sense, and more so because in the intervening decades,
the content of the general diet of western populations has a much increased level
of the kinds of negative nutrients that could induce inflammation of the brain (socalled ME). I will follow the science with great interest.

I think this is a stupid idea. I've been depressive since I was a kid, with a major
bout of clinical depression throughout my thirties. With a lot of determined work
and years of therapy (and a stint on anti-depressants) I am thankfully out of the
woods and am able to manage my lows much more effectively. I can tell you
without hesitation, that my depression had nothing to do with inflammatory
factors in my bloodstream (I ran half-marathons during my last episode;
something you can't do if you're feeling physically lousy). It had everything to do
with my upbringing, things that happened to me in childhood, and the coping
mechanisms I had taken on, quite young, which no longer served me. Depression
isn't something that can be fixed by popping a pill or eating more curries. It takes
insight, self-compassion (something lacking in many depressives), and a lot of
hard personal work, including a determination to NOT be depressed any longer.

The challenge, if this intriguing theory is true, will be to avoid the big pharma
solution. Improving the omega-6 to omega-3 ration (it should be 6:1 in our diet
but typically is 25-30:1 in western diets) is key, along with avoiding pesticide
laden foods that have deleterious effects on our microbiome and ability to
properly digest our foods. These are effective tools that don't need (yet more)
scripts.
As someone who has suffered with long term depression I actually find this quite
an interesting article. anti Depressants and CBT help me to manage the condition
but the underlying lethargy, physical pain and boredom towards everything only

ever goes when I change my diet quite radically ie no carbs / sugar - lots of
protein etc - but I find this very hard to maintain.
In my own experience I am absolutely convinced that depression is an allergic
reaction. For the best part of 30 years I experienced a low grade depression,
which I considered normal. Then I was advised to give up wheat as I was getting
arthritic inflammation. It was like a weight off my mind! I felt as if something
which had been irritating my system for years had been removed.
A couple of years ago I went back to eating wheat again for 2 weeks in order to
have a test for coeliac disease (which was negative). The principle symptom I
experienced was - depression.

It could also be why exercise can be good for depression as it reduces some of the things that
lead to inflammation and also gives cytokines and stress hormones something biologically
useful to do: dealing with the effects of the exercise.
I'm gluten intolerant with some mild Crohn's symptoms. After reading a paper suggesting it
might be useful I started taking fish oil capsules (omega 3's) to try and calm my gut down. It
seemed to work, I stopped the capsules after the first bottle was empty and my gut went back
to its bad old ways, corrected within 3 days by a new bottle. So I can attest that in some
circumstances omega 3's can work as an anti-inflammatory. May not work for everyone
depending on your own nutritional status etc. Certainly won't kill you but might slightly
damage your wallet.
This all seems very logical to me.
I suffer from two autoimmune diseases and a further inflammatory disease ( Lupus / SLE,
Sjogren's syndrome, and Spondyloarthropathy.)
When I am going into an illness 'flare', I classically develop a low mood / irritability and
increased fatigue . 'flu like symptoms etc. The low moods and irritability signaling a flare are
well known to me and my family, and are textbook indicators of a flare for Lupus and
Sjogren's.
Many Lupus patients have full blown depression, and rheumatologists continue to speculate
as to cause (the illness itself or the patients response to having a grotty life-changing illness,
or a mixture.)
I have always understood the low moods and irritability in a illness flare were linked with a
surge in inflammatory mediators ( Cytokines.)
MS patients treated with a cytokine (Interferon) , also get low moods and 'flu like symptoms
as a side-effect.
Excess inflammation leading to depression and 'sickness behavior' is logical biologically ....
slowing the sick person down to conserve energy / resources and decrease the spread of a
possible infectious agent (one possible cause of inflammation.)
Could this be true? It sounds plausible to me, more so since I found out I have
Coeliac disease. I just wish I'd known this before starting on anti - depressants
and eventually becoming addicted to mirtazapin.

Makes perfect sense to me. Diagnosed with Crohn's disease aged 18. This is
connected to problems with the immune system. This has been followed by
periods of depression since my early 20s that have only responded to medication
(not counselling, therapy etc.). I have now ( aged 49) been diagnosed with
rheumatoid arthritis. In my case there does seem to be a strong link between
problems with my immune system, medical conditions and depression.

This is just it. And in my short experience as a Holistic Nutritionist, every case is
different. Everyone has tried many different ways to deal with their depression,
and some have landed with completely different conclusions as how to cope best.
What I will say though, is that in almost all the cases, a clean diet (which in it's
very nature is anti-inflammatory) always works to some degree. Having said that,
so does getting active, learning to meditate.........I'm unsure, just like with
anything, there is a single drug that can be manufactured which will 'cure' this.

The Chinese have known that inflammation causes depression for thousands of years. If you
look at Chinese medicine, "dampness" or the more severe inflammation called "damp heat" in
the body will lead to lethargy and depression. Incidentally, low energy and depression are
treated with anti-inflammatory herbs.
As a veterinarian that treats animals with Chinese herbs in additional to regular medications, I
have never put an animal on prozac for depression and low energy, and I would certainly not
put them on anti-inflammatory medications. Instead, I would change the diet and put them on
herbs. Most animals (and people) respond well to this treatment.
Chinese medicine treats patterns of disharmony rather than individual symptoms. That said,
two essential oils I often use in my aromatherapy practice when both depression and
inflammation are present are bergamot (a variety of bitter orange rather than the herb) and
German chamomile.)
I have anecdotal evidence of their effectiveness but have no systematic evidence from trials to
back up their effectiveness with depression.
This is a great article. My only criticism is the suggestion that a natural approach
should be done in line with anti-inflammatory drugs. This isn't the case at all.
Within just a few weeks of removing all known allergens (and following an antiinflammatory diet, such as Julie Daniluk's protocol), with supplementation of high
dose carcumin and EPA/DHA, inflammatory markers can be brought down without
any side-effects from pharmaceuticals.

My issues with depression/anxiety were eventually put down to severe

premenstrual tension in the early 70's. After suicide attempts I'd be in hospital for
observation for a week, several times a year. Different types of tranquillizers were
tried. I'd then start a period and feel like a complete fake and ask to be
discharged. The same would happen when I had crippling back spasms, A week
on traction and more drugs. I'd start a period and it seemed like a miracle. I could

get up and walk again. By this time I knew that the problem was fluid retentionon a monthly cycle. I kept telling doctors and psychiatrists that this was the
problem. No one listened or made that connection.
I am now in my 60's-post menopausal and still have the exact same cycle. The
diagnosis changed to bipolar as at my age it couldn't be described as PMT.
Over the years-since age of about 40 I've learned to manage the condition. Years
of therapy later and I am able to function reasonably well-in a scattergun sort of
way and have not needed to go in hospital for 25 yrs. There's no point.
After years of chaos this seems to be the best I can be. One step forward and 2
steps back. Over the years I've met many women like myself. The monumental
effort needed every day to fit in and be responsible for myself and others as I
have a family is only possible because I am still able to catch up and stay stable
when on the high.
This is all I know. If I were to start trying different medications now-at my ageWho would I be?
PMT is a taboo subject-especially amongst women. Strangely, men I was married
to in my younger days knew more about the symptoms-physical and mental than
women- even women who I could see suffered from the same thing. They could
describe the cycle. I blamed them so wasn't listening. Living alone and being
independent was my only hope from early on. I didn't manage that until my 40's
and the worst of the damage was done by then.
I still don't know the cause for sure though suspect bottled up anger and other
pushed down feelings could be responsible. This I learned in childhood like many
women.

The stigma is irritating, but more significantly, a physical condition is more likely to be
treated.
In Australia in 1994 I was treated for depression as a physical condition - anti-depressants,
exercise and some cognitive behavioural therapy It took a few months, but I was in a bad way
when I started.
Since then, when I recognise a threatened bout of depression I can reduce it with walking and
eating good food - just as I would recognise flu and treat it with rest, increased fluids and
reduced food.
Similar story here. Diet, exercise, good sleep, getting out and about. No
depression for twelve years and counting. Until those basics are addressed you
aren't likely to improve.
Mast Cells produce cytokines. Zaditen (ketotifen fumarate) is a mast-cell
stabilizer and
greatly helps allergies and asthma by reducing inflammation. If you aren't having
much help with your asthma and allergy medications - Zaditen might be a Godsend to you.
Always get the brand name. Generics have not always held up.
Anyone suffering from depression has absolutely nothing to lose by eleliminating
'inflammatory' foods from their diet. Modern dwarf wheat is always the best place

to start. Just for a month, see what happens. Real food only. Your brain will love it
just as much as your body will. Just call it a no-brainer.

Well, I have had bouts of real depression all my life and I can confirm that it is as much, if not
more physical.
I get a very thick head, like a mild but very concentrated headache all over, find it difficult to
concentrate or settle on any line of thought and my thoughts go round and round in circles,
rethinking something I'd just considered, look forward to sleeping, don't want to socialise and
just want be on my own, sometimes the area of my neck just locks.
Ironically, I am not 'unhappy', 'miserable' or anything like that, just totally fed up with
seemingly being caught in what, at the time seems to be a never ending physical condition.
My father had it, too, and I'm keeping an eye out on my teenage children. But I do suspect
that what we refer to as 'depression' is probably a range of related but distinct conditions.
It is sad that so many comments are obviously from folk who have no experience nor or they
willing to intelligently debate in order to improve their understanding.
My personal observations certainly support the main thrust of the article:May years ago four of my close family died within two years at a time when I was working
long hours (mentally) on a design job. I began to feel tired fore no obvious reason and over a
period of weeks could not work, could not leave my bed and stopped eating. My Doctor
called again at our hour house-he was a life long friend-. He asked how I was feeling. I recall
asking him to confirm that I was dying and asked him to be honest about how long. He burst
out laughing to me horror. He explained that the mind can go into close circuit; a set of
upsetting thought going round and becoming exaggerated and so on. I was then told that what
I had was clinical depression, most probably triggered by my recent experiences and my
refusal to take drugs (another family problem). I accepted a prescription for some mild anti
depressants. Ten days later I was working at getting physically fit again.
I know a very hard working friend who began to suffer similarly. We had warned him of the
dangers of working very long hours (abt 14 hrs X7 days for long periods). Many months of
medical tests found no detectable physical illness. Eventually after seeing a psycychitrist he
was diagnosed with ME. He was prescribed some anti psy' drugs. Thankfully I managed to
persuade him to go back to his GP, explain a few historical facts, ask for mild anti deppresents
and just eat well and rest with mild exercise for a few weeks. He is now AOK
To me it is blindingly obvious that the body is an extremely complex thing. Over many years
it has developed mechanisms to attempt to rectify body and brain damage. It does warn of
impending physical damage so why no brain damage. Helicopter could not fly a few thousand
years ago, but a Greek gentleman understood that it was possible. Cancer was caused by
man's sin not too many years ago, or so the Church taught us.
Hello.
A PhD student here who's research focuses on this field. I feel its important to note that while
there is a definite link between depression and the immune system the relationship is by no
means clear cut. One does not always lead to the other

Firstly the connection between emotional state and inflammation goes both ways. The
chemical messengers that activate inflammation also cause many of the behaviours we would
associate with depression e.g fatigue, 'brain fog', social isolation. (It is theorised that these
responses have evolved in mammals as a means to reduce disease spread in social groups). It
is important to consider whether these sickness behaviours should be regarded as comparable
to that of depression (as a biologist i try to avoid this question!)
There is also evidence to suggest that emotional states such as depression and anxiety can lead
to production of these chemical messengers. The question as to which comes first - the mood
or the immune response is one of chicken and egg. My best answer - probably a bit of both.
While it has been shown that a small subgroup patients suffering manic depression and bipolar disorder have consistently elevated levels of these inflammatory chemicals. For most
people suffering mood disorders their levels of inflammation remain pretty much the same.
The effect one state has on the other will always be highly individual.
In fact, in the short term negative emotions might be beneficial for our health. Brief bouts of
stress or anger have been shown to boost the effectiveness of the immune system, allowing
people to respond more effectively to vaccines. Again this might be an evolutionary defence
mechanism. For our ancestors anger or stress often preceded physical violence, which in turn
often resulted in injury and perhaps infection. In these circumstances an immune system
primed for action would certainly be advantageous.
However research suggests that it is when these feelings of stress or anger become prolonged
that they may begin to have damaging effects on physical health. An immune system
constantly on overdrive has a tendency to overreact, leading to allergy and autoimmune
diseases . This discovery has led some to question whether antidepressants could be used to
treat such disorders e.g MS or arthritis. Non chemical interventions such as meditation have
been shown to reduce the symptoms of both these diseases.
To summarise:
Depression and Inflammation are linked. How important that link is or how its controlled,
we're still not sure. More research is required.
Regardless, your mental state is always only going to be one of countless other factors
effecting your immune state (physical health and diet still being the key contenders)
Stress,anger and anxiety can be good for you. Just don't make a habit of it
I'll stop procrastinating and get back to my research now