DIGESTION AND ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Why is healthy digestive function so important to people on antidepressants? Because without the breakdown of protein
into peptides, and then into even smaller amino acids, your brain cells will not get one of the most important
building blocks of the brain chemical serotonin. When protein is broken down into its building block amino acids,
it creates tryptophan (one of the so-called essential amino acids you can get only from food). Tryptophan then
enters the blood and travels to the brain cells, where it is made into serotonin. If you, don't have enough tryptophan,
you can't make enough serotonin, and you can become depressed.
At that point, let's assume you go to your doctor, who prescribes an SSRI, like Prozac or Luvox. The medication
cannot and will not work, since there is not enough serotonin being manufactured by your brain. In a similar manner,
if your gastrointestinal tract is failing to break down and absorb other foods, vitamins, and minerals, then nutrients
vital to your mind-body functions will also not be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Patients with nutritional deficiencies are frequently told they have "treatment-resistant" depression.
At least 70 percent of the patients who come to me with treatment-resistant depression actually have some type
of nutrient deficiency - such as low levels of essential fatty acids or zinc - that is at least partly responsible
for their inadequate response to medication.
Finally, even if the proper nutrients actually get into your bloodstream, your body may not be able to deal with
certain foods. For instance, eating an excessive amount of sweets can, in some people, cause an insulin reaction
and hypoglycemia, a condition in which the body fails to maintain a steady blood-sugar level. Recently evidence
has emerged that confirms what many of my patients already know: Some psychotropic medications can alter blood-sugar
regulation. Clinical evidence suggests that further research will indicate this problem may be caused by some antidepressants
as well.
EVALUATING YOUR GUT REACTIONS:
THREE BASIC TESTS
This chapter will tell you how to assess and treat
1. Digestive abnormalities
2. Hypoglycemia
3. Food allergies and sensitivities
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WHOLE PSYCHIATRY
