Depression

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Please understand that the recommendations below are not a substitute for medical treatment and do not guarantee a cure, but may lead to an improvement in health.

Food supplements are no substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

is definitely a major public health problem, and this statement is supported by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), but also by national health authorities in many countries, including Romania.

The WHO estimates that over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

In Romania, official data indicate an estimated prevalence of 10-12% in the adult population, but the actual number may be higher due to underdiagnosis.

Among young people, the prevalence is rising alarmingly: 36% of 13-28 year olds have symptoms consistent with depression.

Depression is the second leading cause of adult disability globally (after low back pain).

Treatment of depression is multidimensional, i.e. pharmacological, psychological, naturopathic.

Here I present a naturopathic protocol, which can be used along with the other dimensions of treatment. This treatment is based on the realization that depression can be associated with both gut microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) and vitamin D deficiency, and these links are supported by a growing number of scientific studies.

How does the microbiome influence depression?

  1. The gut-brain axis: the gut communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve and signal molecules (such as cytokines, serotonin, dopamine).
  2. Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters: up to 90% of serotonin in the body is produced in the gut.
  3. Inflammation: dysbiosis can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is correlated with depression.
  4. Intestinal permeability: pathogenic bacteria can damage the intestinal lining, allowing toxins to pass into the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory cascade that affects the brain. 

Vitamin D is more than just a nutrient: it is a neuroactive hormone that influences the brain through several mechanisms.

How it relates to depression:

  1. Vitamin D receptors in the brain are located in regions involved in mood regulation.
  2. It influences the synthesis of serotonin from tryptophan.
  3. It has anti-inflammatory effects: vitamin D reduces systemic inflammation, which is frequently increased in depression.
  4. Immunity and neuroprotection: protects neurons against oxidative stress and regulates the immune response.

Based on this, here is a herbal protocol for depression:

  1. Administration of Vitamin D3 + vitamin K2 + magnesium bisglycinate: 2 capsules per day, if vitamin D in the blood is below 50 ng/ml.
    Give blood vit D regularly (every 6-8 months) and if it reaches 100 ng/ml, stop. When it drops below 60 ng/ml, resume.
  2. Zeolite: 6 capsules a day. In some people may give, in the first few days, a transient constipation, which is why it is better to drink 2 liters of water a day. Because zeolite detoxifies the body, dizziness, headaches and digestive symptoms may occur during the first few days due to the elimination of a large quantity of toxins. Therefore, it is best to start with 2-3 capsules a day and gradually increase the dose by 1-2 capsules a day until the normal dose is reached. Zeolite reduces heavy metals (which can affect neurological balance), decreases intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') and indirectly regulates the microbiome, all of which are involved in depression.
  3. Probiotic, 1 capsule per day, to regulate intestinal flora.
  4. Hericium, 2-4 capsules a day: Beneficial effects in states of anxiety and emotional imbalance
  5. Avoiding ultra-processed foods and sugar and moderate consumption of flour products, potatoes, rice, because they favor systemic inflammation, unbalance the microbiome and create glycemic imbalances, which lead to emotional fluctuations.
  6. Avoid sunflower, soy, rapeseed and corn oil. This point is very important and often overlooked. These oils are rich in omega 6, with a pro-inflammatory effect that can aggravate mood disorders and hormonal imbalances. They can be replaced with extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, quality animal fats (ghee, butter from grass-fed cows).