5 replies to this topic

[alpha2A]

Hi All,

 

One of the better known theories of depression is the idea that there is a chronic, low-grade (low intensity) inflammatory process in the brain.  The time it takes to gradually resolve or ameliorate this inflammation may be the reason why so many drugs (and other substances) take a relatively long time (often 4 weeks or more) to produce substantial results.

 

This may have important implication for the treatment of depression.  The hypothesis that logically follows, is that anti-inflammatory substances, as long as they cross the brain-blood-barrier, can ameliorate, if not eliminate, the inflammation, thus treating the depression.

 

The question, therefore, is what substances (herbs, vitamins, drugs, etc.) have the strongest anti-inflammatory action?

 

What substances have you taken that mitigated your depression, but took 1 week or longer to do so?

 

[Galaxyshock]

Nickname Hip recommended N-acetylglucosamine for tackling neuroinflammation, evidence suggests it might be one of the strongest supplemental compounds for this issue:

 

N-acetylglucosamine inhibits inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in multiple sclerosis: a mechanistic trial

 

N-Acetylglucosamine Selectively Attenuates Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

 

Neuroinflammation is linked to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia etc. So this is definitely interesting area to look into instead of the old neurotransmitter imbalance speculation.

[alpha2A]

Thanks, N-acetylglucosamine sounds like an excellent suggestion.

 

My own research so far suggests the following as particularly useful:

• curcumin
• omega-3 fatty acids
• cocoa
• bacopa monnieri

These are also regarded as anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
• green tea
• maca root

 

[Galaxyshock]

I agree with those findings. 

 

I also would recommend to try dual-extracted Reishi, at least quick AI summary finds potential there:

 

 

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) acts as a potent anti-neuroinflammatory agent, primarily by modulating microglia activation and reducing pro-inflammatory signaling (e.g., NF-κB/MAPK pathways) in the brain. Rich in polysaccharides and triterpenoids, it helps combat neurodegenerative diseases, improve cognitive function, and support mental relaxation. 

 

Personally I find Reishi to rapidly improve my mood and produce relaxed headspace while simultaneously having anti-fatigue effect. But it needs to be high quality combined water- and alcohol extraction that is standardized not only to beta-glucans and polysaccharides but also triterpenoids. It goes nicely mixed in coffee or cocoa, but tastes tolerable alone too with some milk.

 

[Matt]

When I had a chronic infection and low grade inflammation, it was definitely affecting my brain. It felt like a cloud over me and I'd feel a sense of weight (like being pushed down). It's hard to put into words exactly what it was like. But I lived in a constant brain fog because of a chronic UTI. And then there was the fatigue, too.

Ibuprofen was the quickest at improving it, aside from antibiotics. Antiboitics completely resolved everything within a day or two of starting them. Anti inflammatory supplements didn't help much at all.

After curing the UTI, it all went away and my mind became so clear again. It was literally like a weight being lifted off me.

 

I was unlucky to get sinusitis after the flu just after curing the chronic UTI  , but I found relief from that with Neilmed Rinse + Xylitol. And then taking Vitamin D3 (10K a day for a while) and Zinc Picolinate 50mg a day seemed to resolve the sinus issues I had for 4 months. Antibiotics and steroid sprays failed.

Even a mild sinusitis caused me to to feel the same way due to the inflammation. 

 

I can definitely understand now how chronic inflammation that goes on for months or years can be a direct cause of depression. Not because of how it makes you feel, but how it does something to the brain chemistry.

Whether or not natural supplements can help probably depends on how bad the inflammation is. Maybe mine was a bit too much for supplements to do anything with the UTI. But I think Vitamin D3 and Zinc Picolinate provided additional improvement for the sinusitis related inflammation.

[ambivalent]

One intervention could be methylene blue:

 

https://www.psycholo...reat-depression

 

I suggested this to a friend a few months ago who was consideting going to go down the pharmaceutical route and it was transformative within a couple of days. 

 

As often mentioned to be avoided with serotonin boosting meds and supplements (serotinin syndrome)

 

A very cheap intervention to boot.