antidepressant Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Could Your Antidepressant be Cutting Your Life Short? Research Uncovers Surprising Risks

The AHA! Team — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:42:52 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – WARNING: Out of 375,000 study participants on antidepressants, one-third died prematurely Antidepressants are supposed to help regulate mood and improve quality of life. However, a study led by scientists from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, has found that for some people, antidepressants raise the risk of premature death. Additionally, a new study published in BMJ Mental Health found that using antidepressants on their own can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. This suggests that antidepressants might play a role in linking mental health problems, like depression, to a higher risk of heart-related conditions. The most common antidepressant drug class is serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which function by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, one of the major feel-good chemicals in the brain. Serotonin has been called the “happiness” neurotransmitter, and people who aren’t producing enough of it are more prone to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. WARNING: Out of 375,000 study participants on antidepressants, one-third died prematurely In theory, antidepressants such as SSRIs keep serotonin in the brain longer for those suffering from depression. However, Canadian researchers found that these antidepressants disrupt the regulation of multiple processes in the brain, including the ideal functioning of serotonin. The team conducted a meta-analysis of existing research from 16 medical studies and databases. They wanted to see if they could discern a link between antidepressant use and mortality. In all, 375,000 participants were studied. The researchers looked at the risk of several conditions in relation to antidepressants, including cardiovascular disease. They used a mixed-effects model to control for preexisting conditions and severity of depression for more accurate results. Different antidepressant types were studied, including SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. Bottom line: the analysis found that taking antidepressants raised the risk of dying prematurely by 33 percent over those not taking antidepressants. Antidepressant users were also 14 percent more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other adverse cardiovascular event. Serotonin assists in numerous bodily processes – not just mood Both tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs resulted in the same increased risk of early death. These types are considered the first generation of antidepressants. Serotonin isn’t just a brain chemical; this neurotransmitter is actually present throughout the body. It helps to regulate cell growth, digestion, reproduction, the immune system, and many other processes. To be perfectly clear, this valuable substance is present in just about every organ of the body. While keeping more serotonin in the brains of depressed people seems like a good idea, these drugs are clearly affecting brain and body chemistry in unanticipated ways. Even those who prescribe the drugs are not sure what their long-term effects might be. Manipulating serotonin functioning can lead to a range of different unforeseen effects – which in turn seem to be leading to early death for one-third of all antidepressant users. Natural antidepressants can boost serotonin without harmful side effects No doubt, synthetic antidepressant usage has soared in recent years. In the U.S., around one in 10 people are on SSRIs or other antidepressants. Even more shocking, an estimated one in 4 women between the ages of 40 and 60 take antidepressants. While severe clinical depression requires medical intervention, Americans need to stop relying on the ‘pill for every ill’ treatment approach and tap into the many natural solutions available. Americans need to stop relying on the ‘pill for every ill’ A healthy diet rich in organic (antioxidant-rich) vegetables and fruit and regular physical exercise can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of course, many other things would also prove helpful, such as improving personal relationships, consuming a healthy amount of non-toxic fats like organic avocados and coconut oil, and taking adequate B vitamins. Simply put, there is so much that can be done to improve your emotional well-being – without the need for toxic medications. Do your research, work with a qualified holistic healthcare provider, and discover what works best for you. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Karger.com Medicalnewstoday.com Dailymail.com To read the original article click here.

The post Could Your Antidepressant be Cutting Your Life Short? Research Uncovers Surprising Risks appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

RFK Jr. Takes on Big Pharma: How Diet Could End the Antidepressant Era

The AHA! Team — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:09:23 +0000

Cassie B. via Natural News – In a bold move that could upend the $15 billion antidepressant industry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spotlighting groundbreaking research linking poor diet to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Linking poor diets to mental health disorders Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlights research linking poor diets to mental health disorders, challenging the $15 billion antidepressant industry. Studies show diets high in sugar and saturated fats alter brain chemistry, reducing grey matter and disrupting neurotransmitters tied to depression and anxiety. Kennedy argues that toxic food ingredients fuel mental health crises, while Big Pharma profits from treating the fallout with medications. A growing movement for cleaner food is emerging, with restaurants replacing harmful ingredients in response to consumer demand. Upend a $15 billion antidepressant industry? In a bold move that could upend the $15 billion antidepressant industry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spotlighting groundbreaking research linking poor diet to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Drawing on studies from Stanford, Harvard, and other institutions, Kennedy argues that the toxic ingredients in America’s food supply are fueling a mental health crisis—and that Big Pharma is profiting from the fallout. With 40% of U.S. teenagers now struggling with anxiety or depression, Kennedy’s message is resonating: food is medicine, and changing what we eat could be the key to healing. The science behind the connection Recent studies reveal that a poor-quality diet—high in sugar, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods—can alter brain chemistry and structure, leading to mental health issues. Research from the University of Reading found that unhealthy diets reduce grey matter volume and disrupt neurotransmitter levels in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. These changes are associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, including rumination, a hallmark of mental health disorders. We can eat ourselves well! Dr. Piril Hepsomali, a lead researcher on the study, explained, “We can eat ourselves well! Ultimately, we see that people who have an unhealthy diet – high in sugar and saturated fat – have imbalanced excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, as well as reduced volume of grey matter in the frontal part of the brain.” Kennedy has been vocal about these findings, telling Fox News, “There are studies coming out of Stanford and Harvard that show a lot of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, are related to food… Food is medicine. By changing your diet, you can lose some of those diagnoses.” Threatening Big Pharma profits The implications of this research are seismic. If diet is a primary driver of mental health issues, the demand for antidepressants—a cornerstone of Big Pharma’s profits—could plummet. Kennedy has criticized the pharmaceutical industry for perpetuating the narrative that mental health problems are solely a matter of brain chemistry, requiring medication. “We are letting down these kids. And there is a moral issue here… it’s a financial issue. Health care costs are going to sink us. And the only way that we’re going to solve it is by changing what we eat,” he said. The stakes are high. In the U.S., 40% of adults are obese, compared to just 5% in Japan, where life expectancy is seven years longer on average. Over 1,000 ingredients banned in Europe are still allowed in America’s food supply, contributing to a toxic diet that Kennedy argues is making people sick—and Big Pharma rich. A growing movement for cleaner food Kennedy’s campaign is already sparking change. Restaurant chains like Steak ’n Shake and Sweetgreen are ditching harmful seed oils in favor of healthier alternatives like beef tallow and avocado oil. Outback Steakhouse is also reportedly reevaluating its ingredients in response to consumer demand for cleaner food. A shift reflects a broader awakening This shift reflects a broader awakening to the connection between diet and mental health. Many people think antidepressants are the solution to depression, but it’s time to shine a spotlight on the significant role diet plays in mental health. RFK Jr.’s crusade against Big Pharma and toxic food is more than a critique—it’s a call to action. By highlighting the link between diet and mental health, he is challenging Americans to rethink their relationship with food and demand accountability from corporations that prioritize profits over public health. As the science continues to mount, it is becoming increasingly clear that the path to better mental health may start on our plates, not in a pill bottle. Sources for this article include: Modernity.news NeuroscienceNews.com NYPost.com Health.Harvard.edu To read the original article, click here

The post RFK Jr. Takes on Big Pharma: How Diet Could End the Antidepressant Era appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How Foods Are Tested for Depression

AHA Publisher — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 07:05:11 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What is the science behind the marketing of foods for antidepressant effects? If you go online, you can see claims about “coconut water being beneficial for depression,” and studies are even cited. You can see it yourself in black and white—“Young coconut water ameliorates depression”—as shown at 0:16 in my video Flashback Friday: Coconut Water and Depression. Did they just make that up? No, if you click on the related link, there it is in PubMed, just like they said. And, for a limited time offer of just $39.95, the publisher will let you read the study, but why waste your time? It says it right there in the title: “Young coconut water ameliorates depression…” Might as well spend that 40 bucks buying some coconut water to boost your mood! Anyway, I’m reading all the studies, so you don’t have to. That’s my job! So what does the study actually say? It starts out saying that “plants are frequently tested for its [sic] antidepressant potential.” So far, so good. “Therefore young coconut water, a commonly used plant based beverage, was selected to explore its antidepressant potential.” Okay, still with you. So, “rodents were selected for this study and forced swim test was conducted to explore antidepressant activity.” What?! The forced swim test is “one of the most widely used test to explore antidepressant activity.” A transparent cylinder is filled with water to a level over a mouse’s head, so they’re forced to swim. Then you drop a mouse into the water and see how long they struggle to keep from drowning before they simply give up and float to the top. Lo and behold, if you feed them some coconut water first, they hold out a bit longer before giving up, “demonstrate[ing] antidepressant activity.” Therefore, “findings from this study can be taken as a lead to use young coconut water in depressive disorders” in people. What?! It depresses me to even read such wasted research opportunities. Where did they even get this idea? It was invented by a group of French scientists in the Seventies to model “behavioral despair.” That reminds me of the Harlow experiments, which involved vertical chamber confinement that he called “the pit of despair.” It was essentially a metal contraption with sloped sides, as you can see at 2:15 in my video. If you lock a baby monkey inside of it for 45 days, you can produce “profound and persistent behavioral abnormalities of a depressive nature in monkey subjects.” They end up curled up in the fetal position, hugging themselves, as you can see at 2:24 in my video. After ten weeks alone in the chamber, they exhibit behaviors like the “contact cling,” where they just come together and hug each other for long periods of time. “It is not yet clear why confinement in the vertical chamber is apparently so effective in producing abnormal behavior…[but] studies are now underway,” so don’t you worry. I’ll spare you the similar research that’s been conducted on puppies. I can see why you’d want to test out new antidepressant drugs, but if you want to figure out if pomegranates have anti-depressant effects, why not just feed people some pomegranates, rather than throwing some mice into the deep end in a forced swimming test? There are literally thousands of published studies on food or food products using this forced swim test. They allow the egg industry, for example, to say things like “whole egg may be an excellent food for preventing and alleviating the conditions of major depression.” Why? Because rats struggled longer after being fed eggs before they were forced to swim? In people, however, removing eggs from the diet improves mood—though, the researchers also removed meat from their diet, so it’s not clear which did what. It’s also possible the subjects were just eating more healthful plant foods, like soy. In fact, the soy industry is happy to tell you soy “decreases depressive-related behavior”…in postmenopausal rats, who were fighting for their lives in yet another forced swim test. In people, though, the best soy products may be able to do is simply work as well as drugs like Prozac and Zoloft, as you can see at 3:57 in my video, and we all know how little that actually says. I mean, the forced swim test is just “a reaction to the acute stressful stimulus of being placed in a container without an escape route, and human depression reflects a chronic subjective emotional state rather than a reaction to an individual stimulus. Most importantly, depression is…[an] internal emotional state and, to date, the subjective internal emotional state of nonverbal species is not knowable.” We haven’t been able to ask animals how they’re feeling. You can’t even just look at human behavior and tell if someone has a depression diagnosis, so “it is impossible to conclude with certainty that the FST [forced swim test] is a measure or a test of depression, or a ‘depression-like’ state.” The “ease” with which thousands of scientists do that, however, is “disquieting” in that it makes an assumption that “discourages critical thought.” In fact, “floating has been a criterion in the past to judge the witchcraft outcome of forced swim, but today it is in use to label a rodent as being depressed.” Isn’t that unbelievable? Now you know why I try to stick to human studies on NutritionFacts.org. What about Coconut Water for Athletic Performance vs. Sports Drinks? Watch the video to learn more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Coconut water has been touted as being beneficial for depression, but studies cited to back up the claim not only were performed on rodents instead of humans, but they were the forced swim test in which researchers see how long animals struggle to keep from drowning before they simply give up. Researchers claim that when mice are given coconut water before being forced to swim for their lives, they are able to survive a bit longer before giving up, “demonstrate[ing] antidepressant activity.” Therefore, “findings from this study can be taken as a lead to use young coconut water in depressive disorders” in people. Other questionable animal experiments include the Harlow experiments, which use “the pit of despair”—a metal contraption with sloped sides. Researchers found that locking a baby monkey inside for 45 days can produce “profound and persistent behavioral abnormalities of a depressive nature,” with the animals curled up in the fetal position, hugging themselves. Thousands of published studies on food or food products have used the forced swim test. The egg industry, for example, claims whole eggs may be helpful with depression because rats who had been fed eggs before they were forced to swim struggled longer in the water. In humans, though, mood has been shown to improve by removing eggs from the diet, though meat was also removed, so it’s unclear which did what. The soy industry also claims soy decreases behavior related to depression–albeit in postmenopausal rats who were also used in a forced swim test. Soy products may be able to work as well as pharmaceuticals like Prozac and Zoloft in humans, but that doesn’t say much. The forced swim test is “a reaction to the acute stressful stimulus of being placed in a container without an escape route, and human depression reflects a chronic subjective emotional state rather than a reaction to an individual stimulus. Most importantly, depression is…[an] internal emotional state and, to date, the subjective internal emotional state of nonverbal species is not knowable.” “[I]t is impossible to conclude with certainty that the FST [forced swim test] is a measure or a test of depression, or a ‘depression-like’ state.” In fact, “floating has been a criterion in the past to judge the witchcraft outcome of forced swim, but today it is in use to label a rodent as being depressed.” To read the original article click here.

The post How Foods Are Tested for Depression appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

A Natural Supplement to Lower Cholesterol May Ease Anxiety

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:00:18 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – A natural food supplement ordinarily used to lower cholesterol was found to reduce anxiety in mice, according to a new Weizmann Institute of Science study. The plant-derived substance, beta-sitosterol, calmed the lab mice by itself and also worked synergistically with the antidepressant drug Prozac. Published May 18 in Cell Reports Medicine, the study results need to be confirmed in clinical trials to see if beta-sitosterol could help relieve anxiety in humans. Developing antianxiety drugs is challenging, because the brain circuits for anxiety are closely related to those responsible for memory, awareness and other functions vital for handling danger. Scientists try to find compounds that selectively suppress anxiety without causing unwanted side effects. Several years ago, Prof. Mike Fainzilber’s biomolecular sciences lab at Weizmann discovered that in stressful situations, mice lacking the protein importin alpha-five showed less anxiety than the control mice. The calmer mice were found to have about 120 genes with a characteristic pattern of expression in the hippocampus, one of the brain regions that regulate anxiety. In the new study, Fainzilber lab senior intern Nicolas Panayotis led a search of an international genomic database for existing drugs or other compounds that might mimic the same gene expression signature. He identified five candidates and tested their effects on behavior in mice. That was how the researchers zeroed in on beta-sitosterol, a plant substance now sold as a dietary supplement intended mainly to reduce cholesterol levels. No Side Effects In a series of behavioral experiments, mice given beta-sitosterol showed much less anxiety than the control group. They were, for example, less fearful than the controls when placed in an illuminated enclosure, daring to walk into its brightly lit center, whereas the control mice stayed on the darker periphery, avoiding the stress of the bright light. Moreover, the mice receiving beta-sitosterol did not exhibit any of the side effects that might be expected from antianxiety medications – their locomotion was not impaired, and they did not refrain from exploring novel stimuli. Then the researchers gave the mice beta-sitosterol in combination with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sold under the brand name Prozac. The combination had a synergistic effect: Both beta-sitosterol and fluoxetine reduced anxiety at lower doses when given together, compared with the doses needed to produce the same effect when they were administered separately. “One of the major problems with existing antianxiety medications is that they produce side effects, so if beta-sitosterol could help cut down the dosage of such medications, it might potentially also reduce the unwanted side effects,” Panayotis said. Plant-Derived A great advantage of beta-sitosterol is that it is naturally present in a variety of edible plants, and it is thought to be safe, as it has been marketed for years as a nutraceutical. The substance is found in particularly large concentrations in avocados, but also in pistachios, almonds and other nuts, as well as in canola oil and in various grains and cereals. However, this does not mean that simply eating avocado can induce a calming effect. “You’d need to eat avocado day and night to get the right dose – and you would be more likely to develop digestive problems than relieve your anxiety,” Panayotis said. The precise mechanism of beta-sitosterol’s effect on anxiety remains to be revealed, but the scientists did find that the expression of several genes known to be activated in stressful situations was reduced in mice given the supplement. They also found that these mice had changes in the levels of certain metabolites and neurotransmitters in brain areas involved in anxiety. Since the study focused on brain regions and neural pathways that are involved in regulating anxiety in both mice and humans, the researchers are optimistic that the findings will apply to humans as well. “There’s a need for a clinical trial to test the use of beta-sitosterol for reducing anxiety in humans. Until then, we recommend that people consult their physicians before taking the supplement for this purpose,” Fainzilber said. Researchers included Philip Freund and Letizia Marvaldi of the Biomolecular Sciences Department; Tali Shalit of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine; Alexander Brandis and Tevie Mehlman of the Life Sciences Core Facilities Department; and Michael Tsoory of the Veterinary Resources Department. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

The post A Natural Supplement to Lower Cholesterol May Ease Anxiety appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Antifungal and Antidepressant Drugs Can Effectively Inhibit COVID-19 Virus

AHA Publisher — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:39 +0000

Wiley via News-Medical – New research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology indicates that two currently available medications–an antifungal drug and an antidepressant–can effectively inhibit the virus that causes COVID-19 in laboratory cells. Investigators found that the antifungal itraconazole and the antidepressant fluoxetine each blocked the production of infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell culture lab tests. When either drug was used in combination with the antiviral drug remdesiver, the combination showed synergistic effects and inhibited the production of SARS-CoV-2 by more than 90%. “Preventive vaccination and therapeutic medicines against COVID-19 are both required to effectively combat pandemics caused by emerging zoonotic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.” (Ursula Rescher, PhD, Study Senior Author, University of Muenster, Germany) To read the original article click here.

The post Antifungal and Antidepressant Drugs Can Effectively Inhibit COVID-19 Virus appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Mighty Morsels: NEW Study Shows Chia Seeds Offer 4 Amazing Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 08:00:54 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – It seems that every week there is a new “superfood” that promises to support and promote health. And, most nutritionists agree that foods like organic kale, arugula, and berries are really wholesome choices, packed as they are with antioxidants and valuable micronutrients. However, the reigning king of all superfoods may well be among the tiniest. It’s hard to conceive of a food more worthy of the title of “superfood” than chia seeds. Scientific research shows that regular consumption of these tiny seeds can improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, the number one killer in the nation. But, when it comes to working against other chronic diseases, these tiny packages of nutrition are just getting started. Editor’s note: Heart disease now kills 31% of all people worldwide… and the root causes are NOT what you think! Click here to discover the truth inside the Cardiovascular Docu-Class, hosted by Jonathan Landsman, creator of NaturalHealth365. Tiny Chia seeds pack POWERFUL Punch to Guard Against Many Serious Health Issues Chia seeds are derived from the Salva hispanica plant, with a pedigree and history of use dating back to Aztec and Mayan civilizations – where they were revered as a source of strength and energy. (Incidentally, “chia” is a Mayan word for “strength”). So, the power of the chia seed – in a sense – isn’t exactly “news.” What is relatively recent is the compelling scientific confirmation of its ability to help ward off modern-day scourges such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. One of the keys to chia seeds’ power is their content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fats – which are also found in fish and fish oil – have been credited with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even antidepressant properties. Chia seeds are a good source of this healthy fat, particularly for those who don’t eat animal products. Protect Your Heart Health With a Couple Tablespoons of These Mighty Seeds a Day Among other gifts to the cardiovascular system, chia seed has been shown to reduce triglycerides – harmful fats in the blood – combat unhealthy abdominal fat, quench inflammation, and lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. In a study published in Diabetes Care, researchers gave one group of diabetic patients 37 grams (about two and a half tablespoons) of chia seeds a day, while a control group received wheat bran. The volunteers, who all had well-controlled diabetes, maintained their standard therapies throughout the study. After 12 weeks, the researchers focused on the seeds’ effects on heart health, which is particularly important for patients with type 2 diabetes. Experts say that people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease. The chia group experienced meaningful reductions in blood pressure – a major risk factor for heart disease – along with an eye-opening 40 percent decrease in C-reactive protein, an inflammatory molecule linked with heart disease. The participants also doubled their levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, one of the valuable omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish and fish oil. In addition, the chia group significantly decreased their A1C, a measure of blood sugar control over time. Studies Show This Superfood Promotes Healthy Weight in Surprising Ways A one-ounce, two-tablespoon serving of chia seeds provides a whopping 11 grams of fiber – which can help discourage overeating by creating a sense of satiety or fullness. A study published in Nutrition Research and Practices yielded good news regarding chia seeds’ ability to promote healthy weight and act against obesity. The study was as practical as it was simple: healthy volunteers were given chia seeds as a mid-morning snack to examine the effect on short-term appetite. Researchers varied the amount of seeds daily, with participants receiving either 7 grams (roughly half a tablespoon) mixed with yogurt, 14 grams with yogurt, or chia seed-free yogurt. They were then offered lunch, with no particular restrictions on foods or amounts. On chia seed days, the participants reported meaningful reductions in hunger – and added that they felt fuller and more satisfied after the snack. The upshot of the study was that the chia seed snack seemed to cause the volunteers to consume significantly fewer calories at lunchtime. They also experienced less desire for unhealthy sugary foods, showing that chia seeds may reduce food cravings that trigger binge eating. Want Better Blood Sugar Control? Adding Chia Seeds to Your Diet May Just Be What You Need Another chia seed benefit is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity – meaning chia helps give insulin more “bang for the buck” in controlling blood sugar. Studies support chia seeds’ ability to help ward off type 2 diabetes and its consequences, which include a heightened risk of heart disease. In a randomized, controlled study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, volunteers were given bread that had been enhanced with either ground chia seeds, whole seeds – or no chia seeds at all. The team found that both the ground and whole chia seeds were effective in helping to significantly lower blood sugar and control post-meal blood sugar “spikes.” The impressed researchers also noted that no adverse effects were reported from the chia seed/yogurt combination. Take a Look at Chia Seeds’ Nutritional Profile. You Will Be Impressed! An ounce of chia seeds provides almost half of the daily recommended amount of fiber for adults. In addition to helping control weight, dietary fiber functions as a prebiotic – meaning that it supplies fuel for beneficial bacteria in the all-important gut microbiome. It also helps to filter toxins and carcinogens from the body. The same ounce of seeds also contributes 4 grams of high-quality protein. In contrast, an ounce of cottage cheese contains only 3.5 grams. In addition to their impressive content of protein and fiber, chia seeds are chock-full of important minerals. A mere ounce contains almost a third of the recommended daily amount for manganese – an important constituent of the body’s antioxidant defenses – along with a third of the RDA for magnesium, needed for a normal heartbeat and blood pressure. Like another crunchy nutritional superstar, sunflower seeds, chia seeds are rich in zinc, which is vital for immune health. Another nutritional “plus” for chia seeds is that they are gluten-free and non-GMO. The subtle and delicate taste of these little seeds means that they are easy to incorporate into recipes, where they enhance flavors rather than overwhelm. Use chia seeds to amplify a casserole or enrich a stew, add them to baked goods and bread, toss them on top of cereals, yogurt, and salads – or nibble on them “as is” for a wholesome snack. Versatile and nutritious, chia seeds can help the body in surprising ways. Maybe it’s time to start adding these “mighty morsels” to your diet. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Mighty Morsels: NEW Study Shows Chia Seeds Offer 4 Amazing Health Benefits appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Adult Stem Cell Study Shows Fish Oil May Help With Depression

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:00:30 +0000

University of Illinois at Chicago via EurekAlert – A study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that patient-derived adult stem cells can be used to model major depressive disorder and test how a patient may respond to medication. Using stem cells from adults with a clinical diagnosis of depression, the University of Illinois at Chicago researchers who conducted the study also found that fish oil, when tested in the model, created an antidepressant response. UIC’s Mark Rasenick, principal investigator of the study, says that the research provides a number of novel findings that can help scientists better understand how the brain works and why some people respond to drug treatment for depression, while others experience limited benefits from antidepressant medication. “It was also exciting to find scientific evidence that fish oil — an easy-to-get, natural product — may be an effective treatment for depression,” said Rasenick, UIC distinguished professor of physiology and biophysics and psychiatry at the College of Medicine. Major depressive disorder, or depression, is the most common psychiatric disorder. Around one in six individuals will experience at least one depressive episode in their lifetime. However, antidepressant treatment fails in about one-third of patients. In the study, the UIC researchers used skin cells from adults with depression that were converted into stem cells at Massachusetts General Hospital and then directed those stem cells to develop into nerve cells. The skin biopsies were taken from two types of patients: people who previously responded to antidepressant treatment and people who have previously been resistant to antidepressants. When fish oil was tested, the models from treatment-sensitive and treatment-resistant patients both responded. Rasenick says the response was similar to that seen from prescription antidepressants, but it was produced through a different mechanism. “We saw that fish oil was acting, in part, on glial cells, not neurons,” said Rasenick, who is also a research career scientist at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and president and chief scientific officer at Pax Neuroscience, a UIC startup company. “For many years, scientists have paid scant attention to glia — a type of brain cell that surrounds neurons — but there is increasing evidence that glia may play a role in depression. Our study suggests that glia may also be important for antidepressant action. “Our study also showed that a stem cell model can be used to study response to treatment and that fish oil as a treatment, or companion to treatment, for depression warrants further investigation,” Rasenick said. To read the original article click here.

The post Adult Stem Cell Study Shows Fish Oil May Help With Depression appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.