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.

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Saffron Improves Brain Function in MULTIPLE Ways, Studies Suggest

AHA Publisher — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:00:28 +0000

Stephanie Vick via NaturalHealth365 – Saffron is one of the world’s most exotic and expensive spices. Besides its culinary prowess, it is a powerful healer with a long history of use as a medicinal herb dating back to ancient times. Thankfully, modern science is finally catching up and realizing the therapeutic effects of saffron on memory and mood. Real Proof That Saffron Improves Memory One of the most exciting findings on saffron’s medicinal use comes from a couple of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Psychopharmacology. These studies show that saffron can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. In these two studies, patients were given 30 milligrams of saffron each day. One study monitored patients for 16 weeks, while the other study monitored patients for 22 weeks. At the end of the two studies, study authors discovered that the patients who took the daily saffron (in both monitored groups) did better on cognitive memory tests than those who did not take it. How Does Saffron Work to Help the Brain Retain Information? Saffron is full of natural antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to offer some protective benefits against the amyloid plaques that form in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. In addition, this spice also has gallic acid – which supports healthy immune function – which helps to keep those plaques from forming in the first place. And, finally, saffron contains pyrogallol, a natural compound that scientists have long known to have memory protective benefits. The evidence seems to point strongly to the fact that saffron, taken daily in moderate amounts, can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. It may even help improve memory, during the early stages of the disease, by keeping the formation of amyloid plaques to a minimum. A Safe Alternative to Toxic Antidepressant Medications Saffron has been used as a mood elevator since ancient Persian times. This is significant since conventional antidepressants are often given to Alzheimer’s patients, increasing the risk of unwanted side effects such as nausea, weight gain, insomnia, and anxiety. With Alzheimer’s disease already causing so many health problems, why would any rational healthcare professional want to give out dangerous drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac – three of the most popular drugs on the market? Because of the danger posed by these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), many scientists are reasoning that the mood-boosting benefits of saffron would be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in July 2013, a study was done to test the mood-boosting properties of saffron. The same 30 milligrams a day was given to a group of clinical depressives for six weeks. At the end of the study, it was found that the mood of the test subjects improved as much or better than with traditional antidepressant drugs, and there were no side effects. Although the pharmaceutical industry may not be so happy about these results, it seems saffron has many benefits for the brain, and those benefits could lead to better memory function for those with Alzheimer’s disease. And, while it may not represent a ‘cure,’ it is definitely something that can offer hope for a better future and a healthier memory for those who take it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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

Saffron Improves Brain Function in MULTIPLE Ways, Studies Suggest