Nearly 20% of adults are on some kind of SSRI or antidepressant and up to 10% of American children suffer from mental illness. Research indicates that there is a direct-line relationship between the nutrient pool within the body and the production of our personal brain chemistry, specifically the sauration or depletion of 5 neurotransmitters in the brain:
GABA, serotonin, norepinepherine, endorphin and dopamine. These specific transmitters help to create the "chemistry of emotion" and are responsible for the depth of moods, depression, anger management, problem resolution and energy and activity levels. In a nutshell they enhance the brain's ability to calm itself, are involved in perception processes, are involved in mental energy adn long-term memory, have potent analgesic (pain relieving) prperties which mediate negative mood patterns, facilitate critical brain functions and are responsible for fine motor control, pleasure and sexual arousal.
One of the most influential controls over the levels of transmitters is nutrition; vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and enzymes. When we do not make the necessary nutrients available to the body, we are unable to produce the amino acids/neurotransmitters we need. Shortages lead to anger, dperession, hyperactivity, drug/alcohol cravings and unpleasant moods.
The foundations of good health are essential for sound mental health. Adequate digestion is critical. Vitamin B6 is a cofactor necessary to create these brain chemicals. Low B6 symptoms include: depression, difficulty recalling dreams, insomnia, learning difficulties, mental stress nervousnees and premenstrual tension. Causes of low B6 are alcohol, estrogen, contraceptives, antidepressants, lack of B6 food choices, processed food and poor digestion.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It may be caused in part by deficiencies of biotin, folic acid, vitamin B6, B1, B12, vitamin C, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium as well as food sensitivities. I highly recommend taking a SpectraCell lab to help assess deficiencies.