Vitamin D deficiency has become more
common due to lack of sun exposure
and microbiome disruption. Vitamin
D, which is important for several
crucial functions in the body and
brain, promotes healthy brain cells
and reduces inflammation related to
memory and cognitive abilities. Low
vitamin D also has been linked to
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),
depression associated with the darker
months of the year. More severe defi-
ciencies have been associated with
depression and panic disorders.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid disorders, including hypothy-
roidism and hyperthyroidism, may be
associated with neuropsychiatric disor-
ders including depression and anxiety,
yet often individuals go unscreened.
Treatment of a thyroid disorder can
result in improvement or resolution
of associated depression and anxiety.
Gut Disruption and Inflammation
Hippocrates, the third century father
of medicine, said, “All disease begins
in the gut.” Several studies have linked
gut dysfunction and inflammatory
conditions with the brain. The vagus
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nerve, which connects the brain and
the gut, is the longest-running nerve.
The gut/brain link is evident when
we experience distress felt as stomach
upset or butterflies. Inflammation
in the gut can also trigger such reac-
tions in the brain. Gut inflammation is
caused by infections, highly processed
foods, allergenic foods, sugars, and
additives. Higher levels of inflamma-
tory markers are associated with more
severe depression and anxiety. Some
conditions, like celiac disease, often
present as psychiatric disorders first.
Our microbiome—the trillions of
bacteria that reside in our gut—is
essential for healthy brain function.
Certain bacteria types may be associ-
ated with anxiety and depression.
Researchers in the Netherlands found
that certain strains were deficient or
absent in depressed patients. These
bacteria are believed to be involved
in the pathway to produce dopamine,
our “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
Probiotics have demonstrated anti-
depressant effects in clinical research
studies. Fecal Microbiota Trans-
plant (FMT) is a procedure where a
healthy donor’s fecal microbiota is
transferred to an unhealthy recipient.
FMT has been used to treat severe