Tag: anxiety

Mood Disorders and the Gut

HI, Scott here. While I am on holidays from UNI I have decided to write a post for our blog.

Since my studies are focused on treating anxiety, depression and PTSD what better subject to start with.

None of these conditions are simple or simple to treat. First is to identify which mood disorder followed by identifying the cause.

There are many reasons people suffer from a mood disorder. It may have been triggered by a traumatic experience or a result of poor dietary practices. Trauma does not need to be a specific event. It could be a result of a series of things that have built up to have a cumulative effect. Just as diet doesn’t need to be recent, it could be that a persons diet as a child was lacking which has had long lasting effect the body.

So, what to do about it,

My belief is that a multi-pronged approach is needed. This will mean lifestyle and diet changes with the addition of some specific, medicinal herbs and counselling.

For some it may also mean accepting that things will not be the same as they were before. When we say “I just wish that I could be the way I was when” this may not be possible simply because life changes us every day we live it. Equally, this does not mean that we need to go through life suffering or causing pain to those who love us.

The body is an amazing thing that conventional medicine thinks of as a machine but in my view is so much more than that.

The way the bodies systems work with each other, is like a giant 3D jigsaw that is in constant motion. Its just incredible to think that it is continually changing shape, growing and shedding all the time. This also means that by giving the body what it needs actually helps the body and mind to heal itself.

How does this work?

Primarily, the work is done in the gut or microbiome. This process is truly fascinating and has become my passion.

There are many scientific papers that discuss the importance of the microbiome and its effect on our mood and personality. A 2016 article in “The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry” looks at the influence of the microbiota on the development of PTSD with some interesting results. By looking at how gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like Serotonin, Dopamine and GABA.

Put simply, what we eat directly affects the structure and function of the brain and, ultimately, our mood. Few people are aware of the connection between nutrition and depression. It is easier to understand the connection between nutritional deficiencies and physical illness.

Depression is more typically thought of as strictly biochemical or emotionally based. However, science has discovered that nutrition can play a key role in the onset as well as severity and duration of depression. There are actually more neurotransmitters produced in the gut than in the brain.

Like an expensive car, the brain functions best when it gets only premium fuel. Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain.

Diets high in refined sugars, for example, are harmful to the brain. Multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function and a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders.

What does all this mean for people suffering with a mood disorder?

It means when reaching for that soft drink, cheeseburger or deep fried snack. Take a moment to think about your mental health and the effect that your diet may have on it.

Identifying a diet that has a positive effect on mental health is a whole other subject, however, a whole food diet is going to be most beneficial. This means that if you can’t identify what you are eating, chances are it’s not doing you, or your mental health any favours.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

(Sources –
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience –
Harvard Medical School – 
US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health )

What is GABA?

Today’s post is about GABA.

A friend and I were talking about this recently, so as usual, I’ve done some research so I can share some information with you.

So, first of all what is GABA?

GABA is the acronym for Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, which is an amino acid that is produced naturally in the brain. It is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, in the brain.

GABA’s big role in the body is to help the body and brain to relax. It promotes feelings/sensations of calm and tiredness. The brain naturally releases GABA at the end of a day to promote sleepiness and allow a person to rest.

It does this by blocking specific signals in the central nervous system, slowing down the brain. This provides a protective and calming effect on the brain and body. Which in turn, helps to slow down the heart rate and breathing, as well as relaxing muscles.

Too much or too little

Too much GABA means that there is not enough brain activity. This can lead to hypersomnia or daytime sleepiness.

At the other end of the scale, a lack of GABA leaves your central nervous system with too many neuronal signals. This can cause conditions like epilepsy, seizures or mood disorders.

For those who have low levels of GABA, symptoms may include feelings of anxiety, stress and worry.

Because alcohol targets GABA receptors and mimics the effect of this neurotransmitter, helping to relax the mind and body.  Some people find they have alcohol cravings. While alcohol may help in the short term, the negative side effects of too much alcohol outweigh the temporary feelings of calm and relax.

There are medications designed to interact with the GABA receptors in the brain, to achieve certain effects. These are typically prescribed to help with pain relief, stress and anxiety reduction, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep. These medications include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications.

GABA and diet

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid does not occur naturally in foods. However, a variety of foods contain flavonoids that influence GABA levels and how it works in the brain.

These include varieties of green, black, and oolong tea, fermented foods including kimchi, miso, kefir, yogurt, and tempeh. Other foods that may boost production are;

  • whole grains, fava beans, soy, lentils, and other beans;
  • nuts including walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds;
  • fish including shrimp and halibut;
  • and citrus, tomatoes, berries, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and cocoa.

A number of natural supplements also affect GABA activity to help relieve stress and anxiety, promote a balanced mood, and help with sleep. These include;

  • valerian and hops
  • magnesium
  • L-theanine
  • L-arginine
  • kava
  • passionflower
  • American ginseng.
What about supplements?

GABA is also available as a supplement. These supplements are often taken to treat high blood pressure, stress and anxiety, and sleep.

However, scientists have not been able to prove the positive effects of GABA supplementation or what kind of risks it might pose, so their use may have limited effectiveness.

Before deciding to use a GABA supplement, it may be a good idea to seek advise from a health professional.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

(Sources – web MD  – Food for the Brain Foundation –  McGill OSS – News, Medical-Life Sciences – )

What is Mucuna pruriens or Velvet bean?

Today I’m writing about Mucuna pruriens or ‘velvet bean’.

Recently, a colleague of mine mentioned it to me. As I had never heard of it before, I decided to do some research and share what I found.

What is Velvet Bean?

It is a legume that grows wild in tropical and sub tropical parts of the world. It has many other common names such as Cowhage, Cowitch, and Lacuna bean. Its botanical name is ‘Mucuna pruriens’ and it has long history as a food and a medicine.

The plant is a climber, like many species of bean or pea. It has white, lavender or purple flowers. The mature seedpods are covered in tiny hairs that cause severe itching when they come into contact with the skin. The actual seeds, or beans themselves are shiny black or brown.

The plant is popular as a fodder crop for animals in many parts of the world. It is also used to improve the soil for other crops.

What are its health benefits and uses?

The mucuna pruriens beans can be eaten as a food. The raw velvet bean seeds are rich in protein, essential fatty acids and minerals.
In many Asian countries the beans are used in the manufacture of miso and tempeh. In some countries they are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The young seedpods can also be cooked and eaten like runner beans.

All parts of the plant, including the beans, have a history of medicinal uses.
The earliest records refer to the beans being used in Ayurvedic medicine over 2000 years ago as a diuretic and aphrodisiac. The leaves have been used for skin disorders and muscle pain. In the 1960’s research found that the beans contain a substance that has been revolutionary in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

In 2004, and more recently in 2017, new studies were conducted into the use of mucuna pruriens in the treatment of Parkinsons disease. These studies support the idea that mucuna pruriens is a safe alternative treatment.
The bean has also increased in popularity as a treatment for nervous disorders such as anxiety. It is also used to manage male infertility.

The velvet beans contain substances that are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory. They are also high in antioxidants due to the presence of L-dopa. L-Dopa is a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Dopamine is one of the “feel good” chemicals in our brain. Interacting with the pleasure and reward center of our brain. Along with other chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, dopamine plays a vital role in how happy we feel. In addition to our mood, dopamine also affects movement, memory, and focus

With this in mind, there are several health food & supplement companies producing products containing mucuna pruriens. Many of these products are recommended to assist with mood, focus and stress management.

So if anxiety or stress is hampering your life, it might benefit you to visit your local health food store to see how these velvet beans can assist you.
I personally haven’t tried any Mucuna supplements, however in light of this research, I would consider trying it.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

Sources – The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Science Direct , Wikiped