A cross post from Celiac.com, with my own commentary below:
For the first time, medical researchers have shown that an activation of the inflammatory response system accompanies major depression and that pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may trigger symptoms of depression. In the face of the study results, researchers are recommending that patients with depression be screened for leaky gut using IgM and IgA panels.
Compared to the non-depressive control groups, patients with major depression (MDD) showed significantly greater prevalences and median values for serum IgM and IgA against LPS of enterobacteria. Increased levels of IgM and IgA are associated with fatigue, autonomic and gastro-intestinal symptoms and a subjective feeling of infection.
Leaky Gut a Factor in Major Depression
The results demonstrate that intestinal mucosal dysfunction marked by an elevated translocation of gram-negative bacteria (leaky gut) plays a role in the inflammatory pathophysiology of depression. Researchers are suggesting that IgM and IgA panels be used to screen people who suffer from depression for leaky gut.
Wow! This is big!
Depression is usually written of as a “problem of the mind”, and people suffering from this condition are shuffled into two treatment options:
-Sit on a couch for five years and talk about your problems
or
-Pop some magic SSRI pills like prozac, cymbalta, etc (with some light side effects like……increased risk of suicide)
Finally! We have some research that sheds light on other options (that we’ve been talking about for some time I might add). Depression can be viewed as a condition that stems from a lack of neurotransmitters that support brain functions.
Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors, like prozac, work with the feedback loops of seratonin to keep it n use in the body for longer. The end goal is that you stay happier if your body doesn’t “reuptake” it’s neurotransmitters.
If your production of seratonin is low, it’s likely that you’re not feeling as good as you could be. Majority of seratonin is actually produced in the gut, because seratonin, which plays a big role in keeping you happy, is a major player in stimulation of peristalsis, the movement of the bowels.
To restate the point of the research; Digestive function plays a large role in happiness!
