Surprising Mood Trigger Accelerates Aging
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 5, 2023
If you’re diagnosed with something like cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s, you can rest assured that folks will be sympathetic when you share the news.
In fact, the extra support you get when you do can be invaluable as you adjust to your new reality.
But a societal separation between mental and physical health… along with an outdated stigma about depression… keeps us from talking about mental health.
As a result, many folks keep their depression a secret.
And new research highlights the devastating and unexpected consequences that can have… ESPECIALLY for seniors.
Make no mistake about it. Depression is a MEDICAL condition like heart disease and diabetes.
And new research published in the journal Nature Mental Health reveals how it slams the accelerator on aging.
Older adults with depression were found to age FASTER than their peers. According to one of the study’s authors, they show signs of poor physical and brain health and accelerated biological age.
You see, old cells don’t function as efficiently as younger ones. Instead, they pump out damaging proteins that trigger inflammation and harm the body.
Researchers drew blood from over 400 senior volunteers to measure the levels of these age-associated proteins.
They found that not only did the depressed volunteers have higher levels of these aging red flags, they were ALSO more likely to have…
- worse overall cardiovascular health
- high blood pressure
- elevated cholesterol levels
- multiple health issues
In other words, your body doesn’t recognize mainstream medicine’s ARTIFICIAL separation of mental and physical disorders.
Instead, there’s a two-way street between your brain and body. So what goes on in your mind has consequences for your ENTIRE BODY.
Of course, we have a bit of a chicken or egg question on our hands here. Do you feel depressed because you HAVE a disease, or do you have a disease because you’re depressed?
I believe it’s a little of both. But either way, I suggest you start fighting back against the blues TODAY.
- Studies suggest inflammation may be at the root of depression. Fish oil and curcumin supplements can help you reduce overall inflammation.
- Exercise is PROVEN to reduce anxiety and depression. Whether going for a daily walk around the neighborhood, tai chi in the park with friends, or dancing to the oldies in your living room, make exercise a part of your everyday routine.
- Brain-supporting herbs like St. John’s wort and the amino acid 5-HTP can help reverse depressed moods.
- Research links poor sleep to depression. If you’re having problems sleeping, try using calming herbs, the amino acid theanine, or melatonin.
And if you’re already battling depression, SHARE your situation with friends and family to get the support you need. Hiding your illness and leaving it untreated can literally send you to an early grave.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve been chatting about this week in Living Well Daily…
The “Bad Habit” That’s GOOD for Your Health
Improving your ability to concentrate isn’t the only benefit of your morning cup of Joe. And with summer right around the corner, you’ll love THIS one.
Snack Food Secret to Better Heart Health
Recent research reveals walnuts pack a (DELICIOUS!) one-two punch when it comes to boosting heart health. Here’s how it works.
MAILBAG: 6 Natural Hacks to Lower Cholesterol
Mainstream medicine keeps changing the definition of “high cholesterol” on us. Then their solution is… SURPRISE… more drugs. Try one of these 6 natural solutions instead.
REVERSE Age-Related Inflammation NATURALLY
Inflammation becomes a problem when it’s turned on ALL the time, hitting the fast-forward button on aging. This new amino acid discovery could be the key to switching it off.
Are COVID Rapid Tests WORTHLESS?
By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz among family, friends, or online that at-home COVID tests may no longer be entirely accurate. Or worse, they’re WORTHLESS. But is it true?
P.S. If you’re battling depression and assume it’s the state of the world making you feel this way, don’t be so sure. It turns out your mental distress could be driven by a HORMONE. And it’s likely NOT the one you’re thinking of. CLICK HERE for the details.
Source:
“Major depression, physical health and molecular senescence markers abnormalities.” Nat. Mental Health 1, 200–209 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00033-z
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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