The Surprising Way to Beat Depression
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 1, 2017
Your brain is a complicated thing.
In fact, your brain may be the most complicated thing in the universe.
So it’s no wonder there’s so much confusing information about there on why we develop conditions like depression.
In just the past few months, studies have blamed inflammation, your weight, and nutrient deficiencies for causing depression.
But, believe it or not, these three depression triggers all have one thing in common.
It has to do with a critical brain chemical that holds the key to conquering depression once and for all.
This chemical is called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
BDNF is actually a small protein (called a peptide). Its job in your brain is to increase the growth of new nerve cells. BDNF also protects your brain from damage.
The higher BDNF you have in your brain, the better you think (improved cognition) and the better connections between brain cells you have.
BDNF has been found to be low in people with Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
And guess what happens when we are depressed?
That’s right, BDNF drops like a rock.
I’m not a big fan of antidepressants, but they have been shown to increase BDNF activity and improve brain function.
But there are better ways to naturally increase BDNF.
A new study published in the journal Psychiatry Investigation suggests that losing even a few pounds can increase BDNF – and help lead you out of depression.
But don’t stop at weight loss, there is much more you can do to increase BDNF.
Dr. Scott’s BDNF Increasing Plan:
- Exercise: Yes, exercise increases BDNF. Even a little exercise can go a long way. Try walking a few minutes every day and see if you can increase that to 30-40 minutes a day.
- Curcumin: Many studies have shown that adding curcumin helps to increase BDNF.
- Fast: Not eating is a hard thing to do, but studies have shown fasting can increase BDNF levels by 500%. It is a lot for most people to think about not eating, but I suggest eating breakfast later and dinner earlier to get the benefits without having to go without food.
- Lose Weight: If you need help losing weight, try avoiding simple sugars and balancing your blood sugar with berberine and chromium.
For many years we thought that depression was a thinking disorder. We now know that how we live, what we eat, and how we think, can all play a role.
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.
View More Free Articles
Take the SHORTER Path to Dramatically Better Health
Are you tired of fitness gurus preaching the virtues of 5 AM workouts and pushing Olympic-level training regimens? Their narrative can feel exhausting and entirely unattainable. But before you toss in the towel completely, I’ve got news that might just put a spring back into your step. A groundbreaking new study reveals that the key...
Unexpected Perks of Your Coffee Habit Revealed!
We all know that the first cup of coffee in the morning can FEEL like a lifesaver. But what if it might actually BE saving your life? A groundbreaking new study suggests that your daily coffee habit could be protecting you from not just one but multiple chronic diseases. Let’s pour over this fascinating research…...
The TRUTH About Diabetes Drugs and Brain Aging
You’ve probably seen the gushing headlines… Most say something like, “Common diabetes drug protects the brain against aging!” And let’s face it, that sounds fantastic. After all, who doesn’t want to keep their brain young and in tip-top shape? The headlines refer to the results of a new study that suggests the widely prescribed type...
Hidden Smartphone Danger Puts You at Risk
Remember when we thought cell phones were just something for young folks to obsess over? Back when we were convinced they were nothing more than a passing fad? Well, times certainly have changed. Now, most people… including many of us older folks… have jumped on the smartphone bandwagon. Heck, some of us are practically as...
Preserve Your Mobility with “Agile Aging” Exercises
Aging has a way of humbling us. You lose hair where you want to keep it—and often end up growing it where you don’t. With every passing year, your eyesight fades, and your waistline expands. And as your once quick pace begins to slow, you fear developing the dreaded “senior shuffle.” But here’s the thing....
Yes, Lazy Saturday Lie-Ins Can BOOST Your Health
Are you burning the midnight oil during the week and catching up on sleep on weekends? Well, I’ve got some news that might help you feel less guilty about those lazy Saturday mornings. A new study suggests that weekend lie-ins might be doing far more than just helping you feel refreshed. Experts say they could...
Mailbag: 7 Hidden Culprits Behind Your Weight Gain
“Why am I gaining weight, even though I am watching what I am eating?” – Battling the Bulge Dear Battling, Gaining weight when you’re not trying to is frustrating. And it just gets worse as we age… often regardless of our diet. The truth is that various factors can promote weight gain even when you’re...
Popular Artificial Sweetener Linked to Dangerous Heart Risk
Remember when erythritol was the darling of the health food world? Well, this popular sugar substitute might not be as sweet a deal as we were led to believe… A shocking new study reveals a dark side to this widely used artificial sweetener. It turns out erythritol is associated with a dangerous—and even deadly—heart risk....
Cracking the Code on Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation and obesity are the evil tag team at the heart of nearly every major disease we face—from diabetes to obesity. What starts as a normal, healthy process to fend off dangerous invaders can quickly fan into the flames of chronic inflammation… and that includes in your gut. The trouble is almost no one has...
Dreaming of Better Sleep? Your Gut Holds the Key
Do you toss and turn at night? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, if you’re a senior over 65, you join nearly 17 percent of your peers who ALSO struggle with poor sleep quality. But science has uncovered a natural supplement that not only could help you catch more Z’s but can also give...