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
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...