13 Important Blood Tests to Get Done If You Have Depression

Isn't it weird that when you go to a psychiatrist for depression, they don't even run any blood tests?

Some do. 

But many don’t. 

Blood in 4 test tubes.

They simply talk to you for a bit, then give you a prescription and send you on your way. 

Hell, they don't even scan and look at your brain, the very thing they are trying to treat. 

You'd think that they would actually try to find something wrong with you and show that to you. 

You know, like actually demonstrate that you have a "chemical imbalance" before trying to balance you out chemically. 

But they don't. 

They just throw pills at you and cross their fingers they will help. 

Weird isn't it? 

Some days I wake up and wonder how conventional psychiatry is even taken seriously. 

It claims to be "science-based medicine" but it sure seems like quackery to me. 

And even the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is catching on. 

The NIMH no longer funds research based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders, which is the primary tool used by psychiatrists to diagnose people with psychiatric disorders. 

Why?

Because they say the manual doesn't provide any data or evidence about the cause of mental illnesses, including depression (96). 

The weakness of the manual is its lack of validity. Unlike our definition of Lymphoma or AIDS, the DSM diagnoses are based on consensus about clusters of clinical symptoms, not any objective laboratory measures. Patients with mental disorders deserve better.
— Dr. Thomas Insel, Director of NIMH

Exactly – you deserve better. 

The current state of psychiatry is essentially a bunch of doctors making diagnoses based on symptoms without actually testing to determine root cause.

It’s insane. 

You're not. 

And it’s time for a paradigm shift. 

The mainstream medical literature is full of peer-reviewed studies that look at the underlying factors contributing to depression and other mental health symptoms.

Yet conventional psychiatry doesn’t pay attention to the findings of its own literature, or the literature of the other medical disciplines.

Psychiatrists simply ignore it.

But that doesn't mean you have to. 

Funny comic strip: “My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.”

Why You Should Demand Blood Tests from Your Psychiatrist

Unless you test, you’ve guessed.
— Dr. Charles Gant, MD

I'll admit - when I originally started trying to figure out my depression, I also did a lot of guessing and not enough testing.

That made things much more difficult, and I ended up making a lot of mistakes along the way. 

That's why I recommend you test more, and guess less. 

Otherwise, it’s hard to know for sure what steps you should take to correctly treat and overcome your depression.

The underlying issues that contribute to depression are different for everyone.

But blood testing can show you the inner functioning of your body, highlight your physiological abnormalities, and help you identify the underlying root causes of your depression so that you can address them using nutrition, supplements, therapies and other lifestyle factors.

Below are 13 important blood tests that you should get done if you struggle with depression

These blood tests shine light on some of the real, underlying root causes of depression, and will give you helpful information to act upon.

When something is outside the optimal range, you can then do something about it!

They put the power back into your hands, and give you a much better idea of where you should begin, so that you can get better faster, and overcome your depression sooner rather than later. 

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1. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver. It increases in the presence of inflammation in the body, and a high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of systemic inflammation.

It’s obviously very important to test for CRP because an increasing amount of research suggests that depression is an inflammatory disease and many depressive symptoms may simply be a “side effect” of chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body and brain (93).

On top of this, numerous studies and a meta-analysis have found that elevated CRP is significantly associated with depression (94-95). 

Illustration or brain and brain blood flow.

Yet how many psychiatrists test for CRP?

Not many.

But you don’t have to wait around for them to check your levels. 

You can order your own high-sensitivity CRP test. 

If your levels come back high, you’ll need to take steps to fight back against the inflammation and dampen it.  

My first recommended step would be to follow an anti-inflammatory diet

My Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Mental Health is full of anti-inflammatory foods that you eat freely, and doesn’t include foods that are likely to increase your inflammation.

One way to reduce brain inflammation is by supplementing with curcumin, which is included in this supplement.

In fact, curcumin has been shown to be as effective as Prozac in treating depression, likely because of its anti-inflammatory effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation.

Other steps you can take to reduce inflammation include reducing stress, improving gut health, treating infections, getting enough sleep, etc. 

Make sure you also check out this article for 23 effective ways to reduce inflammation in the brain.

 

2. Vitamin D - 25(OH)D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that your skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun.

Every tissue in your body has Vitamin D receptors, including the brain, so a deficiency can lead to costly physiological and psychological consequences, including depression

Researchers have evaluated the effects of Vitamin D on mental health and found those with the lowest levels of Vitamin D were 11 times more likely to be depressed than people with healthy levels (3). 

In fact, one study found that 60 percent of the suicidal patients were deficient in Vitamin D. The patients also had higher inflammatory markers in their blood, suggesting that low levels of Vitamin D could be a cause of the inflammation (5). 

The sun shining through the clouds. The sun provides Vitamin D, which is often low in people with depression.

Unfortunately, reports from across the world indicate that Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and a major health problem globally (1).

Researchers estimate that 50 percent of the general population is at risk of Vitamin D deficiency (2). 

That’s why it’s so important to get your levels checked regularly (at least once each year). 

If you have low levels, optimizing your Vitamin D levels can then reduce inflammation and improve your mood.

Research shows that improvement in Vitamin D levels is significantly associated with improvement in depression scores in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (4). 

It’s best to get your Vitamin D by going outside and getting sunlight, but some people can’t get enough, especially during the winter.

That’s why I recommend supplementing with Vitamin D3 if you're low.

Vitamin D can also help with addiction and withdrawal, support the blood-brain barrier and reduce brain fog

 

3. Thyroid Panel

There’s a very tight correlation between hypothyroidism and depression. Unfortunately, patients are misdiagnosed with depression when really they have low thyroid. There are well designed clinical trials to show you that your active thyroid hormone is essential to a happy mood. Correcting and nourishing the thyroid gland is absolutely imperative in order to improve mood.

– Suzy Cohen, Pharmacist, Author of Thyroid Healthy: Lose Weight, Look Beautiful and Live the Life You Imagine

Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck below your Adam’s apple.

It’s one of your most important glands, producing thyroid hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) – which impact the health and functioning of your entire body.

Lots of research shows that thyroid dysfunction and low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) can contribute to depression

One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid tissue.

According to Dr. Datis Kharrazian, author of Why Isn’t My Brain Working? and Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms?, 90% of people with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s. 

Here are some of the symptoms of low thyroid that I’ve personally experienced:

An illustration of the the thyroid gland. People with depression are often hypothyroid.

Sounds just like depression, doesn’t it? 

Many people are diagnosed with depression and given antidepressants when in reality they have an underlying thyroid issue that is making them feel depressed.

That’s why I highly recommend getting done a complete thyroid panel. 

A high-quality thyroid panel should measure Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Triiodothyroine (fT3), Free Serum Thyroxine (fT4), and Thyroid Antibodies. 

Some doctors will only test for TSH, but that is definitely not enough. Others will test for TSH, T3, and T4 but not assess the autoimmune status of the thyroid gland.

If you have low thyroid levels, treating the underlying hypothyroidism is critical to alleviating the depressive symptoms. Thyroid hormone replacement can often make people feel remarkably better and lift their depression completely.

Nutrition and lifestyle factors are also necessary steps in treating hypothyroidism. 

Check out this post for the 13 ways that I’ve supported my thyroid and increased the production of my thyroid hormones over the years.

My favourite ways is low-level laser therapy

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4. Vitamin B12

Lack of understanding of B12 is one of the greatest tragedies of modern medicine.

– Dr. James Greenblatt, Integrative Psychiatrist, Author of Breakthrough Depression Solution: Mastering Your Mood with Nutrition, Diet & Supplementation

Getting your Vitamin B12 levels checked is another very important step to take if you want to manage and overcome depression

Having sufficient levels of Vitamin B12 is necessary for your brain to work properly. 

But deficiency is very common, especially in older individuals and vegetarians and vegans.

In fact, it’s estimated that almost 40% of Americans are deficient!

Poor gut health and even psychiatric medications can cause B12 deficiency.

Research shows that if you are depressed, you likely have lower levels of B12 circulating in your blood, and people with low levels of B12 are also at greater risk of developing depression (6-7). 

Supplement bottle and supplement pills in the shape of B12.

Yet, instead of looking at B12 levels in the blood, psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressants that have been shown to further deplete B12.

This happened to me. My levels were never tested. I was simply given medications, which further depleted my Vitamin B12 levels.  

Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include memory loss, fatigue, irritability, apathy, personality changes, etc. The list goes on and on. 

If your levels are low, you will need to take the methylated form of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin, or methyl-B12).

You should avoid the semisynthetic version of B12 (cyanocobalamin). Methyl-B12 is better absorbed and more biologically active. It’s included in this supplement.

You can also get B12 from food, primarily animals. Beef liver is a really good source. I also take beef liver capsules because I don’t like the taste of liver. 

But keep in mind that you can also have normal or high B12 levels but then still be B12 deficient on a cellular level. That is very common in my clients, and I talk about that in my workshop presentation. You can register for the free workshop here.

Optimizing your B12 levels is also important if you want to promote the regeneration of myelin, lower your homocysteine levels, and reverse brain damage and cognitive decline.

 

5. Estradiol

Estradiol is an estrogen and the primary female sex hormone, responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system.

It plays a significant role in the mental health of women. 

There is a strong link between estradiol, mood and wellbeing. In fact, depression is correlated with sudden drops or fluctuations in estradiol, and long periods of sustained low levels of estrogen (8). 

And research shows that stabilizing or restoring estrogen levels can help women recover from depression (postpartum, perimenopause, and postmenopause) (9). 

Estradiol has also been shown to increase the brain’s secretion of oxytocin, which is powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Low levels are linked to depression (10-12). 

You can check your levels here

 

6. Testosterone (Free and Total)

When I lived in a moldy home, suffered multiple concussions and was placed on antidepressants, my testosterone plummeted.

Conventional doctors didn’t test my testosterone because they assumed every a man in his 20s would have healthy levels.

Mustache? You mean visible testosterone? Testosterone levels should be checked if you’re a male and have depression.

But they were wrong. 

Eventually I saw a doctor and he found out that I had the testosterone levels of an old man.

I was put on testosterone replacement therapy for almost one year to get my levels back to normal. And over that time, I saw a huge reduction in my depression.

This is because there is plenty of research showing that low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms of depression in men (14). 

And a systematic review and meta-analysis found that testosterone replacement has antidepressant effects in depressed patients (13). 

Your doctor will test your total testosterone levels. But it’s just as important to also check you free testosterone levels.

You can test your total and free levels here. 

If your levels are low, it would be wise to try testosterone replacement therapy, at least for a little while, until you find out why you have low testosterone.  

Testosterone can also promote the regeneration of myelin and reduce brain fog

 

7. Magnesium (Red Blood Cell)

The possibility that magnesium deficiency is the cause of most major depression and related mental health problems including IQ loss and addiction is enormously important to public health and is recommended for immediate further study
— Dr. George Eby, PhD
Magnesium-rich foods, including avocados, bananas, almonds, dark chocolate, spinach, etc. Magnesium levels should be checked if you have depression because depressed individuals often are deficient.

Magnesium is a vital mineral that participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body. This includes neurotransmitter and hormonal activity, all of which can have a huge effect on your mood.

Research shows that low magnesium levels contribute and worsen many neuropsychiatric problems, including depression

In fact, case studies have shown that patients with major depression who have attempted suicide had significantly lower levels of magnesium in their cerebrospinal fluid (15). 

That’s why it’s so important to test your levels. You can order a lab test to check your levels here.  

If you have low levels, no worries; there are a number of ways to replete them.

You can eat more foods that contain magnesium, such as spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate and bananas. These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But supplementation or taking Epsom salt baths is still necessary for most people.

Magnesium is one of the three nutrients that I think everyone should be taking because most people are deficient nowadays. It’s included in this supplement.

Stress depletes magnesium, and unfortunately, certain antidepressants drugs can actually further deplete magnesium as well!

On the flip side, magnesium has been shown to cause antidepressant effects by significantly increasing BDNF.

And research shows recovery from major depression in less than 7 days using 100 to 300 mg of magnesium with each meal and at bedtime (16-18). 

That’s why I think doctors should be testing magnesium levels and prescribing magnesium supplements – which would be something that actually gets to the root cause of depression – rather than giving out antidepressants that cover up symptoms and actually make the underlying condition worse. 

Normalizing magnesium levels can also support the blood-brain barrier and help you overcome addiction and withdrawal

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8. Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the body as a by-product of methylation.

In healthy people, it’s properly metabolized and normal levels are maintained. 

But when homocysteine isn’t properly metabolized, it can build up inside the body and levels can become too high.

And that’s when homocysteine becomes dangerous and unhealthy. 

At high levels, homocysteine is inflammatory, and a lot of research shows that it is linked to depression (35-42). 

Studies have found that people with high levels of homocysteine have lower levels of serotonin and SAMe, a nutrient involved in the production of many neurotransmitters that improve mood (33-34).

You can check your homocysteine levels by ordering this blood test

If your levels are high, read this post for 16 ways to lower your homocysteine levels. 

Normalizing homocysteine can also help repair the blood-brain barrier and reduce your risk of developing dementia

 

9. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for mental health, as it plays a key role in brain and nervous system function and neurotransmission.

So not surprisingly, having a deficiency can contribute to symptoms of depression.

Unfortunately, six different studies have found that even subclinical deficiency of zinc impairs brain function in children and adults, and it’s actually estimated that 2 billion people in the world are deficient in zinc (19-22).

So, if you struggle with depression, it’s quite possible that you’re deficient.  

Mounting evidence suggests a link between low zinc levels and the development of major depression (27, 30-31). 

However, too much zinc isn't healthy either. That’s why it’s best to test instead of guess.

You can check your zinc levels by ordering this zinc blood test

Zinc-rich foods including salmon, beef, almonds. Zinc deficiency is common in people with depression.

Another way to find out if you’re deficient in zinc is by doing the zinc assay taste test. This is how it works:

  • Order liquid zinc assay

  • Put a teaspoon of the liquid in your mouth and mix it around

  • If it tastes like water, you’re likely deficient in zinc. If it tastes really bitter and gross, your zinc levels are optimal.

This is how I originally found out that I was deficient in zinc. During my initial test, the liquid tasted like water. After taking a zinc supplement for a while, I did the test again, and I had a very metallic taste in my mouth the second time around. It’s not as accurate as testing your actual levels, but it can still give you a good idea of where you stand. 

If your levels are low, make sure to eat foods high in zinc. Some of the best food sources include oysters, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, mushrooms and spinach. These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

However, if you’re deficient, I recommend at least short-term supplementation. 

Several studies have shown that zinc supplementation has antidepressant effects and significantly reduces symptoms of depression. One way it does this is by significantly increasing BDNF levels (23-26, 28-29, 32).

I created and take the Optimal Zinc supplement to make sure my zinc levels are optimal. 

Check out my previous post about zinc and copper if you’re interested in discovering more steps you can take to increase your zinc levels.

Zinc can also stimulate the vagus nerve.

 

10. Celiac Disease Panel

A grain-free diet, although difficult to maintain, especially for those that need it the most, could improve the mental health of many and be a complete cure for others.
— Dr. Paola Bressan

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people. 

When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, spelt, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks and damages their small intestine. 

It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but celiac disease actually goes undiagnosed in 90% of cases, leaving them at risk for long-term health complications, including depression (46).

In fact, many people with celiac disease often struggle with depression.

One study found that major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and adjustment disorders were more common in a group of celiac disease patients compared to controls (61). 

And this was supported by follow-up studies (62-63). 

Other researchers have found that celiac disease patients are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, but their depressive symptoms improve after following a gluten-free diet (64-65). 

That’s why it’s so important to test for the disease if you struggle with depression

Yet many doctors never do.  

Even if you don’t have celiac disease, it may be beneficial for you to cut out all gluten-containing grains from your diet for 30 days and see how you feel. 

Bread, bagels and other wheat products. Gluten intolerance and celiac disease can trigger inflammation and contribute to depression.

Dr. Kenneth Fine, a pioneer in gluten intolerance research, has demonstrated that 1 in 3 Americans are gluten intolerant, and that 8 in 10 have the genes that predispose them to developing gluten intolerance (47-49).

And for more than sixty years, reports in the scientific literature have linked wheat and gluten sensitivity to depression (50-57). 

Following a gluten-free diet significantly improved my mood (even though I didn’t have celiac disease or any digestive issues).

I completely cut it out seven years ago, and within a few weeks, I felt so much better mentally. 

I also lost a bunch of weight and my asthma disappeared. 

In one study, depressed patients who didn’t have digestive issues (like me) followed a gluten-free diet, and within 2-3 months, they experienced a reversal of their depressive symptoms (58). 

Researchers have also found that a gluten-free diet improves depression by increasing levels of l-tryptophan – the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin (59). 

Another study found a significant increase in serotonin and dopamine because of the removal of gluten (60).

Clearly, there is more to gluten than celiac disease, and cutting out wheat is one of the first dietary steps I recommend to people who are striving to overcome depression.

Try it out. You’ll like feel better. 

And when you’re done, here are two other foods I recommend avoiding if you have depression

The bacteria in our guts can determine the degree to which we are sensitive to foods such as gluten, so you should also try to increase the good bacteria in your gut

 

11. MTHFR DNA Analysis

MTHFR gene mutation.

Methylation is one of the most important processes in your body and brain.

The methylation cycle plays a key role in the synthesis of melatonin, coenzyme Q10, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is one enzyme that plays a very important role in the methylation cycle.

Most importantly, the MTHFR enzyme helps produce l-methylfolate in the body.

But some people have genetic mutations in the MTHFR enzyme, and it can lead to a number of chronic illnesses, including depression

In fact, numerous studies have shown that MTHFR mutations are significantly associated with depression. And more than one meta-analysis has found that people with MTHFR mutations have an elevated incidence of depression (68-77). 

There is also a decrease in serotonin synthesis in patients with MTHFR mutations (71-72). 

Testing your homocysteine levels is one way to know if your methylation pathway is working properly. However, it is just one marker. I look at a number of different markers with my clients. If you’re interested in becoming a client, register for my workshop presentation here.

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12. Lyme

In my database, depression is the most common psychiatric syndrome associated with late stage Lyme disease.
— Dr. Robert Bransfield, psychiatrist who specializes in treating tick-borne disease infections

Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread by ticks (78). 

Lyme disease can lead to psychiatric symptoms, including severe depression and suicidal thoughts (79-80, 83-84). 

Depressive states among patients with late Lyme disease are fairly common, ranging from 26% to 66% in studies (82, 85).

Researchers have even concluded that depression in patients with Lyme encephalopathy is caused by central nervous system dysfunction and cannot be explained as a psychological response to chronic illness (81). 

That’s why it’s critical to rule out Lyme disease if you’re feeling depressed. 

It can sometimes be hard to ask for your doctor to test for it.

But you can check yourself by ordering a test yourself.

 

13. Fasting Glucose, Insulin and Hemoglobin A1C

If you’re struggling with depression, it’s also important to check your blood sugar control. 

Unstable blood sugar can contribute to a number of different mental health problems, including depression.

Researchers have found that impaired fasting blood sugar is a significant predictor of depression (86). 

One study found that men with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes had nearly double the odds of major depression (90). 

And other studies have found that patients with depression have higher fasting glucose and HbA1c levels, and these levels correlated significantly with the severity of their depression (88-89). 

Blood sugar.

A fasting glucose blood test can provide a snapshot of how much sugar is present when your body isn’t processing food. You can order the test here.

A fasting insulin blood test is also important, as it tells you how your pancreas is working when you’re not eating anything. 

Research shows that depressive symptoms are associated with fasting insulin resistance (91). 

You can order a fasting insulin test here.

Lastly, Hemoglobin A1C may be the most important test, as it gives you the average of your blood sugar levels over the past three months. 

And researchers have found that variability in blood sugar control is significantly associated with more depressive symptoms (92). 

You can order the Hemoglobin A1C test here

Making dietary changes to control blood sugar is critical. 

Check out my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health for the best foods to eat in order to manage your blood sugar and improve your mood. 

 

How to Order These Tests Yourself

Overall, optimizing your mental health and overcoming your depression really relies on having accurate data about your specific biochemistry.

And the above lab tests are a great way to learn about your body so that you can correct the underlying problems that are contributing to your depression

You can go to your doctor and ask for them, but don’t be surprised if your doctor tells you they aren’t necessary and won’t order them for you. 

You may have to put up a fight. 

I’ve had to do that many times when I’ve requested different blood tests. 

But if you’re not feeling well, it’s worth advocating for yourself. 

Tell your doctor that you want a baseline assessment before taking medication

Push back. 

Remember, your doctor should be working for you. 

If you get fed up, just “fire” your doctor and find a new one – one that will actually work with you and for you. 

If all else fails and you can't find a doctor to run these tests, you can always just skip doctors completely and order the blood tests yourself, which can actually end up saving you a lot of time and hassle.

Walk-In Lab is a reliable and trustworthy way to do this online. 

They provide direct access to blood tests from certified laboratories in the US, Canada, Europe and internationally. All blood tests are “direct-to-consumer”, meaning they allow you to pick and choose the blood tests you’d like, no doctor required.

Doctors shouldn’t have exclusive rights to information about your body anyway.

No one has a greater right to your blood test results than you do, and you should be able to access blood test results directly from the company you pay to run the labs.

Overall, there is no doubt that having direct access to blood testing, and direct access to your results, is an invaluable way for you to take control of your brain and mental health.

Great treatment starts with great testing, providing you with the information you need to put your health back into your own hands.

In summary, here are some of the blood tests I recommend you test for:

 

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Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

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(64) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17030405/

(65) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10086676/

(66) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/207557

(67) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763414002048

(68) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26681493

(69) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16402130/

(70) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1810582/

(71) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3347350/

(72) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1810582/

(73) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17074966/

(74) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2465760/

(75) https://wwwhtt

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Another Reason Why Bread Is Making Us Sick (It’s Not Gluten) and What To Do About It

As someone who has struggled with chronic health problems and has worked hard to overcome them, I’ve tried everything to help improve my symptoms. About five years ago, after receiving some advice from a good friend with celiac disease, I first tried cutting out all wheat products and saw a dramatic difference in my health. In particular, my asthma cleared up for the first time in my life. My lungs opened up and I knew what it felt like to breathe normally.

Read more

How to Fight Alzheimer's Disease with Intranasal Insulin

A woman spraying insulin up her cose with an intranasal bottle.

Today I want to discuss "intranasal insulin", a cutting-edge therapy that could help a lot of people. 

Neurologists and psychiatrists tend to undervalue the impact of hormones originating outside the brain.

Until modern medicine treats the entire body as one unified system, people will continue to lose faith in conventional practitioners and look elsewhere for solutions to their chronic brain and mental health problems. 

As Dr. Suzanne Craft, Ph.D, Professor of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, explains:

People are now starting to understand the critical interaction between the brain and the body and that many of the peptides and hormones produced in the body have very substantial roles to play in the brain. I think we’re at the beginning of a very exciting era in which we’re going to be able to start putting together these systems to understand Alzheimer’s disease, which is clearly a disease of the entire organism, not just of the brain.

Insulin is one of the hormones that significantly affects brain function.

It's been shown to pass the blood-brain barrier and act on insulin receptors directly within the brain (3, 4). 

Not only does our body produce and release it, but it can also be taken as a medication, particularly for the treatment of diabetes (1, 2). 

Researchers have found that insulin has “neurotrophic, neuromodulatory, and neuroprotective effects” by:

Insulin in the dictionary.
In the brain, insulin has a number of roles to play. It promotes glucose uptake in the neurons of the hippocampal formation and the frontal lobes, areas that are involved in memory. Insulin also strengthens the synaptic connections between brain cells, helping to form new memories. In addition, insulin regulates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays an important role in learning and memory.
— Dr. Suzanne Craft, Ph.D

So, it clearly does a lot in the brain, and research shows that it can be therapeutic for a number of mental health conditions, particularly Alzheimer’s disease

In a new therapeutic approach, commercially-available insulin (Novalin R) is prepared and added to nasal spray bottles, and sprayed and inhaled through the nose to support brain and mental health. 

Dr. William Banks, Professor of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, says there are more than 100 different intranasal compounds that are being tested for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

“Intranasal insulin” is just one of them, and it’s one of the more promising ones, as it’s been reported to significantly enhance memory, increase mental energy, reduce brain fog, improve mood, and lower anxiety and stress levels

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The Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease, Insulin and Diabetes

Many of the brain health experts I’ve talked to are convinced that Alzheimer’s disease should actually be called "Type 3 diabetes".

This is because diabetes and insulin are closely linked to cognitive decline and dementia

Many studies show that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction, and people with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment than non-diabetics (14-21). 

Researchers have also found that insulin declines in the brain as people age, and patients with Alzheimer’s disease often have insulin resistance and reduced levels of insulin in their brains (25-30)

But what if insulin deficiency is detected in the brain, and then insulin is supplied to the brain, could neurodegeneration and the development of dementia be prevented? And could the progression of existing Alzheimer’s disease be halted?

The answers to these questions appears to be yes:

  • Diabetic patients who take insulin have improved memory and reduced rates of Alzheimer’s disease;

  • Elderly diabetics who take insulin have less severe Alzheimer’s disease compared with non-diabetics;

  • Insulin improves cognition and memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease; and

  • Insulin prevents and reverses brain degeneration and cognitive impairment in diabetic animals (22-24).

Check out the below video to learn more from one of the leading researchers in the field: 

Cutting-Edge Research Shows That Intranasal Insulin Improves Cognition and Memory

The intranasal route of insulin administration provides direct access to the cerebrospinal fluid and brain.

This allows insulin to directly enter the brain from the nose, and bind to receptors within specific areas of the brain that are involved in memory and cognition (42). 

Insulin receptors in the brain are found in high densities in the hippocampus, a region that is fundamentally involved in the acquisition, consolidation, and recollection of new information.

An increasing amount of research has been published over the last ten years, demonstrating that intranasal insulin can significantly improve cognition, attention, memory and overall brain function in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (31-33, 38-39, 43-45). 

In fact, there are over 30 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showing that it’s effective at improving memory, learning and cognitive performance in humans (34-37). 

Illustration of how intranasal insulin works.

Yet most people aren’t aware of it, and doctors aren’t prescribing it, while millions of people suffer from dementia

One study found that it improved objective biomarkers of neurodegeneration, including amyloid deposits and tau pathology, in people with Alzheimer’s disease within a few months. In the group of patients that didn’t receive intranasal insulin, brain function continued to deteriorate (40). 

In another study, researchers gave intranasal insulin to 104 adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. At the end of the 4-month study, the participants who received insulin had significantly better memory and cognitive function compared to the group who didn’t receive insulin (41). 

The researchers also found that the improvements in cognition were correlated with improvements in objective biomarkers, and concluded that “intranasal insulin therapy can help to stabilize, slow, or possibly even reverse the course of Alzheimer’s disease (41). 

Because of the promising research so far, the US government is currently funding a two-year long clinical trial to see if intranasal insulin will help 240 people with Alzheimer’s disease. Results from the Study of Nasal Insulin in the Fight Against Forgetfulness (SNIFF) are expected to be released in 2017. 

And intranasal insulin doesn’t just help elderly people with dementia. It’s also been shown to improve memory in younger, healthy individuals (46-51). 

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Intranasal Insulin and Other Brain and Mental Health Disorders

Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the only brain and mental health condition that can benefit from intranasal insulin. 

Here are some others:

  • ADHD and drug addiction – Insulin affects dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked to both these conditions (52).

  • Depression, anxiety and anger – In one study, 38 healthy people took intranasal insulin for 8 weeks and experienced enhanced mood, increased self-confidence and reduced anger. Another study found that it affected heart-rate variability (53, 59).

  • Stroke – Researchers point out that “intranasally administered insulin possesses many of the ideal properties for acute stroke neuroprotection” (54, 62).

  • Bipolar disorder – One study found that intranasal insulin significantly improved executive function in patients with bipolar disorder (55).

  • Neurodevelopmental disorder – Two studies have found that intranasal insulin improves cognition, autonomy, motor activity, nonverbal communication, social skills and developmental functioning of children and adults with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder (Phelan-McDermid syndrome) (57, 58).

  • Overall brain function – “Intranasal insulin appears to restore complex neural networking in the direction of normalization”. In other words, it seems to “reboot” the brain (56).

  • Parkinson’s disease and Down Syndrome – There is no evidence for this yet but there are ongoing trials looking into whether intranasal insulin could help people with these conditions (60, 61).

 

Safety of Intranasal Insulin and How to Try It Yourself

Numerous studies show that intranasal insulin is incredibly safe and does not cause any significant adverse side effects. The only minor side effects I came across were dizziness, nose bleeding and mild rhinitis, but these were rare (63-65). 

This is because unlike regular insulin administration, intranasal insulin only affects the nose and brain. It doesn’t enter the bloodstream, change insulin levels throughout the entire body, or cause low blood sugar (66-83). 

Intranasal spray bottle.

Overall, I believe the benefits outweigh the risks and it’s worth trying, especially if you’re struggling with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease. It may be another decade or more until the research trickles down and reaches your doctor’s office. Research shows that it takes about 17 years for new scientific evidence to be implemented in clinical practice

However, I’m not a doctor and you should definitely talk to your doctor about this if you’re considering trying it. If you have an open-minded doctor, perhaps they will support you in trying it. Don’t be surprised if they dismiss the idea entirely though. 

With that said, you can easily and legally buy insulin yourself. It’s available over the counter without a prescription at any pharmacy (in the US and Canada). Pharmacists hold it behind the counter and you just have to walk up and ask for “Novolin R.” In Canada, it’s called “Novolin Toronto.”

It’s that simple. You don’t need to provide personal identification or sign anything. It costs about $30.

After that, you can get a nasal spray bottle - like this one or this one

Then, use pliers to carefully remove the rubber cap from the insulin vial, and pour the insulin into the spray bottle. 

At this point, you’re ready to use it. Make sure to keep it in the fridge when you're not using it. 

Again, I’m not a doctor. So talk to your doctor about this before trying it. But I feel this is worth sharing and writing about considering it has massive potential to help many people who are struggling day-to-day. 

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Dosage

Each spray from the nasal bottle is 0.1mL or 10IU of insulin. 

Dosages in human studies range from 10IU to 160IU (1 to 16 sprays) daily. 

In the longest lasting study, participants took either 20 IU (2 sprays) or 40IU (4 sprays) of insulin daily for four months (86). 

So, if you’re going to try it, I wouldn’t take more than 40IU (4 sprays) for longer than 4 months.

However, participants in the ongoing SNIFF trial have been taking intranasal insulin for more than one year, so once the results from that study are released in 2017, my recommendation may change. 

Overall, self-experimentation is necessary to find the correct dosage that works best for you. 

 

Conclusion

Intranasal insulin is a very impressive and exciting substance, and the lack of side effects is encouraging. 

If you’re looking to improve your memory and brain function and avoid Alzheimer’s disease, it’s definitely worth considering and talking to your doctor about it. 

An elderly man sprays intranasal insulin up his nose.

All that’s needed is:

I’m aware that this might be little bit “out there” for some people, but I think it has the potential to help a lot of people reach optimal brain and mental health. 

Please share with anyone who is struggling with cognitive impairment or the early signs of dementia because it isn't a very well known treatment. 

 
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Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

Connect with me

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(18) http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/20/3/438

(19) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11678970

(20) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10647755

(21) http://www.alzheimersanddementia.com/article/S1552-5260(13)02918-X/abstract

(22) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15750215/

(23) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23565496/

(24) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22201977/

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(30) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15750215

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(32) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40263-013-0076-8

(33) http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/1107947

(34) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25008180/

(35) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16266773

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(37) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21883804

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(39) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21911655?dopt=Abstract

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(42) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3443484/

(43) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804944/

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(48) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15288712

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(52) http://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/10/18/31385.aspx

(53) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15288712

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(57) http://www.nature.com/ejhg/journal/v24/n12/full/ejhg2016109a.html

(58) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18948358

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(61) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432716

(62) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26040423

(63) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25374101

(64) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18948358

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9 Supplements Proven to Help You Overcome Addiction and Withdrawal

I've been dependent on a lot of substances over the years.

When my brain wasn’t working and I struggled with mental illness, it simply made sense to find immediate relief.

I had to rely on substances outside of myself - even if they weren't good for me - until I found better, long-term, sustainable solutions.

I honestly felt like I had no other choice at the time.

And I know there are a lot of people out there grappling with the same problem.

You may feel like you need something to get through the day.

And then something else to fall asleep at night.

Perhaps that’s alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis or harder substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines.

Or maybe you’re on prescription medication, such as antidepressants or benzodazipenes.

And you just have no idea how you could possibly live without these substances.

I’m here to tell you that you can. And you can thrive.

These 9 nutrients, vitamins and supplements have helped me minimize withdrawal symptoms, overcome my addictions, and get on with my life. 

I personally have experience with tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, stimulant, benzodiazepines and antidepressant dependence, addiction and withdrawal. 

And even if you don’t struggle with addiction, these nutrients are still great for optimal brain function and mental health.  

Cartoon illustration of three people. One has needles stuck in its head. The second has it’s head shaped like a wine bottle. The third’s head is in the shape of an cigarette ash tray and has a cigarette sitting on it.

How Does Nutrition And Supplementation Impact Addiction?

Addiction is not simply a psychological issue.

Historically, most drug treatment programs have included counseling and 12-step approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

But these traditional approaches are not very effective.

In her book Seven Weeks to Sobriety, Dr. Joan Mathews Larsen points to studies showing that AA has a success rate of about 25 per cent. 

This is because they address the psychological aspects of addiction without considering the physical aspects of the disease.

And Dr. Charles Gant worked as the physician and psychiatric consultant for the New York State prison system, and dealt with hundreds of drug users and traffickers.

He realized that they wouldn’t overcome their addictions without addressing their physical health:

Unless the biochemical imbalances which are the true causes of substance problems are corrected, the benefits of psychological counseling will be marginal for most people.
— Dr. Charles Gant
A woman holding a handful of berries.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease. Studies show that drugs physically change the structure and functioning of the brain, and these documented brain changes lead to cravings (96). 

And in my experience and research, high-quality bioavailable nutrients are an important aspect of combating and correcting this.

Research shows that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause metabolic imbalances that create addictive cravings (97, 98). 

Dr. Roger Williams, an American biochemist who discovered pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), found that rats that were deficient in certain vitamins consumed more alcohol than those that were not vitamin deficient. But once those vitamin deficiencies were fixed, alcohol consumption decreased (99). 

Nutritional deficiencies can also cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as fatigue, depression, irritability, and other mental symptoms that block recovery and lead to a relapse.

So, without further ado, let’s get into nutrients and supplements that helped me the most. with my addiction and withdrawal, and explore the research behind them.

 

1. Citicoline

Citicoline (also known as CDP-Choline) is the most bioavailable form of choline.

Choline is an essential B vitamin that most people don’t consume enough of, because very few foods in the Western diet contain it. That’s why I recommend supplementing with it.

Citicoline has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and enhances the synthesis of acetylcholine and dopamine, which are two neurotransmitters that are critical for optimal brain function. It also increases the number of acetylcholine and dopamine receptors in your brain (2-7). 

Overall, citicoline is one of my favourite supplements for optimal brain function and mental health. 

And there’s evidence that it helps reduce addiction to drugs (1). 

In one study, people previously addicted to cocaine took 500mg of citicoline twice daily for two weeks and experienced a reduction in cravings for the drug (8).

In another study, people with cocaine dependence and bipolar disorder who supplemented with citicoline reduced their cocaine use. Researchers had directed them to not consume cocaine during the study, and at the end of it, the researchers found less cocaine in the urine of the participants (9). 

Eggs on a plate. Eggs contain choline, an important nutrient that help you overcome addiction and withdrawal.

Some preliminary research also suggests citicoline could help people with alcohol, cannabis and food addiction (10). 

It’s important to point out that many prescription drugs are anticholinergic, meaning they reduce acetylcholine in the brain.

The commonly-prescribed antidepressant Wellbutrin is anticholinergic, meaning it inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine. I took it for multiple years, and I experienced gradual cognitive decline during that time. 

Once I got off Wellbutrin, I felt pretty terrible. But once I started supplementing with citicoline, I noticed an improvement in my cognitive function because it increased my levels of acetylcholine and dopamine. I still take it to this day because it helps me focus, improves my mental energy, and clears brain fog

You can also find some choline in beef liver and egg yolks. That's why I'm a big fan of eating these foods regularly. They’re included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But supplementing with citicoline has a more immediate, noticeable effect.

Citicoline is included in the Optimal Brain supplement.

Make sure you read this article to learn more about the remarkable benefits of Citicoline.

 

2. Theanine 

Theanine is a relaxing amino acid found in tea. It has a number of brain and mental health benefits.

It’s known to produce a calming effect on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the production of both GABA and dopamine in the brain. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medication, it does not cause sedation and drowsiness (13, 14, 15). 

As I’ve discussed before, theanine can protect your brain from alcohol, increase your brain’s growth hormone, and lower your stress hormones

Considering all of this, it’s not too surprising that it has anti-addictive properties and can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Green tea powder. Green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to help people overcome addiction and withdrawal.

According to the research, it’s particularly helpful when it comes to withdrawal from nicotine and opioids (16, 17). 

I find that theanine improves my mood, helps me focus and cancels out the jitters of my morning coffee. It’s sort of like meditation in a pill. My mind has a tendency to jump around a lot, and theanine helps me “zero in” on what I’m doing. 

However, too much theanine can also make people anxious. This is because theanine increases alpha brain waves, and I found out that very high alpha brain waves can actually cause anxiety as well. I usually take just 200 mg, but you should experiment and see how much you can tolerate. 

You can also get theanine from black and green tea. But there’s usually not enough theanine in them to have a dramatic effect. That’s why I supplement with pure theanine.

Theanine is available in this anti-anxiety supplement, along with a number of other natural compounds that have helped me manage my anxiety over the years.

 

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body cannot produce itself.

They are found primarily in fish and are necessary for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system (18).

They can support your mitochondria and increase your brain’s growth hormone, and have been shown to improve mood, sleep, learning and memory. They also protect against psychiatric disorders including depression, mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (19-21). 

Krill oil softgels. Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important nutrients that can help you overcome addiction and withdrawal.

Considering all this, it’s not too surprising them that omega-3 fatty acids can also help addicts and reduce their withdrawal symptoms.

Research shows that increased anxiety is one of the primary reasons why substance abusers and alcoholics tend to relapse (23, 24). 

And one study found that giving omega-3 fatty acids to substance abusers significantly reduced their anxiety (22). 

Smokers have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and treatment with fish significantly reduces their level of dependence (25, 28). 

Other studies have shown that omega-3 supplements reduce cravings for nicotine and reduce the number of cigarettes people smoke daily (26, 27). 

Researchers have also studied the relapse rates of cocaine addicts discharged after a period of detoxification. And they found that the cocaine addicts who relapsed had significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to addicts who didn’t relapse (29). 

Lastly, in abstinent alcoholics, elevated omega-3 intake reduces stress and cortisol, and omega-3 fatty acids significantly lower the desire for alcohol in mice (30, 31). 

These bipolar mice, like some bipolar patients, love alcohol. The mice on DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) drank much less; it curtailed their alcohol abusive behavior. There is now substantial evidence at the molecular level that omega-3 fatty acids work on the brain in ways similar to psychiatric drugs.
— Dr. Alexander B. Niculescu, M.D., Ph.D.

Unfortunately, most people don't consume enough omega-3 fatty acids through their diet. That’s why I recommend people supplement with krill oil, a special kind of fish oil that contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids. I find that I have a brighter outlook on life when I take krill oil consistently. 

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4. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of the amino acid carnitine.

It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects, and as I’ve discussed before, it can support your mitochondria, protect your brain from alcohol, and help you overcome brain fog

It can also reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

In one study, alcoholic patients treated with ALCAR stayed sober for longer because it reduced their cravings (48). 

ALCAR can also help treat opiate addiction and withdrawal.

Thirty subjects with methadone dependence were given 2 grams of ALCAR daily during a 3-week detoxification period, and it reduced their pain and the length of their withdrawal (49). 

And research in rats shows that ALCAR can significantly decrease alcohol consumption and reduce the onset of tremors during alcohol withdrawal. Researchers concluded that it should be considered in the treatment of alcohol dependence (50). 

ALCAR gives me a huge boost in mental energy and resilience. It sort of feels like drinking a cup of coffee, so it’s helpful if you want to stop or reduce your intake of caffeine.

It's included in the Optimal Brain supplement.

Make sure you read this article to learn more about the remarkable benefits of ALCAR.

 

5. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) and/or Glutathione

Liquor being poured into a glass.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine.

As I’ve discussed before, it can help treat several mental illnesses.

But it can also reduce addiction and cravings during withdrawal (32-34, 41, 42, 45):

  • In a small study, 13 people abstaining from cocaine were given NAC or placebo over two days. The participants who received NAC witnessed a significant reduction in their withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cocaine. Follow-up studies also showed that NAC reduced desire and interest in cocaine (35-37).

  • Smokers voluntarily reduced their cigarette use by around 25% after two weeks of supplementing with NAC (38, 39).

  • Young marijuana users claiming to be addicted to marijuana supplemented with NAC twice daily for four weeks and experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms of addiction (43, 44).

  • And it’s not just addiction to drugs. NAC also shows promise for the treatment of gambling addiction. A randomized control trial with 27 pathological gamblers showed that gamblers who supplemented with NAC scored 60% lower on the “Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling." (40).

NAC is also the precursor to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant, which can help fight addiction. 

Chronic use of drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol, can lead to the formation of oxidative stress (47). 

Oxidative stress can change neuronal pathways and cause addictive behaviour. But glutathione can reduce oxidative stress and therefore decrease the development of addiction (46). 

NAC is included in Optimal Antiox, along with a number of other antioxidants and nutients that can help you overcome addiction and manage withdrawal.

 

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun.

A cartoon sun, and it says Vitamin D in the middle of it. Vitamin D supplements can help you overcome addiction and withdrawal, especially if your levels are low.

Every tissue in your body has vitamin D receptors, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system.

This means your entire body needs it to function properly and a deficiency can lead to costly physiological and psychological consequences, including addiction.

Researchers have concluded that chronic vitamin D deficiency is an environmental factor contributing to drug use. And supplementation should be considered for the effective treatment of drug abuse and addiction (51-54). 

Other studies have discovered that:

  • Vitamin D protects against the dopamine-depleting effects of methamphetamine (52-54);

  • There is also a positive association between vitamin D deficiency and severity of alcohol-use disorders (55); and

  • Patients prescribed narcotic pain medication – such as morphine, fentanyl or oxycodone – end up having to take higher doses if they are deficient in vitamin D (56).

I take a Vitamin D supplement every day to optimize my levels.

It's important to test and monitor your Vitamin D levels before and after supplementing with it.

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7. Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral that participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. This includes neurotransmitter and hormonal activity, both of which can have a huge effect on your mood and brain function.

Magnesium is one of the three nutrients that I think everyone should be taking for their brain, as most people are deficient.

The mineral has been shown to decrease dependence on opiates, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine and alcohol, and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms when stopping these drugs (84). 

Spinach. Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help you beat addiction and withdrawal.

It can also lower relapse rates, particularly with cocaine and amphetamine addicts (84). 

And researchers have concluded that magnesium supplementation can decrease nicotine addiction in heavy smokers.

It does this by naturally improving the stimulation of the reward system, which reduces the need for stimulation by nicotine or by others addictive substances (85). 

Studies have also found that magnesium deficiency is very common in people dealing with alcohol addiction and withdrawal. And supplementing with magnesium diminishes withdrawal complications, reduces the severity of their withdrawal symptoms, and lowers their need for anti-anxiety medication (86, 87). 

Foods that contain magnesium include spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate and bananas. 

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But supplementation or taking Epsom salt baths is still necessary for most people because magnesium is rapidly used up during times of stress and certain psychiatric drugs can deplete magnesium

Magnesium is included in this supplement.

 

8. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for mental health, especially if you struggle with chronic anxiety

It can also help treat addiction and withdrawal. 

Excessive urinary excretion of zinc and zinc deficiency have been found in drug addicts. And researchers recommend zinc supplementation to treat addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms (70, 71). 

Oysters contain lots of zinc, another important mineral that can ease withdrawal symptoms and help you overcome addiction.

Research shows that opioid users have lower levels of zinc (72-75). 

And in the case of alcoholism, alcohol is known to deplete zinc from the body. Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can produce a downward spiral in which zinc deficiency causes chronic stress, driving a person to drink more alcohol, which further depletes zinc and causes more anxiety in the long run.

In animals, zinc reduces the intensity of morphine dependence, and zinc chelators worsen withdrawal symptoms (76, 77, 78). 

Some of the best food sources of zinc include oysters, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, mushrooms and spinach.

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.  

However, I still recommend at least short-term zinc supplementation to ensure you get enough.

I created and take the Optimal Zinc supplement for that reason.

 

9. Vitamin C

It might seem unbelievable but there is research demonstrating vitamin C’s usefulness in overcoming addiction and reducing withdrawal symptoms. 

First of all, vitamin C levels are significantly lower in drug addicts (68). 

And high doses of vitamin C have been shown to increase endorphin levels, decrease opioid use, and reduce the withdrawal syndrome of heroin addicts (58). 

The chronic administration of vitamin C can also prevent the development of tolerance and physical dependence on morphine (59, 69). 

When I weened off psychiatric medication, I took large doses of vitamin C every day. By large doses, I mean about 10 grams spread throughout the day. I noticed it reduced stress and helped calm me down. 

Various studies show that vitamin C reduces stress and anxiety and decreases the severity of depression (62-67). 

And other research shows that long-term vitamin C deficiency contributes to nervousness and emotional instability. And there was a 35% reduction in mood disturbance in hospitalized patients after vitamin C treatment (60, 61). 

Foods that contain vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

But it’s best to supplement with it. That way, you know you’re getting enough.

Vitamin C is included in this supplement.

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Others

Here are some other nutritional supplements to consider. Based on my research and experience, these nutrients can help manage addiction and withdrawal, but they aren’t as effective as the other ones above and/or there is less research to support their use:

  • Lithium Orotate (79)

  • Taurine (80)

  • B Vitamins (82)

  • Glutamine (83)

  • DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) (81) – I almost included this one in the main list because it has really helped me, but there isn’t too much research on it. I originally wrote about it here.

  • D-Serine/Sarcosine (88-95)

 

Conclusion

Just like mental illness, you can beat addiction. They often go hand in hand.

I’ve learned with time, and with the proper information and resources, people can snap out of their addiction cycle and be happy and calm with themselves without mind-altering drugs and habits. 

You may feel like you have no other choice, but you do. You can get on with your life without addictive substances.

Overall, I really believe in the power of these nutrients for tackling addiction and minimizing withdrawal symptoms:

Taking a combination of them can make the transition to sobriety much easier. 

I’ve experienced the benefits of them firsthand, and I hope you do too.

 
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Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

Connect with me

 

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