Depression and Toxins

The factors that cause depression are complicated. Current and childhood life factors may play a role. Genetic factors can increase the risk of depression. Nutrition, inflammation and gut health have all been implicated in influencing nervous system health in depressed people. What about toxins in our environment?  

Recently, more research has been exploring the role that chemicals in the environment can play in depression. This may be especially important for people who have a genetic predisposition to depression and for those who are experiencing life circumstances that can lead to depression (e.g. financial stress, relationship strain, loss etc.). Environmental chemicals may negatively impact the health of nerves in the brain in vulnerable people . 

Some culprits that are being studied are: 

Air Pollution: For example car exhaust and industrial factory emissions. Air pollution contains a number of chemicals associated with poor nervous system health and depression, including heavy metals.

• Urbanization has increased our exposure to air pollution and it can be difficult to avoid depending on where you live. Avoiding exercise or spending time near busy roads is one way to minimize exposure. 

EMFs (Electromagnetic Fields): EMFs are produced by a number of technologies like WiFi and cell phones. It’s not clear how much exposure is too much in terms of mental health.

• Some ways to reduce exposure include keeping wireless devices away from the body (including your lap and pocket). Putting devices on airplane mode, taking off WiFi and bluetooth or better yet, turning devices off when they are not in use can help with minimizing exposure. Other options include unplugging electronics when they’re not in use and minimizing phone use in general. Charge your devices away from  where you sleep. Turn lights off and make use of natural light when possible.   

BPA and Phthalates: Phthalates are found in soft and flexible plastic products whereas BPAs are in harder plastics. They are considered endocrine disrupting chemicals meaning that they negatively interfere with hormones. Just because a plastic is BPA-free doesn’t mean it’s phthalate free. These toxins can be found in many everyday items including plastic toys, standard diapers, food containers, nail polish, some medications, food packaging, cosmetics, hygiene products etc. 

• Steps to reduce exposure include reading ingredient labels and avoiding products with phthalates or fragrance listed. Opting for fragrance free or naturally fragranced products can reduce risk. Avoiding plastic food and drink containers (heated or not) and plastic wrap can also reduce exposure. Using everyday items made of materials like wood, metal and ceramic can also help.

Pesticides: Pesticides are used in many of our crops. Very waxy looking produce (e.g. very shiny apples) may trap more pesticide residue on them compared to less shiny produce.

• Rinsing produce for at least a minute in warm water especially with scrubbing or rubbing can reduce some pesticide residue. Government bodies like Health Canada and the FDA don’t recommend produce wash products and research demonstrates they are not more effective than water. Baking soda or vinegar has shown promise for pesticide removal in research. Cooking vegetables can also diminish pesticides in some cases as can discarding the outer leaves of leafy vegetables sold in a head. Organic produce tends to contain less pesticides.  

Lab research suggests that some of these toxins negatively affect the brain by promoting inflammation, creating oxidative damage, interfering with the ways that nerves communicate with each other through neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine), negatively impacting hormones that are important in brain health and interfering with gene expression in the brain. These neurological changes have been linked to depression.  

Toxins can affect many areas of health but the role they play in depression and anxiety is sometimes overlooked. Research like this emphasizes the importance of looking at mental health from a holistic perspective. This is especially true in cases that don’t respond well enough to routine care. It may be worth broadening our lenses and considering the physical effect that the environment can have on our biology. 

My Thoughts About Cleanses

I’m skeptical of many cleanses. Typical detoxes or cleanses involve some kind of restrictive diet. Usually, for X amount of days you consume special juices, or restrict your diet to only a few specific foods. Often the claims are that you will lose weight and feel amazing after these cleanses. What ends up happening is that you don’t notice any long-term change in the way you feel. Any weight you lose often comes back as soon as you stop the cleanse.

I recently promoted a 3-week cleanse. However, my version of a "cleanse" is very different from what I described above. Below, I’ll explain why.

What are Toxins?

In the natural health world, the term “toxin” is a word used for many things. For me, it’s simply a term used to describe unwanted things in the body. A good cleanse should focus on helping the body reduce such things as much as it can. For example, clearing out estrogen if you're estrogen dominant. Another example is reducing inflammation if you have a lot of it.  A good cleanse should also focus on getting important foundations of health in place. This includes digestive health, liver health and nutrition. Perhaps a better term for a program like this would be a “reset” as opposed to a “cleanse”. Maybe this will be the new term for my cleanse program next time!

Does the Body Even Need Cleansing?

Our bodies have their own built-in detox systems. The liver, kidneys, lungs, gut, skin and more all work together to trap and eliminate toxins. Sometimes these organs could use a little help though. Sometimes your gut could use some help to do its job of eliminating waste better. Similarly, there are many natural treatments to help the liver better process toxins. Sometimes a helping hand can make a big difference.

My Version

My 3-week cleanse isn’t designed to be a quick fix – because that doesn’t exist. I like to think of it more like a great kick-starter for a healthier life. I pack a lot of important steps into 3 weeks, focusing on a different topic each week. The goal is to set the wheels in motion. It can have you feeling more energetic, less bloated, more mentally clear and excited about your health. It’s based on good logic rather than flashy fad ideas. I also like to focus most on diet and lifestyle and only use supplements where necessary. Here’s the breakdown:

1. First week: we go over some of the ways that liver health can be aided with foods, herbs or nutrients. I do this because the liver is an important organ that metabolizes hormones, sugars and unwanted compounds.

2. Second week: we go over how to optimize digestion because good digestion is so important for eliminating waste and feeling well.

3. Third week: we go over your diet in more detail and look for gaps in your nutrition that we can fill.

If you want to find out more about my cleanse book a free 15-minute consult or jump right in and book your first appointment!