This article and protocol are for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult your physician before taking supplements, and prior to acting upon the information provided here.

Discussion

Depression, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, and PTSD, are all very complex, with various causes and expressions. Psychological trauma, genetics, hormones, environmental factors, and one’s nutritional status all play a role in the development and severity of these disorders.

Bipolar depression, as the name implies, is characterized by episodic cycles of “normalcy,” depression, with or without mania. There are several studies supporting the benefits of a broad spectrum of various micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants) in those with depression, anxiety, or stress. (1) It is clear that the synergistic application of a broad spectrum of micronutrients works better than any individual supplement alone.

A person with depression or bipolar disorder should be under the care of a properly-trained licensed physician and/or psychologist, as moderate to severe depression, and bipolar disorder are not to be taken lightly. The consequences of these disorders can be severe and life threatening.

We know the brain requires neurotransmitters to make connections between neurons (brain cells) for thinking, hormone regulation, and mood stabilization. The major mood-regulating hormones are serotonin and dopamine, which are influenced by hormones and cognition. Your conscious and subconscious thoughts can actually change your mood, for better or for worse.

Also, a depletion of the amino acid methionine and elevation of homocysteine are associated with both depression and bipolar disorder, and in turn, this situation is associated with genetic MTHFR mutations.  I would highly recommend any person suffering from chronic depression or bipolar disorder to be tested for MTHFR mutations. 

Whether there is an MTHFR mutation or not, and whether a person is on prescribed medication, and nutritional supplements or not, cognitive therapy is often of benefit.  The goal of cognitive therapy is to change both conscious and subconscious thoughts to ultimately improve mood and behaviors.

Even though we think that it is our mood that affects our thoughts, it is the other way around. It is our thoughts that affects our mood first.  Then our bad mood continues to affect more bad thinking.  It all begins with our thoughts. Our thoughts create our reality.

Our thoughts affect our mood, and our mood affects our thoughts. The majority of our mood, and depression disorders, are affected by thoughts, and to a lesser degree hormones. After delivering a baby, estrogen levels plummet. Women who experience PMS mood changes are more likely to experience postpartum depression, because both are triggered by estrogen decline.

For PMS and postpartum depression, adding back a little estrogen (for example, 0.5 mg twice daily) may help, especially if done in conjunction with quality nutritional supplements.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Specific supplements can be used in combination to reduce anxiety, depression, and restore mood and sleep. This is not medical advice, nor to take away from the advice of one’s doctor, but is known that taking the correct balance and ratios of micronutrients, avoiding toxic foods and chemicals, getting restorative sleep, and exercise, all make a huge difference in avoiding depression and living with an improved mood and a better quality of life.

The brain is mostly made of fat (lipids), and supplementing with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to help with most types of depression. (2, 3) The B vitamins, particularly niacin, has been shown to help with bipolar disorders. Alpha-lipoic-acid, grape seed extract, turmeric extract (curcumin), olive extract, and others, are helpful, particularly N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC). (2) The amino acid 5-HTP (hydroxy-L-tryptophan) has been shown to be just as effective as Prozac in alleviating mild-to-moderate depression. Even grape seed extract has been shown to have anti-depressive benefits. (4)

Certainly, treatment for depression may go beyond just taking supplements and lifestyle changes. Specific therapies, and possibly medication may be necessary for a person to fully recover. A promising therapy that I have witnessed includes electro-therapy with the microcurrent device, known as the Equiscope. I wrote about this technology on my website, www.laddmcnamara.com, and the article is found by clicking here.

Beta Glucans

Beta glucans, derived from the cell membranes of the reishi and shiitake mushrooms, and baker’s yeast extract, providing mood stabilizing benefits, especially for anxiety and depression, as well as mood. (5 – 11)  In addition they provide immune support against infections and cancer.

Controlled studies have been done on women marathoners who took beta glucan (mushroom extracts), before and after marathons. (12) Researchers found that the women who took the beta glucan supplements had less colds and flus than the women who did not take the beta glucans, showing that the beta glucans supported the immune system, but also the women who took the beta glucans had less post-marathon depression and anxiety. Apparently, it is common to have mood disorders following a marathon, as the marathon taxes the body, including the production of mood hormones.

I had my own experience with beta glucans elevating my mood. I was on a flight from San Diego to Atlanta a few year ago. The person sitting next to me was extremely sick with a productive cold. Mucus was flying every where with each cough and sneeze, which was frequent. I was sure I was going to catch this guy’s cold.

As soon as I could after we took off, I got into my carry on luggage and took 2 tablets (in addition to the one I took that morning) of the beta glucan supplements, and then four hours later, I took two more beta glucan tablets. That night, I took two more tablets, and the following two days I took two beta glucan tablets three times per day.  Not only did I not get sick, Three days later, I was feeling better than I had in years. I was wondering why I was feeling so good. I didn’t feel any stress, anxiety, or feelings of overwhelm. I kept telling people how good I felt.

It was about two weeks later when I read about the women marathoners and beta glucans, and did further research that I understood about the effects of beta glucans and mood. I now recommend beta glucan supplements for supporting the immune system, cancer prevention, and prevention of anxiety and depression.

Saffron Extract

In Ancient Greece, saffron was used to boost libido, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance memory. Saffron is rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. These compounds have even been found to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. Studies haves found that taking 30 mg of saffron daily was just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Tofranil), and citalopram (Celexa) in alleviating mild-to-moderate depression.

Studies found that the Greeks weren’t wrong; taking 30 mg of saffron daily was shown to enhance libido in both men and women, including improving erectile dysfunction in men taking medications with a side-effect of erectile dysfunction.

In addition to alleviating anxiety, saffron has been found to help reduce appetite and assist with weight loss.

Lemon Balm Extract

Lemon Balm Extract is a lemon-scented herb belonging to the mint family. It has been found to relieve symptoms of stress, help with relaxation in those with anxiety, and boost mood in those with mild-to-moderate depression.

A 2014 double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study showed Lemon Balm to improve cognitive function. Participants who took Lemon Balm performed better in cognitive tasks involving memory, mathematics, and concentration, than those who took a placebo. This study also showed that Lemon Balm Extract helped to with alleviate insomnia.

It is best to take lemon balm extract with food, to not only reduce gastro-intestinal side effects, but to increase absorption.

Ashwagandha Extract

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) an Ayurvedic herb, combats and reduces stress and anxiety, while it alleviates mild-to-moderate depression, elevating mood, which helps improve one’s general sense of well-being.

Studies have shown that ashwagandha helps improve memory, task performance, and mental focus. When a person is feeling anxiety or depression, attention and focus suffers. This micronutrient, especially when combined with saffron extract and lemon balm extract, helps improve focus, attention, and performance, while elevating mood.

Ashwagnadha can assist with weight loss, as it helps to boost free testosterone in men. In both men and women, ashwagandha helps to reduce blood sugar levels (as well as cortisol), which also aids in weight loss and reduction of body fat. With the boost in testosterone, this herb has been found to improve semen and sperm quantity and quality, as well as muscle mass.

In both men and women, ashwagandha helps improve libido, and in women helps with sexual satisfaction, particularly helping to resolve anorgasmia caused by antidepressant medications.

Melatonin

Melatonin helps support production and function of both serotonin and growth hormone, especially during sleep.  Melatonin also supports a healthy immune system, by decreasing the risk for cancer and infections.  In addition, melatonin helps with clear thinking and improved mood.

Melatonin helps one get into better sleep cycles. Getting into better sleep cycles, as opposed to drugs that alter sleep cycles, helps restore serotonin, dopamine, and other normal mood-enhancing brain hormones. One feels better with quality, restorative sleep.

Probiotics

The microbiome of the gut can be considered another organ of the body. With nearly 3 pounds, numbering in the 50 – 100 trillion range, the diverse species of bacteria is considered the rain forest of the body. There is an intricate balance of friendly bacteria that we have a symbiotic relationship with in order to maintain a healthy digestive tract and proper digestion.

The microbiome plays a much larger role than just assisting digestion. It is a key component in maintaining a healthy immune system, producing serotonin for mood enhancement, and even helping to maintain healthy skin. In fact, much of the serotonin in our body is produced by the healthy bacteria in our gut.

Antibiotics, eating unhealthy foods, stress, lack of sleep, coffee, alcohol, lack of hormones, and many other factors can alter the balance of bacteria in the bowel. With a lack of healthy gut bacteria, less serotonin is produced, and one can be at risk for anxiety and/or depressive disorders.

In my protocol, I recommend Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and Bifidobacterium BB-12, the two probiotic strains which scientific studies have shown to be important for establishing a foundation for the growth of numerous other healthy gut bacterial strains. By supplementing with these two strains of probiotics on a regular basis, one can maintain a healthy microbiome, which will produce healthy levels of serotonin, and help support a better mood without the risk of serotonin storm.

Numerous probiotic strains are available, many of which have very little-to-no clinical data regarding their benefit or physiological activity. The two strains mentioned above are backed by numerous human trials to prove viability and benefit in humans. They are designed for long shelf-life, and importantly, for withstanding the harsh acidic environment of the stomach so they can pass into the intestines intact, where they multiply and create a healthy environment for the microbiome to flourish.

There are several other micronutrients that help alleviate depression and anxiety. Those are listed in the Protocol below, and I recommend that people consider the supplements, and discuss these with their doctor to see if these are right for them.

Supplement Protocol for Anxiety Disorder, Depression and Bipolar Disorder

The protocols should not be seen as a cure. They cannot be called a treatment either; but they can offer brain and mood support, in conjunction with proper diet, adequate sleep, and avoidance of toxic substances.

When comparing the side effects of some medications versus the benefits of vitamins, minerals, fish oil, melatonin, etc., all supporting optimal health, it makes sense that if these micronutrients can help support better mood, lessen depression and anxiety, it is worth trying.  And, they can be used in conjunction with medications.  Of course, this must be discussed with your doctor. Please discuss with your doctor to see if this is right for you, and if certain medications can be weaned down or not.  Do not change medications on your own.

This article and protocol are for informational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer below, and consult your physician before taking supplements, and prior to acting upon the information provided here.

Minimal Protocol Depression and Anxiety Disorder

Basic Protocol Depression and Anxiety Disorder

Average Protocol Depression and Anxiety Disorder

Advanced Protocol Depression and Anxiety Disorder

• AM: With, or after breakfast
• Noon: At lunchtime with food, or shortly thereafter
• PM: Late afternoon with food, or at, or after dinner
• Please see my list of ingredients (below) that I like to see provided by a foundational vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as what is in the liver health supplement I use.
• Liver Support Supplement supports brain function. A good one will provide Milk Thistle Extract, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Broccoli Extract, Turmeric Extract (Curcumin), Olive Extract, Green Tea Extract, and Biotin.
• Stress Relieving Supplement providing saffron, lemon balm, and ashwagandha extracts.
• Beta glucan polysaccharide supplement derived from Reishi and Shiitake mushroom extracts, as well as baker’s yeast extract.
• Bacopa extract supplement, one that also provides coffee cherry extract and American ginseng. This combination not only supports memory, but also supports mood.
• Probiotics, at least take 12 billion colony-forming bacteria, providing Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium BB12®, every other day or daily.
• The zinc (30 mg), 5-HTP, Seditol ® Plus, Relora ® Plex, GABA, and DHEA can all be obtained from Douglas Labs by first creating a customer account by  CLICKING HERE.  (If this link does not work for you, simply type “douglaslabs.com/patient-account” into a new browser tab.) And, please use Referral Code 2074214. (It is important to take additional zinc when one’s fish oil intake is greater than 2 capsules per day.)

Ingredients that I like to see provided collectively by vitamin-antioxidant & chelated mineral tablets

Vitamin A, mostly as Beta Carotene
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
Vitamin E
Vitamin K (K1 & K2)
B-Complex Vitamins
Curcumin (turmeric extract)
Quercetin
Green Tea Extract
Olive Extract
Rutin
Resveratrol
Choline
Lutein
Lycopene
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)
Calcium
Magnesium
Iodine (as potassium iodide)
Zinc
Selenium
Copper
Manganese
Chromium
Molybdenum
Including Ultra Trace Minerals

Medical Disclaimer

Information on this website, written, spoken, or in any other communication by Dr. Ladd McNamara or any other information or reference is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is a result of years of practice, experience, and study by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by someone’s personal licensed physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this website, or any other form of communication from Dr. Ladd McNamara or the Dr. Ladd VIP Program, for diagnosing or treatment of a health issue or disease, or for the prescribing of medication or the use of supplementation without a discussion with your licensed health professional first.  At best, the information provided on this website is only meant to supplement information provided by your own doctor or health professional, not to replace medical advice.  The information from this website is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or possible adverse effects of nutritional supplements with or without medications, or in conjunction with specific medical conditions. The information from this website may not fit your specific health circumstances.  Never delay seeking medical care or disregard advice from your health care professional because of information you have received directly or indirectly from this website, from the Dr. Ladd VIP Program, or from Dr. Ladd McNamara himself. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or embarking on a nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement program, or before using any treatment for a health concern. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or heard on this website, or due to any other information from Dr. Ladd McNamara or his representatives. Information provided on this website or the V.I.P. Program, and the use of any products or services mentioned on this website (or as a result of information provided this program, article, or website) by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Ladd McNamara, M.D.  Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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There are many more articles on various subjects, as well as videos on health concerns, along with specific nutritional supplement protocols for managing health concerns and disease.  Of course, this is all for informational purposes, and not to be taken as medical advice.  (See medical disclaimer above.)  Please learn more at www.drladdvip.com.

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Do you have a need to understand how NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS can benefit the health of people suffering from any number of chronic diseases; such as Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Arthritis, Dementia, Lyme Disease, Autoimmune Diseases, and Many More!

• Do you have a need for SUPPLEMENT PROTOCOLS as to what specific supplement combinations to use?
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Happiness and Health includes not only being free of disease, but passionately engaged in a relationship, in life, and in helping others!  It means living with less stress, more fun, and activity.

The Dr. Ladd VIP Program is about Vitality, Intimacy, and Passion, being balanced in all aspects of life, and helping others to get there too.

Please read more at www.drladdvip.com, and take advantage of the Video Courses, the Supplement Protocols, Articles, Downloadable PDFs, and Dr. Ladd VIP Facebook Community and Support.  “Have me in your back pocket” by becoming a VIP  Member Today! 

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All information, written or video, is copyrighted by Ladd McNamara, Inc., and is not to be shared, duplicated, or posted to other websites or social media platforms without express permission from Ladd McNamara, M.D.  Thank you.

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