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Depression caused by inadequate levels of essential amino acids

Approximately 18 million grown-ups struggle with depression, but a recent study offers hope. It seems a basic shortage of an amino acid could be the culprit and might offer insights for defeating depression for certain individuals.

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3 min read
Approximately 18 million adults are believed to grapple with depression, but there's good news: a...
Approximately 18 million adults are believed to grapple with depression, but there's good news: a recent research project is offering insights into this disorder. It appears that a basic deficiency in certain amino acids might be the underlying cause, potentially offering avenues to conquer depression for some individuals.

Depression caused by inadequate levels of essential amino acids

Struggling with the gloom in your life? Feeling like depression's kneeing you in the gut, dragging your motivation down, leaving a path of burnout in its wake?

You're far from the only one. In just one year, over 18 million adults are fighting the same battle against depression. And battling depression can be rough, since its triggers can be as elusive as shadows. Conventional treatments often come with a laundry list of side effects - nausea, weight gain, sexual dysfunction - the list itself leaves you reeling. But have hope! A new study has some answers that might help. It turns out that a simple amino acid deficiency could be at the root of depression, providing clues for some people trying to climb out of their own personal abyss...

Peak Organic Fermented Beets

Nitric oxide has been recognized in over 130,000 scientific papers as a vital signaling molecule that keeps blood vessels healthy so they can perform as the body needs. But as you age, your cells produce less, and that can have severe consequences. So what can you do to boost your nitric oxide levels?

One way is through arginine, another amino acid your body needs to produce nitric oxide. Arginine is an essential amino acid your body uses to produce NO, which is a nervous system and immune defense mediator, and it also plays a role in vascular regulation - all things that can help combat depression...

Could arginine be the secret to beating depression?

Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland set out to discover if there was a link between amino acid levels and major depressive disorder (MDD).

They evaluated 99 adults with diagnosed major depressive disorder, comparing them to 253 non-depressed controls. The researchers specifically analyzed concentrations of three amino acids: arginine, citrulline, and ornithine.

The group suffering from depression also suffered from a reduced bioavailability of the amino acid, arginine. In other words, they had low arginine levels. Reduced arginine bioavailability is also known to be an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.

Although further studies are needed to determine how powerfully arginine supplementation affects depression, it's clear that a link between the amino acid and the disorder has now been established.

So, is it a good idea to add more arginine to your diet if you're suffering from depression or even just the seasonal blues? It definitely won't hurt. In addition to benefiting your depression, arginine is vital for various bodily functions, like healing injuries and removing waste from your kidney. With arginine and ample nitric oxide, you're likelier to experience better blood flow and heart health as well.

The best way to help your body produce more nitric oxide is through foods like beets, turkey, chicken, pork loin, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, soybeans, spirulina, dairy, chickpeas, lentils, and by avoiding gargling with mouthwash.

Don't let depression drag you down. Take control of your mood and add more arginine into your daily diet to beat the amino acid deficiency that could be behind your bout with the blues.

Editor's note:

Did you know that by controlling your body's pH levels, you can boost your energy, lose weight, soothe digestion, avoid illness and achieve overall wellness? Discover "The Alkaline Secret to Ultimate Vitality" and revitalize your life today!

Sources:

  1. Depression Facts - Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF)
  2. Coping With Side Effects of Depression Treatment - WebMD
  3. Depression linked to reduced arginine levels - University of Eastern Finland

A reminder: We're all in this together. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seek help immediately. You can talk to your doctor, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or chat with them online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You're not alone, and there is hope.

Improving arginine levels in your body could potentially aid in overcoming depression, as a study by the University of Eastern Finland discovered a link between reduced arginine bioavailability and major depressive disorder. Incorporating foods rich in arginine, such as beets, pork loin, and chickpeas, into your diet may help boost your nitric oxide levels, which can improve heart health and overall wellness. Seek professional help if you're struggling with depression, and remember that you're not alone in this fight.

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