How is Inflammation Related to Depression?

Inflammation is related to many health issues including diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation is also linked with depressed moods and increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Importantly, magnesium deficiency has been associated with inflammation and anxiety. Proprietary Blend CalmMind is the remedy that helps maintain healthy levels of inflammation.

Inflammation is associated with many health conditions and illnesses
Stress contributes to depression and is linked with inflammation
Magnesium deficiency is linked with anxiety and inflammation
Antioxidants like those found in Olivamine have been shown to have anti-depressive effects

Inflammation has been associated with many health conditions and illnesses including arthritis, obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease^1-4. These interesting connections could lead one to ask whether inflammation is related to depression. In fact, increasing evidence does indicate an important link between inflammation and depression⁵, but how are the causes and symptoms of depression related to inflammation? According to studies, the primary symptom of depression is a long-term depressed mood accompanied by attention and cognitive impairment⁶. Amazingly, despite the significant socioeconomic impact of depression, research is just beginning to reveal the causes and processes involved with depression.

Stress Contributes to Inflammation

In fact, evidence suggests that the depression is multifaceted and includes both environmental and genetic components. Stress is one important and widely studied environmental component that is believed to contribute significantly to depression and anxiety, as well as cognitive impairment^7,8. Stress has also been linked with inflammation and increasing evidence suggests that inflammation plays a significant role in the actual development of depression. This evidence includes the observation that individuals with depressive symptoms often have increased levels of proinflammatory chemical messengers known as cytokines, as well as increased levels of inflammatory markers including C reactive protein (CRP)⁹.

Research findings also suggests that magnesium helps decrease depression and anxiety¹⁰, and magnesium deficiency has been linked with increased inflammation¹¹. In addition, magnesium has been shown to protect against excitotoxicity (excessive neuronal excitation that leads to cell death)¹⁰. CalmMind includes magnesium and Olivamine^® ingredients that help maintain a healthy level of inflammation including hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, MSM, NAC and taurine, as well as curcumin^12-17.

The blood brain barrier protects the brain from many harmful compounds and certain immune cells. However, transport of inflammatory mediators to the brain (including cytokines) can interfere with neuronal as well as neuronal support cell functioning. Inflammatory molecules and immune cells can induce neurotoxicity, as well as supporting brain cells effects resulting in decreased BBB, neural synaptic and brain tissue maintenance¹⁸. Hydroxytyrosol, NAC, MSM and taurine are capable of passing through the BBB to help protect neurons as well as neuronal support cells^19-23.

Damaging effects from inflammation on brain homeostasis can be followed by neurodegeneration and loss of neuroplasticity (tendency for the brain to develop, change, and potentially heal). Behavioral manifestations related to this damage include anorexia, malaise, mood disturbances, depression, and decreased physical activity, collectively known by scientists who study infections and immune responses as sickness behavior due to the fact that it is very similar to behavior manifested during acute infections and subsequent immune activations¹⁸.

Depression is Also Related to Increased Levels of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress has also been linked with inflammation. Oxidative stress results from the inability of cells to eliminate free radicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) using the natural defense system that includes defense enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)²⁴. ROS have been shown to impair brain function by modulating the activity of neurotransmitter systems involved in the neurobiology of depression. Clinical studies have revealed that depression is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress markers and reduced levels of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and SOD^25,26.

The potent antioxidants, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and hydroxytyrosol found in Proprietary Blend that are known to cross the BBB, have been shown to upregulate manganese SOD (MnSOD)^27,28. In addition, oleuropein was able to induce MnSOD activity, in a model where MnSOD was deactivated²⁹. In another important study, hydroxytyrosol increased levels of glutathione and inhibited oxidative stress, which was shown to be neuroprotective³⁰. Moreover, NAC has been used to restore levels of glutathione, the predominant non-enzymatic free radical scavenger in the brain.

In a model of depression, chronic administration of NAC increased SOD activity and induced antidepressant behavior. Evidence from clinical trials has also provided support for the use of NAC in patients³¹. Another powerful antioxidant found in Proprietary Blend, taurine, conveys an anti-depressant like effect in the central nervous system³². Along with taurine, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein and NAC are other antioxidants in Proprietary Blend that have the ability to counteract oxidative stress^33-35.

CalmMind includes Proprietary Blend to help maintain healthy levels of inflammation and decrease oxidative stress. In addition, magnesium found in CalmMind also helps maintain healthy levels of inflammation and has a gentle, calming effect. Moreover, curcumin included in CalmMind helps maintain a healthy level of inflammation. CalmMind includes impeccably sourced ingredients that have undergone rigorous scientific review to prove that they renew, restore and repair cells.

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