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Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders

in Related disorders on December 3rd, 2011

By Jurriaan Plesman, BA (PSYCH), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

Index

Abstracts studies mood disorders & Nutrition, Addison’s Disease,  Adrenal Exhaustion, Alllergies, Alzheimer’s Disease, Andropause, Autism, Basal Temperature test for Hypothyroidism, Batten Disease, Biotin Deficiency,  Bisphenol A affects moods,  Candidiasis, Carbohydrates Metabolism, Disorders of,  Celiac Disease, Chemicals in the environment, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cobalt,  Colitis, Crohns Disease, Cushing’s Syndrome,  Cystic Fibrosis, Delusdelusionsions, Diseases with hypoglycemic symptoms, Dyspareunia (painful intercourse), Electrolyte imbalances, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Gallstones,  Gastric Ulcers , Glycogen Storage Disease, Heart Disease & Depression,  Heavy Metal Intoxication, Helicobacter Infection, Hepatitis C Treatment,  Hydrochloric Acid, Hypercalcemia, Hypoglycia, Hyperhomocysteinemia, Hypoparathyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Huntington’s Disease,  Infertility, Insulin Resistance & Obesity, Iodine,  Iron Deficiency Anemia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Liver Disorders,  Lujan Syndrome, Lupus, Lyme Disease,  Lysine,  Medications, Medications and Mood Disorders,  Megaloblastic anemia, Menopause, Metabolic syndrome , Methylation,  Microbiota,  Mitral Valve Prolapse, Multiple Sclerosis, Mucolipidosis,  Neurological Disorders, More diseases. Neuropathy, Niacin deficiency, TMJ Disorder & Depression, Obesity controversy, Organic farming, Parkinson’s Disease, Pellagra,  Pernicious Anemia, Post Natal Depression, Potassium Deficiency,  Pruritis, Pyroluria, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Salicylates, Statin Drugs, Syndrome X, Tourettes Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis,  Vitamin D deficiency, Vitamin Deficiency & depression,  Wislon’s Disease, Zinc deficiency

This article covers diseases affecting our moods apart from or in addition to hypoglycemia. To investigate non-hypoglycemic factors, it is best to consult a Clinical Nutritionist or a Nutritional Doctor who are able to carry out the proper biochemical test to pinpoint the cause of your mood disorder. See Looking for Complementary Health Practitioners.

For more sources of information use  Index to Specific Topics.

For many people it is difficult to believe that nutrition has anything to do with “mental illness”. Mood disorders may appear out of the blue, without any apparent cause. Often a stressful event may be a trigger, leaving a person with a lasting emotional turmoil, apparently quite unrelated to one’s diet. Mood disorders may be of many forms, from anxiety attacks, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD), to addiction. They all share the experience of sadness, without understanding its causes. But let us focus on depression as one example of the many mood disorders.

It is important that when we talk about depression, we must make a distinction between “environmental” depression and “endogenous” depression. From a client’s point of view, he is usually aware of the causes of “environmental” depression (such as rejection in love, death in family, grieving or traumatic event). In environmental depression, the person may often benefit from counselling or “talk-therapy”. In clinical depression, on the other hand, the client is most often NOT AWARE of the causes and this may lead him to seek professional help.

Nevertheless, both environmental and endogenous factors can operate in tandem, but in that case we need to treat the biological factors first, before considering “psychological” factors. We need a healthy body to be able to deal with stress.

The evidence is overwhelming that “endogenous” depression, sometimes called “clinical depression”, is nearly always due to some inner biochemical abnormality, although it may have psychological elements. Talk therapy and/or drug therapy often fails to bring permanent relief for the majority of patients. See studies.

I have said that one of the major factors triggering a depression or anxiety or a mood disorder is insulin resistance, a silent disease, and in particular pre-diabetic insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. See References. This can cause brain energy starvation triggering the release of excess adrenaline, a hormone that functions to convert glycogen (sugar stores) back into glucose, so as to feed the brain again. (See image) Insulin resistance interferes with the production of biological energy (ATP), necessary in the production of feel good neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Excess adrenaline production is a common feature of most, if not all, mood disorders.

Of course, this is not the only factor, there are many others. This can easily be established by carrying out a 4-hour glucose tolerance test as explained at our web site. We have found that most clients responded positively to this test, supporting the notion that a mood disorder is primarily a biochemical disorder. Other scientists have found the same:

“Many books that I’ve read – in particular, Carlton Fredricks’s “New Low Blood Sugar and You” – say that when there is any mental disorder present, hypoglycemia is going to be right there along with it. Gary Null Page 264

Silent Diseases at the root of mood disorders

Metabolic Syndrome: One need to understand that many of the underlying metabolic disorders affecting our minds are silent diseases, meaning that the person is not aware of the existence of the illness. Apart from insulin resistance, a typical example is the “Syndrome X” or the “Metabolic Syndrome”, which is a combination of abnormal medical conditions such as hypertension, high triglycerides, insulin resistance and obesity. Usually, a person becomes only aware of the existence of this disease when his doctor measures his blood pressure and “discovers” that he has “high blood pressure”.  It may affect about 34% of the general population. See Research Evidence.   The reason appears to be that hyperinsulinism can cause magnesium to be dumped in the urine, upsetting the delicate balance of intracellular magnesium and calcium ions that regulate blood pressure, thereby contributing to hypertension. RAS Hemat Page 38.
Several authors have reported a significant association between metabolic syndrome and depression, Scott D Mendelson et al, 49G Medeiros-Net et als.,1017Gaetano Crepaldi et als., 7, Richard A Bermudes, 32

Depression associated with Metabolic disorder is more at risk of heart disease as well as type 2 diabetes. Vnitr Lek. 2009 Jul-Aug;55(7-8):650-2  Also Psych Central News.

Abstracts from studies connecting mood disorders with nutrition here.

Anxiety, panic attack and depression may be associated with certain heart conditions such as mitral valve prolapse.

Medicine seems unable to predict and treat Syndrome X or the Metabolic Syndrome at its root. The reason could be that medical fraternity seem to be in denial about the existence of hypoglycemia following a statement made by the AMA in 1973. See: Marilyn Light. The test for hypoglycemia as mentioned above, would help doctors to diagnose it. Both Syndrome X and hypoglycemia (or pre-diabetic insulin resistance) are difficult to treat without drugs, hence conventional medicine centers around the use of drugs – practically the only form of “treatment”. Conventional medicine does not encourage to use non-drug treatments that are available. Allopathic medicine seldom solves the problem. In fact, orthodox medicine has been in denial about the existence of hypoglycemia for many years.(See also: Hypoglycemia: A forgotten disease by Dr George Samra –> page 6)

 Biotin Deficiency, although rare disease, can cause various symptoms. The main cause may be the excess consumption of avidin in raw eggs. Symptoms: hair loss, brittle nail and a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area. Neurologic symptoms in adults have included depression, lethargy, hallucination, and numbness and tingling of the extremities. Biotin may contribute to a lower blood sugar level. Linus Pauling Institute for sources of biotin.

Hypopglycia is closely related to hypoglycemia with similar symptoms, but caused by malfunctioning if glycolysis due to some mineral deficiencies. This is further explained in Hypoglycia

Bisphenol A used in plastic can affect moods: “A 2008 study by the Yale School of Medicine demonstrated that adverse neurological effects occur in non-human primates regularly exposed to bisphenol A at levels equal to the United States Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) maximum safe dose of 50 µg/kg/day.[80][81] This research found a connection between BPA and interference with brain cell connections vital to memory, learning, and mood.” Wikepedia

Disorders of Carbohydrates Metabolism – can cause mood disorders.

Fully discussed at Disorders of Carbohydrate Metabolism

While early diagnosis and treatment leads to improved outcomes, diabetes remains undiagnosed in up to 50% of patients. MJA 2007 186(10):500-503.
Marilyn Light claims 10 – 25% of population is afflicted with hypoglycemia Marilyn Light. Not only that, for insulin resistance to develop into full-blown diabetes may take up to 20-30 years. Derek LeRoith et als. page 1151. See also:Wikipedia
For an estimate of hypoglycemia incidence see Research Evidence for Hypoglycemia.  Or look up Index.
This reinforces the notion that it is a “silent disease” with dire consequences to one’s physical and mental health, such as Eating Disorders.
Thus a person may have been suffering for many years from a silent disease, which can be triggered into full-blown depression, by an environmental stress situation.

Cobalt may be part of Vitamin B12. Cobalt has serious side effects both in deficiency and toxic stages. SYMPTOMS of deficiency are listed as Anemia, anorexia, bleeding gums, confusion, dementia, depression, difficulty maintaining balance, headache, nausea, numb and tingling extremities, pale gums, pale lips, pale tongue, poor memory, retarded growth, shortness of breath, sore tongue, weakness in the arms and legs, weight loss, yellow eyes and skin. However, if a normal diet is followed a deficiency is most unlikely.

“Salicylates can cause a reaction that both stimulates and depresses the nervous system. That is why you could experience depression, fatigue and hyperactivity all at once.” Source. For a full list of symptoms see Wikipedia. Discuss possible salicylate allergy with your doctor as it may affect other medications and diseases.

Other examples of a silent diseases are related to various illnesses of the the digestive system, that can affect the mind. A good illustration is the Leaky Gut Syndrome. When the bowel is inflamed, the gut lining becomes permeable and toxins are absorbed into the blood stream. This gives rise to many immunological reactions, among these symptoms of mood disorders. Partially digested molecules act as antigens – recognized as foreign substances by the body – that provoke an immune reaction. . RAS Hemat ,394,

 COLITIS: Is a common factor in depression as it interferes with the absorption and metabolism of essential nutrients. An autoimmune reaction is ascribed to be the cause of ulcerative colitis, and hence it is even thought of as an autoimmune illness, diets low in fiber and high in sugar, and general incomplete diets, which are rich in a lot of other refined carbohydrates, like white flour, rice and pastas, are known to be linked to its onset, since these foods have largely been striped of essential fibers and nutrients. See: Herbs2000

Hemat argues that:
“The lining mucosal cells of the digestive tract have a high turnover rate such that the whole layer of surface cells may be renewed in 3-4 days. An inability to manufacture adequate building blocks (in this case, glucosamine “amino-sugars”) will cause the intestinal wall to “thin” and allow toxins and not fully digested proteins into the blood stream.” Hemat 41-2

There is strong evidence to support that depression is linked to the Leaky Gut Syndrome, Matthew Hogg, Maes M et als. 2008, Diseases associated with the Leaky Gut Syndrome are: inflammatory bowel syndrome or Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), acne, eczema, psoriasis, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, celiac disease, lupus, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), autism, food and chemical sensitivities. Louise Tenney, 14 and Elizabeth Lipski, 25 See also Altered Immunity & The Leaky Gut Syndrome by Dr Zoltan P Rona Volume 19 No 2, June 2003 Page 7. Further readings;

Leaky Gut Syndrome by Dr Paul Ameisen –> Volume 21 No 1, April 2005 page 3
Leaky Gut Syndrome by Herbs2000

Further JOM articles related to Leaky Gut Syndrome

Addison’s Disease is an other illness, that can affect one’s moods. This condition is related to the adrenal glands, in particular te cortex (outer gland). which leads to a deficiency or complete lack of hormones. The cortex of the adrenal glands is responsible for he production of aldosterone, regulating salt in the blood. Levels of sodium are unbalanced leading to blood pressure problems. The cortex is also responsible for the production of testosterone. Symptoms of Addison’s disease are many and include mood swings, cravings for salty foods, irregulars periods in women, tremors. numbness in hands and feet. See Wisegeek.

Cushing’s Syndrome (excessive production of steroid hormones from adrenal glands) may cause mood swings, depression, panic attacks, anhedonia and other psychological problems. Wisegeek

Cushing’s Disease is a rare condition caused by excess cortisol production by adrenal glands. May be caused by taking glucocorticoid medication and other drugs containing steroids. It may also be the result of small non-tumourous tumours, called adenoma in the pituitary glands. This may trigger weight gain, and bloating about the face, increased amount of sweating, insomnia, hypertension, and dry, thin skin are also common symptoms.

Autism may be related to vaccines and immunisation programs. Natural Infectious Diseases decline preceding public immunization efforts by Raymond Obomsawin PhD

Allergies of the nervous system – that are closely related to gut diseases – can cause a diverse behavioural disturbances, including headaches and migraines, learning disabilities and depression. Hidden food allergies seem to be a common cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and they may also be a causative factor in epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression.

“Depression is one of the most commonly noted symptoms of brain allergy. “When one is relieved, so is the other”, observes Abram Hoffer. Treatment of the allergy will, in most cases, ‘cure’, the depression.” Syd Baumel (2000) p. 63.
Treatment of allergies is a specialist branch of nutritional medicine and is best left in the hands of specially trained nutritional doctors. It can also be related to heavy metal intoxication.

Another silent disease affecting the mind is a food sensitivity to alpha-gliadin which is a component of gluten that can cause celiac disease, Rosalinda T Lagua, 92. Undiagnosed celiac disease is a common factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia or Down’s syndrome and depression. Chris M Reading at al 2004 This applies to many other allergies and food sensitivities. Linda Knittel et al, 61,EW Cutler, 8, Gary Null, 116, Allergies: The Food and Disease Paradigm by Dr George Samra.

For further reading see:
Migraines and Headaches by Dr Joachim Fluhrer –> Volume 16 No 1, March 2000 go to page 3
Allergies, Intolerance, Sensitivity by Dorothy Schultz –> Volume 15 No 3, September 1999 page 8
Finding Your Allergies by Jurriaan Plesman
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) by Dr Mark Donohoe –> Volume 14 No 2, June 1998

There is ample evidence that Parkinson’s Disease is closely associated with depression. Books. For additional nutritional treatment of Parkinson’s Disease see Herbs2000.

Lack of friendly bacteria and/or probiotics possibly due to over-prescription of antibiotics or any of the digestive illnesses may be responsible for depression. 2 studies on probiotics.

“Absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice is a common symptom in depressive neuroses. It is frequently associated with mental fatigue, persistent worry and strain especially in persons with a congenital unstable psyche. The symptoms are very vague, lack of appetite, fullness after eating, gaseous eructations and diarrhea is more common than constipation. Pain is absent.”Source

For a list of drugs and medications that may be responsible for depression see here —> Volume 10 No 2, June 1994 Page 7

Adrenal exhaustion is one of the silent diseases affecting the blood glucose supply to the brain. Insufficient glucose available to brain tissues contributes to many neurological symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, including sleep disorder, brain fog, anxiety, and depression. Drlam.com May, 2009.   It has been argued by some authors that adrenal exhaustion (AE) causes hypoglycemia (see here). But then the argument runs that AE is caused by “psychological” stress. This is like putting the cart before the horse, confusing symptoms for causes. A simpler explanation is that when the brain is deprived of its energy (ATP) from glucose, it will trigger the release of stress hormone (adrenaline and cortisol) from the adrenal glands, to replenish the brain with glucose. This may lead to Adrenal Exhaustion, which in turn may lead to depression. The most common illness that triggers excess stress hormones is hypoglycemia. This is easier to treat than “psychological” stress. Related to this topic see also: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Hyperhomocysteinemia: Abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the serum, above 15 µmol/L, are a medical condition called hyperhomocysteinemia. This has been claimed to be a significant risk factor for the development of a wide range of diseases, including thrombosis, neuropsychiatric illness, and fractures  Wikipedia

Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) mainly among women due to either medical or psychological factors can cause a variety of mood disorders as explained at Index.

And let us not forget hypothyroidism as a silent disease affecting the mind. It is shown as a flat curve sugar reaction in a four hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (Type 4 Hypoglycemia). This will naturally affect the conversion of sugar to biological energy called ATP, essential in the production of normal neurotransmitters. Hence this silent disease is associated with depression BJ Cohen , 92. Optimal iodine intake is essential for normal thyroid function and the prevention of ADHD and learning disabilities and academic underachievement. J. Gordon Millichap p.21. It is possible to test yourself at home for hypothyroidism with the Basal Temperature Test for Hypothyroidism. Symptoms of iodine deficiency:

“In areas where there is little iodine in the diet, typically remote inland areas and semi-arid equatorial climates where no marine foods are eaten, iodine deficiency gives rise to hypothyroidism, symptoms of which are extreme fatigue, goiter, mental slowing, depression, weight gain, and low basal body temperatures.[6]”  Wikepedia

Many people suffering from Post Natal Depression should be medically tested for hypothyroidism and/or hypoglycemia, which could be responsible for depression. For treatment see here. Imbalance in electrolytes as in hypoparathyroidism can cause psychiatric disorders. William L Webb et al Psychiatry on Line.

Alzheimer‘s Disease: Studies have shown that there is a significant association between insulin resistance (hypoglycemia) and Alzheimer’s disease. Pubmed studies. 5 JOM studies. For other missed medical conditions and nutritional aspects contributing to this disease see: Missed Medical conditions by Dr Chris Reading.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) also known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a term used as a general description of children affected by their mother’s use of alcohol while they were in the womb.  One in 750 babies born are born with this syndrome. Because the placenta is permeable to alcohol, babies’ brains in the womb are exposed to toxic levels which will affect he cognitive functions in later life. Alcohol seems to be unique among many other drugs taken during pregnancy. FASD has facial physical features and cognitive symptoms, often difficult to define.

From a behavioural point of view the central nervous system damage can damage the brain across a continuum of gross to subtle impairments, which may affect learning ability, memory, moods, language, motor skills, attention, hyperactivity and impulse control. The latter can lead to violent outbursts that have led some people to confuse these symptoms with ADHD. Wisegeek, Wikipedia,  See also: Index of Spec Topics

Hepatitis C Treatment with combination antiviral therapy pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin can cause one to feel fatigue, headache, nauseous, irritability, insomnia, confusion, depression.  WebMD

Huntington’s Disease is an inherited disorder that causes deterioration of the brain, and will affect the personality of the patient. Huntington’s disease was named after doctor George Huntington in 1872. The disorder now affects around one in every 10,000 people. The major factor in Huntington’s disease is genetics. A child who has one parent afflicted with the disease has a 50% chance of developing the disease himself. Although it is usually an inherited disease, around 3% of sufferers have no trace of it within their family history.The first symptoms of Huntington’s disease usually appear around the age of 30 to 50 including changes in personality, from irritability and anger to depression, apathy and a loss of interest in things the person previously enjoyed. Wisegeek

Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Depression and Vitamin D deficiency linked.
One real possibility, the health observer pointed out, is that depression and  dementia share some common cause. He said vitamin D may be the link between the two. Science Daily 27 May 2009
“Depression is associated with an increased risk of dementia and AD in older men and women over 17 years of follow-up.” PMID: 20603483
Among a groups of 282 residents it was found that there was a significant association between depression and deficiency of vitamin D (the sun shine vitamin), Witte J G Hoogendijk et als (2008)
See also 8 studies on Vitamin D and Mental Illness..

Menopause, when the body ceases to produce estrogen and progesterone, may be responsible for depression and mood swings in a proportion of menopausal women. Schnatz, PF et als. (2005)PubMed

Another depression-related illness is pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), which is closely related to hypoglycemia. “Some women experience symptoms premenstrually that are similar to those produced by hypoglycemia or low blood sugar..abnormalities in glucose metabolism” Ethel Sloane p 112 For natural treatments see here and here.

Andropause is a collection of symptoms, including fatigue, decrease in libido, lack of concentration, mood swings, anxiety that is experienced by some middle-aged men. It has been attributed to a gradual decline in testosterone. Andropause correlates directly with depression, irritability, mood disorders and memory loss in mid-life crises. Google Scholar

Symptoms of the presence of Batten’s Disease mimic many other health issues. The symptoms usually begin to appear between the ages of four and ten. Some of the more common signs of the possible presence of Batten’s Disease are problems with vision, a change in learning ability and aptitude, personality changes, and a decrease in motor activity that leads to more frequent stumbling or falling. The child may also begin to experience seizures or episodes of feeling depersonalized. Wisegeek

 Electrolyte imbalances can cause psychiatric disorders

GALLSTONES: Obesity, diabetes and Insulin resistance are a risk factor for developing gallstones hence may also be associated with mood disorders. See Index at Gallstones.

Gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori may contribute to postpandrial symptomatic hypoglycemia PMID: 10505722 and thereby may contribute to mood disorders.

People suffering from Glycogen Storage Disease may prove hypoglycaemic on a glucose tolerance test.

Helicobacter colonization and vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to psychotic features. PMID: 340401

Megaloblastic Anemia, Pernicious Anemia or Iron Deficiency Anemia due to vitamin B12 and folate deficiency and/or iron deficiency affect red blood cells carrying hemoglobin (iron-containing pigment of red blood cells), that carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues. These can be responsible for psychological symptoms such as fatigue. Iron is needed to make optimal amounts of ATP. (WA Lishman,559). Iron deficiency is also related to ADHD. J Gordon Millichap p.20. They are examples of other silent diseases that could be responsible for depression, dementia and epilepsy. For a list of nutrients, deficiency of which can cause depression see RAS Hemat 165. See John Fry et al 208 on anaemia and how it contributes to depression and S Cembrowicz et al, 143 on various routine blood tests used in treating depression. Various studies on folate deficiency and depression and 23 JOM studies

Iron deficiency and H pylori and Celiac Disease could affect mental and psychological functions, Helicobacter Notes

Undermethylation/Overmethylation

Elevated histamine and/or elevated basophils indicate undermethylation. Review of symptoms and medical history can bolster the diagnosis. For example, most undermethylated persons exhibit seasonal allergies, perfectionism, strong wills, slenderness, OCD tendencies, high libido, etc. Overmethylated persons generally exhibit anxiety, absence of seasonal allergies, presence of food/chemical sensitivities, dry eyes, low perspiration, artistic/music interests/abilities, intolerance to Prozac and other SSRI’s, etc.Overmethylated persons generally exhibit anxiety, absence of seasonal allergies, presence of food/chemical sensitivities, dry eyes, low perspiration, artistic/music interests/abilities, intolerance to Prozac and other SSRI’s, etc.

Conditions associated with undermethylation: Anorexia, Bulimia, shopping/gambling disorders, depression, schizo-affective disorder, delusions, oppositional-defiant disorder, OCD. Alternative Mental Health

Heavy metal toxicity is another factor that can contribute to mood disorders.

Some heavy metals – such as cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, and zinc – are essential to health in trace amounts. Others are non-essential and can be harmful to health in excessive amounts. These include cadmium, antimony, mercury, lead, and arsenic – these last three being the most common in cases of heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metals toxicity can be diagnosed by scalp hair analysis. For more information see Gibson (2005) page 380. For the effects of mercury used in dentistry see Dental Causes of Systemic Disease by Dr Robert Gammal at Volume 10 No 2, June 1994 Page 2.

It is interesting to note that most harmful heavy metals are in the same group 12 in the Periodic Table of heavy metals as zinc. Zinc is an essential co-enzyme in the metabolism of glucose. Rosalind S Gibson (2005) page 712. Copper and zinc levels should be in balance. If there is an excess of copper, this will lower zinc levels and will interfere with the ten step glycolysis of glucose to pyruvate. This will affect the production of biological energy called ATP and hence hinder the production of feel good neurotransmitters. This may explain the occurrence of hypoglycia which is characterised by having hypoglycemic symptoms, although blood sugar levels may be normal in a four hour Glucose Tolerance Test for hypoglycemia as designed by Dr George Samra (Kogarah).   See also Notes on Hypoglycia

Orthomolecular psychiatrists claim copper overload can be gradually relieved by copper-lowering supplements: manganese, molybdenum, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids and most of all, copper’s natural antagonist, zinc. Syd Baumel 37. Since B6 (pyridoxine) is an important player in detoxification Sally Kirk et als. p 188, it needs first to be converted to an active form called pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) (or PLP), by a zinc containing enzymes R Hemat p34. This again ties zinc (or lack of it) to heavy metal toxicity. See notes on pectin.
But the same phenomenon may occur in the case of cadmium toxicity. The binding of cadmium to metallothionein is stronger than that of zinc, and hence excess cadmium displaces zinc Samual A Berne 2001 Page 50,
One may wonder whether vulnerability to heavy metal intoxication may cause mood disorders by virtue of its displacement of zinc or be caused by its deficiency. The exact relationship between heavy metals toxicity and depression has still not firmly established. Hypoglycia as a source of mood disorders has also been discussed in my book “Getting off the Hook” at page 18.
Interclinical Laboratories in Australia provides a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis service. Here are some books on detoxification of heavy metals. See pectin and detoxification. See also : Heavy Metals Notes

See also: Detoxification through exercise and breakfast video by Dr Joseph Mercola and here.

Infertility: In Australia there has been a 45% rise in the number of babies born through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) between 2004-8. In 2008. 10,509 babies were born through IVF. About 3.3% of Australians were born through fertility treatments. (source) and source.

It is probably not surprising to find that symptoms of depression often accompany infertility. (Source) The question is whether depression is a consequence or a cause of infertility. For those who are struggling with infertility it is important to realize that both depression and infertility often share a common unhealthy body unable to produce feel good neurotransmitters AND healthy gametes for conceiving a baby. A major factor is a deteriorating quality of nutrition during the last few decades. For those who are looking for alternatives to expensive IVF treatments and more natural way of conceiving, please read:
Melanie A Koeman, Natural Approaches to Infertility and Reproductive Problems –> Volume 18 No 1, March 2002 go to page 3.

People with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis, although strictly not silent diseases, are more likely to suffer from neuropsychiatric disorders Sundquist et als. 2008

A combination of potassium deficiency and ulcerative colitis can be responsible for severe emotional disturbance. Gastroenterology June 1956

LUPUS: Is a systematic autoimmune disease affecting autoimmune connective tissues any part in the body. The most common neuropsychiatric disorder people with SLE have is headache,[19] although the existence of a specific lupus headache and the optimal approach to headache in SLE cases remains controversial.[20] Other common neuropsychiatric manifestation of SLE include cognitive dysfunction, mood disorder, cerebrovascular disease, [19]seizures, polyneuropathy, [19]anxiety disorder, and psychosis. Wikipedia

Most inflammatory bowel disorders such as IBS, Crohn’s Disease and Celiac disease,are associated with psychiatric disorders. Roger Jones 5, ER Greig et al. 774, Cosimo Prantera et al 456 , TM Bayless et al 570 It is obvious that digestive disorders interfere with the absorption and metabolism of important and essential nutrients necessary in the production of the right hormones and neurotransmitters. Depression, anxiety,  moodiness are also symptoms of many other “silent disease”  Burton Goldberg et als., 621, Allen C Bowling, 66Stephen E Langer, 240. Hypoglycemic people are at risk of candidiasis and therefore may be a co-morbid condition among alcoholics. See notes on Candidiasis.

LYME DISEASE can cause cognitive decline in the late stage of the disease. See also Wikipedia. See also LymNet.

MEDICATIONS that can cause mood disorders. See here.

Lysine  deficiency may lead to fatigue, dizziness and anemia

See how the microbiota can affect mood disorders

Multiple Sclerosis: “In fact, studies have suggested that clinical depression, the severest form of depression, is more frequent among people with MS than it is in the general population or in persons with other chronic, disabling conditions. ” National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  “If you have another autoimmune disease, such as thyroid disease or Type 1 diabetes, your risk of developing MS is slightly higher. ” FamilyDoctor.org

Niacin deficiency may lead to depression

Statin drugs can cause mood changes

“While the medical establishment continues to push the suppression of cholesterol levels to abnormally low levels, it is not widely known that there is a significant amount of evidence linking low cholesterol to aggressive behavior and depression.”Source
People with Mucolipidosis have mild intellectual disability or learning problems.

Pellagra (From Wikipedia) is a vitamin deficiency disease most commonly caused by a chronic lack of niacin (vitamin B3) in the diet. It can be caused by decreased intake of niacin or tryptophan,[1] and possibly by excessive intake of leucine.[2] It may also result from alterations in protein metabolism in disorders such as carcinoid syndrome. A deficiency of the amino acid lysine can lead to a deficiency of niacin, as well.[3] It’s symptoms can be described as the four D’s: diarrhoea, Dermatitis, Dementia an Death. A more comprehensive list  among others is: Sensitivity to light, Aggression, alopecia (hair loss), glossitis (inflame tongue), insomnia, weakness, confusion, Ataxia, paralysis of extremities, peripheral neuritis, sensations of pain, irritability, emotional instability.  When there is a niacin deficiency the body  will convert tryptophan into niacin at the rate of 60 to 1, triggering a tryptophan deficiency and depression. See Research Evidence.

Liver Disorders & hypoglycemia: Severe illnesses of the liver, such as severe hepatitis, can cause hypoglycemia. Disorders of the kidney, which can keep your body from properly excreting medications, can affect glucose levels due to a buildup of those medications. Long-term starvation, as may occur in the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, can result in the depletion of substances your body needs in gluconeogenesis, causing hypoglycemia.  Mayo Clinic

For more evidence how disease can affect the mind see Neurological Disorders at Wikipedia.

Many mind-altering silent diseases may be caused by between 50,000 – 100,000 chemicals released into the environment,(RE Hester et als.132) beginning with petrochemical fertilisers and pesticides used in soil by big pharma-dominated agriculture and food production. Heavy metals – by-products of he industrial society – can lead to a wide array of psychological problems.RAS Hemat 194. Most of these toxins find their way to rivers and the sea, where they contaminate fish we eat. This could easily be avoided if organic farming be universally adopted based on the science of soil biology that would render soils more productive. Dr Maarten Stapper. Videos by Dr Maarten Stapper about Biological Farming

Pyroluria: Carl Pfeiffer, believe that excessive excretion of pyrroles and Porphyria in the urine – as a result of improper hemoglobin synthesis – may be responsible for various mental disorders. It is claimed that kryptopyrrole increases the excretion of zinc, manganese and vitamin B6, (Carl C, Pfeiffer (JOM, 1983) thereby interfering with the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones. For more information see Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 1974  Some studies has failed to find a connection between pyroluria and schizophrenia. Wikipedia [17][18][19][20][21][22] See also Index of Specific Topic at Porphyria

Temporomandibula joint (TMJ) disorder linked to depression: WEDNESDAY, Jan. 23 (HealthDay News) — There’s a link between depression and anxiety symptoms and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder pain, a condition that affects the jaw, according to a new study.  Jaw Pain Disorder tied to Depression

Prediabetes, other Metabolic syndromes could be linked to Neuropathy: “Components of the metabolic syndrome, including prediabetes, are potential risk factors for neuropathy, and studies are needed to establish whether they are casually related to neuropathy. These lines of enquiry will have direct implications for the development of new treatments for diabetic neuropathy,” the researchers said. Endocrinetoday, June 2012

Tourette’s Syndrome a condition, during which tics and involuntary muscular movements occur sometimes accompanied by inappropriate vocal exclamations, is due to a form of neurological dysfunction. The underlying cause is still a mystery, but seems to be biological, affecting the function of neurotransmitters in the brain. Although it may not be directly responsible for depression it can severely interfere with one’s social life, create a social stigma affecting one’s job opportunities and so on. Although symptoms do not appear during sleep, they are aggravated by stress, nervousness and anxiety. The psychological aspects and the syndrome itself can be greatly improved by nutritional therapy, with avoidance of a high refined carbohydrate diet (hypoglycemic diet) and supplementation of various vitamins (B complex, B6, B12, B3) and minerals (magnesium and potassium). See possible treatment & 3 JOM articles.

Wilson’s disease is an inherited disorder of copper accumulation. The basic defect is a failure of excretion of excess copper in the bile by the liver for loss in the stool. The accumulating copper causes damage primarily to the liver and the brain. Patients typically present in the second to the fourth decades of life with liver disease, a neurological disease of the movement disorder type, or a wide array of behavioural disturbances. Possible treatment with zinc and molybdenum PMID: 8521757, JOM articles

Chronic Pruritis (itching) can have a devastating effect on patients, causing health problems such as depression, anxiety and interruption of sleep. According to the research chronic pruritis can affect patients the same way as chronic pain. See Chronic pruritis report by Norman Swan, The HealthReport. Coming back to the problem of insulin resistance, the chicken-and-egg question is, which came first insulin resistance or obesity.

The Insulin Resistance and Obesity controversy.
A recent report May 2009 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicated that about 68 % of adult males and 55 % of adult females were classified as being overweight or obese. Most of the medical literature claims that obesity is the primary cause of insulin resistance (Marshall Stevens Runge p 524, Pamela et als p340, Bray GA et al. p.656), but I tend to question this. If obesity is the cause of insulin resistance, then what causes obesity, apart from the outdated theory of excess eating and caloric intake versus caloric expenditure. Hales et als. 419. As Russell Faris et al. write:
“Research shows that only one person in twenty, and perhaps only one person in a hundred, ever loses weight and keeps it off while dieting. In the long run, diets makes us fat” Russell Farris et als. The Potbelly syndrome page 2. See also: 3 studies
The link between diabetes and obesity may be the presence of insulin resistance that is commonly found in these two disorders. Goran MI et al. p180
Recent findings indicate that impaired mitochondrial ATP production may predispose people to obesity, and we know that ATP is ultimately derived from glucose. Ultimately insulin resistance develops in obesity because alterations in partitioning of fat between adipocytes and the muscle and liver. Magnus D Johansen page 102 and R.A.S. Hemat page 38.
Intracellular starvation of biological energy can also lead to depression. Henry Osiecki –> Volume 14 No 4, December 1998 page 6. ATP derived from glucose is needed in the formation of various neurotransmitters. RW Beck, 59
No one has demonstrated that obesity causes insulin resistance. All we really know is that insulin resistance is simply more prevalent among people who are heavier. In fact, we just may have the whole causal relationship backward – rather than obesity causing insulin resistance, it might be that insulin resistance is causing obesity. JE Oliver p.118 & R Farris et als.p.2
The reality is that a low carbohydrate and high protein diet such as the Hypoglycemic diet, Atkins diet, South Beach diet and Zone diet have been shown to lose more weight at 6 months on the diet. In addition, there tended to be fewer dropouts in the low-carbohydrate groups with increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL ) and markedly decreased triglycerides concentrations. Fiebach p.1429
There is considerable evidence presented that the consumption of saturated fats contributes to obesity and coronary heart disease (see references), however some authors assert that there is “no satisfactory or reliable evidence to support the idea that saturated fat causes heart disease, or diabetes or obesity. See here. In fact, there is sufficient evidence to show that the liver produces most of your cholesterol in your blood. Index.  So it appears that the science on this issue is not as yet settled. See notes.  See also Pam Killeen’s argument in her book “Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic” that Animal Fats are Essential to Overall Health
This all seem to point into the direction of a much simpler explanation that insulin resistance is the primary cause of obesity and not the other way around. It seems to me that obesity can be explained simply because insulin resistance blocks the absorption of glucose and other nutrients, which are then accumulated in the body first as glycogen. When glycogen stores reach its limits it is then converted to fat cells. P Atluri et als. p 251
This all goes to show that mood disorders are often associated with obesity, which can lead some people to eating disorders. For a 1½ hour lecture on the influence of sugar and especially cheap High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) by Dr Robert H Lustig listen to lecture Sugar: The Bitter Truth below under videos.
A Princeton University research team has demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same. Science Daily 22 March 2010. Insulin resistance, hypoglycemia associated with obesity. 7 JOM studies.

Figure 8: Obesity among the poor and the wealthy

See also Chlorogenic Acid in raw coffee for treatment of obesity and hypertension.

Delusions

The person who is suddenly struck with a mood disorder usually is not aware that what he believes triggered his “mental illness” is not so much an environmental stress situation, but rather an undiagnosed underlying biochemical disorder, reaching a breaking point. Mood disorders are often accompanied by delusions, just as in the more serious mental illnesses. We are genetically programmed to link our feelings and emotions to our immediate environment – present or past.  In psychological jargon it is called Psychological Projection. Thus a negative self-image ” I am no good” soon becomes “people think I am no good”. If we have problem controlling our anger, it is always “the other person who makes me feel angry”.

False beliefs – such as delusions and hallucinations –  are usually triggered by stress hormones, as a result of some internal (endogenous) biochemical abnormality. A phobic reaction to a lift deludes the sufferer into thinking, that the elevator causes the anxiety reaction. It is often a delusion to think that a low self-esteem is the cause of depression, whereas in fact it may be simply one of the symptoms. We are often deluded into thinking that our anxieties and depressions are caused by stressful childhood experiences that has imprinted a “deeply” learned reaction patterns of learned behaviour stemming from the past. A “traumatic event”  in PTSD is often mistaken to be the cause of the illness, instead of being a symptom. It is not difficult for an unscrupulous therapist to unwittingly reinforce these false beliefs and delusions to justify their “theory” of therapy.

An environmental stimulus, that can be either mild or severe, may have been festering for many years, can become the trigger for a full-blown “mental illness” as one of the symptoms of the underlying biochemical abnormality. It is often a delusion to think that the environmental event is the real cause of the abnormal mood reaction. It is even more unlikely that a person will associate his illness with a nutritional disorder, because his diet has not noticeably changed and he has been deluded into believing he has been on a”healthy diet”all his life.
Most diabetic people tend to believe they were on a “healthy diet”, until the day they are diagnosed diabetic. Nowadays, it is difficult for any person to be on a healthy organic diet, in a world where most people eat processed foods. Most people with “Syndrome X” seem to believe that they are on a “healthy diet”. Most people with a mood disorder find it difficult to associate their illness with nutrition and most will deny that it has anything to do with nutrition. Here the delusion could well become a denial!
This also explains, why the illness does not necessarily mean that all hypoglycemics are depressed as is often assumed, just as “not all animals are dogs”. You can be hypoglycemic without being depressed, but you could have anger control problems instead.
When the underlying biochemical disorder is triggered into action by a severe stressful event – usually called a trauma, as in a car accident or following war experiences – and the reaction lingers on over time it can be labelled a “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)”. The sad irony is that both client and his/her therapist usually believe that the illness is caused by the traumatic event – real or imagined – and most of the useless therapy is now spent on drugs and analyzing the “psychological” causes of PTSD. When a person is suffering from a long period of endogenous stress it is not difficult to induce false memories by means of “Recovered Memory Therapy (RMT)”. See also Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Nutrition  here for an alternative approach.
Thus if we want to be serious about treating “mental illness”, clients and therapists have to realize that most mood disorders are endogenous. If you have any philosophical doubts or objections about this, then at least a therapist should be obliged to eliminate any physical or medical causes of mood disorders, before he can claim it is “psychological”. Unfortunately, most psychotherapists are not trained to do this.
See also delusions discussed here.

In short, if you want to treat people for “mood disorders”;

1) you must distinguish between “environmental” and “endogenous” depression, and
2) then first eliminate physiologial/biochemical factors in endogenous depression by any nutritional means, if possible, and
3) then treat any psychological factors (damage) that may have resulted from a long period of having suffered from one of the silent diseases.
4) If self-help therapy fails, consult a Nutritional Doctor, Clinical Nutritionist or Nutritional Psychotherapist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

One of the problems of nutritional therapy is that unlike drug therapy, the body needs time to adjust. People expect nutrients to work like drugs. Nutrients need to be taken over a long time. The length of time depends on the disorder being treated. Most illnesses respond to nutritional treatment within three months, but if drugs have been used it may take up to a year for receptors of neurotransmitters to repair themselves with a high protein diet. Nora Volkow

One dilemma is that modern scientific treatment of “mental illness” is dominated by what I believe to be a fairly ignorant medical profession, when it comes to “mental illness”. Like The Spanish Inquisition of the 15th century, the medical profession and their pharmaceutical masters, are using the legal power of the state to enforce a monopoly of a drug-oriented medicine and psychotherapy. Confidence in conventional medicine appears to have reached a level of a self-evident faith in a folk religion by the community. This is not an attack on pharmaceutical drug therapy, that has saved so many lives. Without drugs, doctors would not have been able to treat so many illnesses throughout history. Drug therapy will always be an essential part of medicine. But it is corrupt to exclude any non-drug treatment or to monopolize by political means the healing profession with the use of drugs ONLY.

The consequence is that people with mood disorders are unable to consult government supported ‘alternative and complementary’ therapists who are trained and equipped to deal with “mental illness” in other than drug ways. Victims of the illness are left with the alternative to take more control over their own life by educating themselves about the nutritional aspects of mood disorders. Nutrients cannot be monopolized. It requires clients to become acquainted and read educational material about nutritional remedies, now widely available on the Internet. Happily, the Internet allows people to become educated. We will have to wait for the time when departments of psychology at universities around the world start training a new breed of psychotherapists with a knowledge and skills in psychology as well as human biochemistry. It is recommended that when treating yourself to discuss your findings with a professional health practitioner.

For more diseases accompanied by hypoglycemic symptoms

Notes;

Based on research from California’s Amtabha Medical Center, five grams of pectin daily is enough to flush out almost seventy percent of heavy metals out of most people’s bodies within months. Foods high in pectin include apples, bananas, beets, cabbage, carrots, citrus fruits, dried peas and okra”, Michelle Schoffro Cook p.132

For further reading and research see:

Index to Specific Topics and Research

Metabolically Ill or Metabolically Disadvantaged By Dr Chris Reading (Orthomolecular Psychiatrist) —> Volume 22 No 3, December 2006 page 3
Conquering Anxiety, Depression and Fatigue without Drugs by Professor Joel H Levitt

Some Videos:

Nutrition and Behavior Video by Dr Russell Blaylock

Robert H Lustig MD Sugar: The bitter Truth (Time: 1.29.27)

Real Medical Problems (not psychiatric ones)

Natural Mental Health Cures – Orthomolecular Psychiatry by Dr Vincent Bellonzi

Beat Depression w/out Psychiatric Antidepressant Drugs by Dr Vincent Bellonzi

Natural Cure for Depression by Dr Abraham Hoffer

The Truth about Mental Health Disorders by Professor John Breeding Ph.D, Psychologist

Depression, Fatigue, Thyroid & Drugs by Austin Nutrition

Truth About Antidepressants & Chemical Imbalance, Psychology

Diet & Nutrition: About Depression, Whey Protein and Bananas

Pam Killeen interview with Garth Riley about Mood disorders and nutrition.

Interview with Pam Killeen with Jurriaan Plesman

6 Comments »

6 Responses

  1. Jennifer says:
    November 1, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    I am wanting to do the basal body temp test for hypothyroidism & I have read that women should do this during menstruation to avoid seeing the temp fluctuations caused by hormones. Is this still the case for women taking the oral contraceptive pill, as technically it should prevent me ovulating which I would assume would stop the fluctuations?

    Reply
  2. Jurriaan Plesman says:
    April 8, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  3. Mary johnson says:
    January 20, 2014 at 12:52 am

    I am learning so much! Thank you!!

    Reply
  4. kay peters says:
    June 3, 2014 at 9:41 am

    wow never knew sugar could do this!!

    Reply
  5. Gayle&Lee Leo says:
    January 31, 2016 at 8:33 am

    A perfectly normal friend of ours with CFS/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is VERY SHOCKED. He just found out he “has a History of delusional disorders & paranoia” he NEVER knew about! His guess: It was a GP, who many years ago could not find any physiological causes for his REAL PHYSICAL symptoms, so he labeled him “mentally ill”. The GP did not know how to request the RIGHT blood-tests, but another excellent doctor did and found many important physical causes. HOW can he get RID of this stigma, which has now devastating consequences. Recently in hospital for a physical condition, medical & psychiatric doctors treated him wrongly & appallingly, like he was mentally ill (with the usual procedure & negative outcome).

    Reply

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