Did you know there are many commonly prescribed medications that can cause depression and low mood? 

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the negative effects some of the mainstream medications can cause. This can lead to a diagnosis of depression and treatment with an anti-depressant when all that is actually needed is either a medication adjustment, or nutritional support to correct deficiencies the drug might be creating. 

Despite what we've been lead to believe, anti-depressants are not harmless drugs. In fact, the literature is beginning to shift towards using them only in serious cases, and for short periods of time. This is based on the fact that, in comparison to placebo, most antidepressants do not do much to improve depression long term. Worse, is that they come with a wide range of serious, potentially life threatening side effects.

As you can see, this can be a slippery slope! 

The way out of this cycle is through education and awareness, and today I want to share with you 3 commonly used medications which can cause, trigger, or worsen depression. 

1. Birth Control 

Birth control, by it's very nature, interferes with our natural hormonal rhythm. Unfortunately, this can lead to disruptions in other hormones we need for healthy mood balance. 
Birth control has been linked to lowering our thyroid hormones, as well as testosterone levels. This can create low mood and weight gain among other things!
Birth control can also contribute to insulin resistance, which means our blood sugar levels may climb leading to lowered energy, and even putting women at risk for diabetes. 

One of the most commonly depleted nutrients is B6 which is important for producing neurotransmitters needed for healthy mood. 

2. Antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors

Just like birth control, the very purpose of these drugs creates initial problems. Our stomach, which is one of our most important digestive organs, requires a certain level of acid (a certain pH level). Antacids work to reduce acidity and the pH level in the stomach as a way to control reflux symptoms. Unfortunately, there are a few problems with this, especially long term.
1. The reflux drugs often don't correct the real problem (poor tone of the esophagus spincture meaning acid can shoot up where it's not supposed too; sluggish digestion meaning food isn't being broken down and processed quickly enough leading to pressure in the stomach)
2. By reducing acid, these drugs make it harder for the stomach to do it's job in breaking down food into nutrients we can absorb. 

One of the most common nutrient depletions from using these drugs is B12 which can lead to depression and other neurological problems. 

3. Statins (Cholesterol Reducers)

Keeping on theme, the very design of these drugs is part of the reason for why they lead to low, depressed mood.  
Statin drugs, like crestor, work by blocking our bodies ability to create cholesterol. They're prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and protect our cardiovascular system, however, the reason our body creates cholesterol is because we do need it! 
Cholesterol is apart of our cell membranes, it's really important for hormone production, as well as vitamin D (which also plays important roles in mood). 
By blocking our bodies ability to create such a vital component, we can experience a number of negative side effects including depression. 

One of the biggest nutrients this drug depletes is CoQ10 - a powerful antioxidant and source of energy for our cells. 

By no means am I suggesting skipping out on your next birth control or cholesterol pill, but it's very important to look at the whole picture when it comes to mood and depression!

If you're wondering what factors might be causing your depression, please feel free to book in a free assessment with Dr. Ashley!

​Yours in Health.

Although eczema occurs year round, these dark, cold winter months can put an extra burden on the skin. Many people notice their eczema tends to worsen, becoming more dry, itchy, red and uncomfortable.



​The conventional approach for eczema is 3 fold:

• 1, Moisturize with some sort of petroleum based product because it acts as a barrier for the skin.
  • Issue: While these can act as a barrier, they are not doing anything to provide nourishment to the skin. There is also some research showing these products can create health risks such as disrupting our hormones and may have links to cancer.
• 2. Corticosteroid creams to halt the immune response in the skin.
  • Issue: While this may help in the short term, especially if the skin is really aggravated, long term it can alter the pH of the skin and cause thinning of the skin  worsening the eczema overall.
• 3. If things get really bad, strong medications are prescribed to modulate the immune response internally.
  • Issue: Many of these drugs come with significant side effects, and carry black box warnings for risk of malignancy.

Ultimately, in addition to the issues above, the conventional approach is “palliative” – it attempts to relieve symptoms because there is no cure.

Fortunately, a Naturopathic Approach can work well for eczema and other skin conditions, because it works to make the body as a whole function more optimally.

Here are 5 ways you can reduce or resolve your eczema from the inside out:

1. First of all – make sure you have a proper diagnosis. This is where an ND, or an allergist can help. Sometimes eczema can be the result of contact with something you’re reacting too. Nickel for example, is a common allergen, and exposure from jewelry and foods can lead to eczema-like rashes not only at the point of contact, but throughout the body as well. There can also be other infections that look like eczema, as well as other chronic skin issues like psoriasis.
2. Avoid triggers – This can take some investigation on your part, or you may want to work with someone who can help you identify things that may be worsening or causing your skin eruptions. There is a huge connection between foods and “atopic dermatitis” [formal term for eczema], and this connection often isn’t acknowledged by dermatologists despite some good evidence.
   1. Try an elimination diet: gluten, dairy, eggs, soy are some of the top offenders but there may be others.
   2. If unsure, see an ND for food sensitivity testing to assess for your reactions to food.
3. Enhance gut health! If we have “dysbiosis” or an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, this often shows up in the skin. Our gut is also a huge immune center, and imbalances can cause all sorts of immune related problems.
   1. Simple places to start: a good multi-strained probiotic from your local health food store. It’s worth investing a bit more in a good one because you are addressing something quite specific.
   2. Eat lots of pre and probiotic foods – think fermented things like kefir, saukerkrat, kombucha, pickled foods, kimchee, and unsweetened yogurts (Tip: Unsweetened yogurts can also be applied to the skin for a few minutes and rinsed off to help decrease itching and inflammation – multi-purpose!)
4. Reduce your stress! Stress creates cortisol which is “pro-inflammatory” and creates more inflammation in the body. Not only is this not good for our health overall, but it can be particularly bad when we have eczema or other inflamed skin issues. Some ways to control stress include:
   1. Moderate exercise [eg: 25 minutes of walking 3-5x/week, 7 minute work-out app]
   2. Yoga
   3. Meditation: Try calm.com, or headspace for guided and timed meditations
5. Nourish the skin: Did you know the popular herb Chamomile has actually been shown to be slightly better than corticosteroids for eczema?  It’s a great natural anti-inflammatory, and a “vulnerary” meaning it helps repair tissues. Using products with this herb, or even on its own can be really beneficial!  Things like coconut oil, aloe and shea butter can also help to nourish and protect the skin. These are especially useful after the shower when you want to lock in moisture.

Our skin is our largest organ, and when things go wrong it often represents some issues or imbalances deeper than the eye can see. This is why working from the inside-out is best 

If you’d like to learn more about which natural medicines might be best for your skin, book a free skin assessment below with Dr. Ashley!
​
Yours in health,

Dr. Ashley