How is severe depression diagnosed?
The video states that severe depression is defined by nine symptoms, and five or more must be present simultaneously, including either "depressed mood" or "loss of interest/pleasure." Other symptoms include: changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, decreased concentration, agitation or slowed movement/thinking, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Check out our most popular probiotic products!
👉🏻 : https://iherb.prf.hn/l/deBDJe4/
High quality doesn't have to be expensive! Over a hundred iHerb products are up to 25% off compared to other stores, and with lightning-fast 8-hour delivery!
Beyond subjective scales: a more objective examination
The video emphasizes that there is currently a lack of objective tests (such as blood tests or imaging) to pinpoint physical abnormalities in order to determine whether depression is a "disease." Therefore, it recommends simultaneously assessing more objective factors: the impact of diet on blood sugar and mood, levels of vitamin D , testosterone, thyroid function, and vitamin B1 , as well as sleep quality. The video shares a case where heart rate variability ( HRV ) showed a severely "flat" autonomic nervous system response, indicating a problem closer to extreme fatigue than a simple mood disorder. It also mentions that Lyme disease, Epstein- Barr virus (EBV) , anemia, chronic pain, and inflammation can all lead to fatigue and low mood.
Gut-brain bidirectional communication: the microbial code of emotions
The video claims that the gut has numerous neural connections to the brain, and that microorganisms can produce neurotransmitters such as GABA , dopamine, and serotonin, as well as synthesize various B vitamins; inflamed gut bacteria can directly lower mood. It further points out that some antidepressants (the video cites Abilify and Norin as examples ) inhibit the growth of probiotics; while SSRIs , which are related to serotonin, may reduce gut microbiota diversity, alter the flora, and increase inflammation, thus increasing drug dependence.
Three tricks starting from the gut
The film suggests that people with depression or anxiety can start by improving their gut health: supplementing with high-quality probiotics, adding fermented vegetables (such as kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles) and fermented dairy products (such as kefir, Bulgarian yogurt) to their daily diet, and combining this with fasting.
Green Tea and Emotions: Let the Numbers Speak
The video suggests that green tea, being unfermented, contains various active ingredients considered adaptogens that influence the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus, thus aiding in stress regulation and cognition. The video cites data claiming that drinking three cups per week can reduce the risk of depression by 21% ; four cups daily compared to one cup can reduce the risk by up to 51% . L- theanine in green tea is suggested to help stabilize mood, improve depression, promote sleep and nerve regeneration, and possess anti-cancer, antibacterial, neuroprotective, and potentially age-related cognitive decline effects; it may also regulate the stress hormone cortisol.
Exercise, Vitamin D , and Fasting
The video claims that exercise can be comparable to some medications, with better long-term effectiveness; high-intensity interval training (short sprints followed by long rest periods) is recommended as the first choice. It also advocates for a daily intake of at least 20,000 IU of vitamin D to help improve mood; and shares case studies of using fasting to improve severe depression.
Check out our most popular probiotic products!
👉🏻 : https://iherb.prf.hn/l/deBDJe4/
High quality doesn't have to be expensive! Over a hundred iHerb products are up to 25% off compared to other stores, and with lightning-fast 8-hour delivery!
Conclusion: Let's refocus on the body and gut.
The film concludes that rather than defining depression solely by subjective symptoms, it's more effective to examine diet, nutrition, sleep, the autonomic nervous system, and gut microbiota simultaneously. Approaching the gut-brain axis, combined with lifestyle strategies such as exercise, sunlight exposure, and fasting, may bring about a crucial turning point in mood.
YouTube source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6cOtuHPEjQ
YouTube Column: Dr. Berger in Chinese Health knowledge
