Nutrient deficiencies as the Cause of Depression/Anxiety

In this article we will discuss one of the root causes of your depression and anxiety and what can be done about it.

Depression and anxiety are classified as mental illness and rated on severity scale, there are objective questionnaires such PHQ-9 and GAD-7 that used to assess. However, often time the physiological causes of those symptoms is ignored.

Here are 3 essnetial nutrients that can be the cause of your symptoms and what to do about them:

1- Iron

One of the most essential nutrients and most common deficiency. Iron plays an important role in red blood cell function and transportation of oxygen to our brain and cells. Symptoms of iron deficiency look the same as anxiety. That chest pain, SOB, fatigue, inability to focus are all symptoms of iron deficiency.

Be careful with supplementing it, high doses of Iron can cause worsening of symptoms!

2- Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient for our body to regulate, hormones to be made and utilized. What comes to mind when talking depression is “serotonin” and you body requires Vitamin D3 to make it!

Be careful with supplementing it, high levels in the body can be toxic!

3- Vitamin B12

Required for DNA synthesis and essential in maintaining health nervous system, plays a major role in your mental health and energy. If you are deficient, symptoms of brain fog, fatigue, SOB, heart palpatations, mood swings, body aches might be present.

Here’s what can be done: it is essential to get screening for those nutrients before starting to supplement. You can ask your doctor or Naturopathic doctor to run those tests to know your baseline and the required dose!

Extra tip: if you experience depression/anxiety, we need to optimize those levels beyond what is “normal” on blood work!

Book your free discovery call to start learning about naturopathic approach to mental health