Interview: Dr. Michael Evangel
Dr. Michael S. Evangel, Chiropractic Physician, is the owner of the Chiropractic Wellness Center in Paramus, NJ. For over 30 years, his mission is to provide state-of-the-art, high-quality care to people of all ages.
What Dr. Micheal Evangel Can Say in an Interview
on How to Fight Depression Naturally:
Facts surrounding Depression
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- It is estimated that at least 20 million Americans suffer from depression.
- The health of the body and of the mind are intricately linked.
- There are many natural therapies and strategies that can help to alleviate depression.
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- Depression can be a life-threatening condition. Some situations require immediate intervention beyond natural therapies.
- There is a well-known concept that may have originated with the ancient Greeks, and that is that there is a link between a healthy mind and a healthy body. Modern science has proven that relationship to be true.
- Doing your best to reduce stress in your life can do wonders to help reduce anxiety and depression. When you are stressed out you get anxious, and anxiety is closely linked with depression.
1. The importance of Gut Health
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- The network of nerves in our gut is called the “enteric brain.” This is where we get gut feelings. We should have about 2,500 different species of microorganisms in our gut to be healthy. We have about 38 trillion cells in our bodies, but we have about 100 trillion bacteria on us and in us weighing 2-3 pounds!
- We should have at least 85% beneficial bacteria and less than 15% pathological bacteria to be healthy. These beneficial bacteria help to digest food, communicate with our enteric brain, and produce the “feel good” hormone serotonin. Prozac and Paxil also increase serotonin levels, but with potential side effects.
- Your beneficial bacteria can be boosted by taking probiotics and by eating fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
2. Diet & Exercise in fighting depression
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- Exercise builds endorphins, which are the natural opiates of the body, increases blood flow, reduces stress, and promotes healthy sleep. All of this helps to combat depression.
- We are what we eat and eating a predominately ketogenic diet that is high in healthy fats, fresh raw organic produce, nuts, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish in my opinion is ideal to fight depression.
- This diet should also be low in sugar, carbs, processed food, junk food, and chemicals.
- Scientists have established a link between omega-3 fatty acids and fighting depression, as well as improving mood. The lack of the omega fatty acid DHA has far-reaching negative emotional effects and impacts the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. Deficiencies can contribute to hyperactivity, aggression, and anxiety.
3. Our Environment and Our Health
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- In addition, heavy metal toxicity, pesticides, and too many prescription drugs have been associated with depression.
- A number of studies have linked chronic depression to dehydration. 85% of brain tissue is made up of water. Dehydration causes mental clarity and focus to diminish and even can create a “dehydration drunkenness” after losing just 2% of total body weight from dehydration. That is equivalent to a 150-pound person losing about 46 fluid ounces of water.
- To avoid toxins, it is good to drink filtered water, but beware! Groundwater contains the trace mineral lithium, and drinking only filtered water may cause lithium as well as other trace mineral deficiencies.
- Getting out in the fresh air and communicating with nature has a calming effect and is very therapeutic. Spending time in nature is a great way to fight depression. This is called eco-therapy.
Tips for Reducing
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
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- Trying to be organized and planning your day in an efficient manner can help.
- Making lists so you won’t forget things can also reduce stress.
- Trying to maintain a positive attitude can also be greatly beneficial.
- Low Vitamin D levels have been linked with depression. I recommend vitamin D levels be tested twice a year. Once in midwinter and the other in midsummer. The blood serum vitamin D test is called the 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D Test. You should be above 30 nanograms/milliliter. I recommend between 80 – 100 nanograms/milliliter.
- Vitamin D is also linked to a multitude of other physical and mental conditions, including diabetes and autism.
- If anyone is suffering from depression, it is essential to have their thyroid tested for deficiencies. Although they are separate diseases, depression is sometimes a symptom of hypothyroidism.
- Sleep deprivation can lead to depression and depression can cause the inability to sleep. They go hand in hand.
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Depression is a serious condition that can be deadly. If someone you know is depressed to the point of contemplating doing harm to themselves, to others, or contemplating suicide, immediate intervention is vital. In a crisis situation, immediate medical intervention may be 100% needed.
Available for Interviews: Dr. Michael Evangel
Dr. Michael S. Evangel owner of Chiropractic Wellness Center. His practice specializes in treating a variety of conditions, from clinical nutrition to chronic low back and neck pain, to rehabilitation following an accident or injury. Other focuses include improving your diet, what supplements to take, avoiding toxins, creating a healthier workplace, and increasing the overall quality of your health. Dr. Evangel is a former science teacher with master’s degree in environmental health.
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