Welcome to the Mad in America podcast! I’m Brooke Siem, author of May Cause Side Effects, and I’m excited to revisit a conversation with Chris Masterjohn, PhD, a nutritional scientist whose work dives into mitochondrial biology.
Chris runs Mito.me, where he has developed a groundbreaking analysis to assess mitochondrial function. This helps identify energy issues in our cells, crucial for understanding overall health. Today, we’ll discuss how mitochondrial health connects to antidepressant effects and withdrawal.
If you missed our first discussion, it’s worth a listen. We delved deep into the science behind serotonin and antidepressants. Today, we’ll explore practical strategies to help those recovering from medication withdrawal.
Let’s get right to it. Chris, can you tell us about the Sigma-1 receptor? It seems important for understanding antidepressants and withdrawal.
The Sigma-1 receptor helps regulate our stress response. When it’s functioning properly, it reacts to cortisol, our main stress hormone. If this receptor is absent, animals show mixed reactions: they’re more resilient under stress but also have signs of chronic stress and possible depression.
To simplify, cortisol energizes your body during stress. If the Sigma-1 receptor isn’t working correctly, your body compensates by making more stress hormones, leading to a cycle of distress.
This receptor’s role in managing energy production is essential. Under stress, our body needs quick energy, and the Sigma-1 receptor steps in to support mitochondrial function. When serotonin levels are off, as they often can be with SSRIs, the body’s energy management becomes even more critical. The connection between serotonin and the Sigma-1 receptor can explain why many have varied reactions to SSRIs.
Interestingly, studies suggest that different SSRIs activate the Sigma-1 receptor to varying degrees, impacting people’s experiences during withdrawal. Some SSRIs can cause stronger withdrawal symptoms than others. This differences could explain why some individuals seem to bounce back quickly while others struggle significantly.
Your insights highlight the need to pay attention to more than just emotional symptoms in withdrawal. Physical responses can reveal deeper issues. For instance, many individuals notice specific patterns of symptoms – which can indeed signal underlying problems.
Shifting the conversation from emotions to physical symptoms could lead to breakthroughs in how we understand withdrawal. Our focus should be on energy deficits, describing how different people experience stress differently can reveal their vulnerabilities.
In our modern culture, it’s easy to overlook the balance in our bodies. For example, with the rise of mental health issues, emerging research indicates that environmental factors like altitude can impact serotonin levels and overall well-being. Recent studies show that even slight changes in oxygen levels can affect mood.
Breathing plays a crucial role in this too. Many of us breathe shallowly, which may contribute to stress and energy deficits. Learning proper breathing techniques can be vital. Chris recommends practicing deep, intentional breathing regularly, as it can improve overall health and energy management.
Nutrition is equally important. Chris emphasizes a whole-food approach. He suggests focusing on nutrient-rich foods like organ meats, seafood, and unprocessed options to support mitochondrial health. Supplements can often lead to imbalances, so starting with a balanced diet is key.
As we tie this back to the concerns around children being prescribed antidepressants, it’s vital to consider childhood development. Studies show differences in adult and child brain chemistry, making the risks of SSRIs during childhood even more significant.
Creating more awareness around the Sigma-1 receptor, nutritional needs, and proper breathing techniques can empower individuals dealing with withdrawal or mental health issues.
To summarize, understanding the complexities of our bodies, focusing on both physical and emotional health, and adopting a whole-food diet can make a huge difference in well-being. If you’re interested in learning more, check out Chris’s work at Mito.me and his writings on SSRI effects at chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com.
Thanks for joining us today!
Source link
antidepressant discontinuation,antidepressant withdrawal,antidepressants and serotonin,mitochondria,Neurotransmitter myth,Serotonin,Sigma-1,SSRI
