Depression, Exercise, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

[Guest guest]

I put this out on my PSSD site recently. As many of you are concerned about sustance abuse - like me - this article is greatly re-assuring. It seems that sufficient pleasurable exercise (and pleasurable is an important part ) can really help to repair the brain, end depression, and halt addiction.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

BDNF, a nerve growth factor that supports the health of brain cells, helps them grow and can promote the development of new neurons. BDNF gets greatly reduced in depression and exercise can increase it again helping the brain to repair itself and end the depression. This interesting site below talks about this and how antidepressant drugs cause neurogenesis by damaging the brain in the first place which then causes the brain to release BDNF in an attempt to repair itself.

So I'm getting that push bike out right now, and I hope this cheers you all up a bit. It seems that happiness can really repair the brain, but it isn't easy to feel happy with PSSD, I know, but I'm doing my best - I've got to get out of this somehow!

(PS, I have started to fall in love with my girfriend so hopefully this is a start towards happiness and maybe even my eventual recovery from PSSD).

http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_cause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/

Kv

Extracts:

'First of all, a person who is depressed is lacking BDNF. This means their credit cards for BDNF have been maxed out trying to cope with the stress in their life'

A lack of BDNF sets the stage for addictive behavior2, including compulsive overeating3. Those with the lowest levels of BDNF have the worst depression4.

2nd exract. (There is much more on the site in the link given above).

The BDNF Response to Health and Trauma

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is one of the most potent healing compounds in your brain. Adequate BDNF is needed for brain plasticity, cognitive intelligence, optimal learning, positive mood, etc. In other words BDNF is your brain rejuvenation compound. BDNF can prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. BDNF is even active outside your brain wherein it helps your muscles burn fat! A lack of BDNF sets the stage for addictive behavior2, including compulsive overeating3. Those with the lowest levels of BDNF have the worst depression4.

You can activate BDNF with aerobic exercise, even consistent moderate aerobics. Aerobics in older adults has been shown to stop brain shrinkage5 and boost BDNF while preventing depression. There are many nutrients6 that facilitate the production and release of BDNF (DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement., pantethine7, acetyl-l-carnitine8, zinc9, blueberries10, curcumin11, niacin12, DHEA13, and likely many others). Nutrients work very well to maintain BDNF levels in the face of high levels of stress14, as clicking on any of the prior study links will explain. In order to properly activate BDNF it also requires proper function of thyroid hormone15 – an issue that is problematic in many people with depression.

BDNF production in your brain occurs within glial cells (astrocytes). It is very important to understand that BDNF production can be activated by multiple signals coming into the glial cells, not just one type of input. In other words, we have glial cell activation in response to healthy behaviors like exercise and good nutrition, part of the ongoing process of keeping your brain rejuvenated and in tip-top working condition. In animal experiments following stroke, voluntary exercise16 helps produce high levels of BDNF and nerve regeneration whereas forced exercise does not.

BDNF is also activated during times of brain injury, so as to repair the injury17. Nerve cells do not split and divide like other cells in your body. Rather, nerve cells must either fix themselves or have a strategy to develop new nerve growth, and both processes require BDNF. Thus, one way to stimulate BDNF is to injure nerve cells.

It is this latter strategy that SSRI antidepressants utilize – in a manner never intended by Mother Nature. The details of this rather bizarre method of operation are explained in a detailed review article18. In brief, one way SSRIs are supposed to work is by enhancing the flow of serotonin – an effect that would be felt immediately upon taking. It is well recognized that an additional mechanism is in play, as for many it takes several weeks or longer before mood seems to improve. This latter effect is due to the SSRI medication progressively accumulating in glial cells, inducing a highly inflammatory toxic response, and triggering the release of BDNF. Now you can understand why taking anti-inflammatory drugs would interfere with SSRI function.

It should be understood that such a strategy to boost BDNF production is highly problematic and can just as readily result in suicide or worsened depression. First of all, a person who is depressed is lacking BDNF. This means their credit cards for BDNF have been maxed out trying to cope with the stress in their life. In essence, SSRI antidepressants are like getting a new BDNF credit card from a loan shark. The interest rates are astronomically high, i.e., the loan is given in the form of excitotoxic brain cell injury. Talk about robbing to pay . A very short term remedy at best.

According to the review article above, the method of BDNF activation by SSRI antidepressants utilizes a specific gene signaling pathway called TrkB (Tropomyosinassociated kinase). The overexpression of this particular gene signal is known to cause breast cancer19. It is not that BDNF causes breast cancer. Indeed, just about every nutrient listed above that boosts BDNF production naturally also protects against breast cancer. This is the difference between nutrition and drugs. Nutrients and exercise act in harmony with the brain to bolster its natural function, while nourishing and protecting other areas of the body. In this case SSRIs are manipulating an injury recovery strategy to boost BDNF by actually poisoning brain cells. This strategy was never intended to be used on an ongoing basis. It is quite clear that the TNFa Cytokine involved with systemic inflammation and regulation of immune cells. It is able to induce cell death, and inhibits tumorigenesis and viral replication. When dysfunctional it is associated with a number of disease processes. activation of BDNF20 can have deleterious effects on the nervous systems and may not help BDNF production at all. The science provides a direct link to cancer, especially breast cancer.

[Guest guest]

My English has gone wrong again as usual, I don't think that getting my push

bike out is going to cheer anyone up, but hopefully the post I put out will.

Kv

>

>

> I put this out on my PSSD site recently. As many of you are concerned

> about sustance abuse - like me - this article is greatly re-assuring. It

> seems that sufficient pleasurable exercise (and pleasurable is an

> important part ) can really help to repair the brain, end depression,

> and halt addiction.

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------\

> ------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> BDNF, a nerve growth factor that supports the health of brain cells,

> helps them grow and can promote the development of new neurons. BDNF

> gets greatly reduced in depression and exercise can increase it again

> helping the brain to repair itself and end the depression. This

> interesting site below talks about this and how antidepressant drugs

> cause neurogenesis by damaging the brain in the first place which then

> causes the brain to release BDNF in an attempt to repair itself.

>

> So I'm getting that push bike out right now, and I hope this cheers you

> all up a bit. It seems that happiness can really repair the brain, but

> it isn't easy to feel happy with PSSD, I know, but I'm doing my best -

> I've got to get out of this somehow!

>

> (PS, I have started to fall in love with my girfriend so hopefully this

> is a start towards happiness and maybe even my eventual recovery from

> PSSD).

>

> http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_ca\

> use_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/>

>

> Kv

>

> Extracts:

>

> 'First of all, a person who is depressed is lacking BDNF. This means

> their credit cards for BDNF have been maxed out trying to cope with the

> stress in their life'

>

> A lack of BDNF sets the stage for addictive behavior2

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref2> , including

> compulsive overeating3

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref3> . Those with

> the lowest levels of BDNF have the worst depression4

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref4> .

>

> 2nd exract. (There is much more on the site in the link given above).

> The BDNF Response to Health and Trauma

> BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is one of the most potent

> healing compounds in your brain. Adequate BDNF is needed for brain

> plasticity, cognitive intelligence, optimal learning, positive mood,

> etc. In other words BDNF is your brain rejuvenation compound. BDNF can

> prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/bdnf_prevents_and_reve\

> rses_alzheimers_disease/> . BDNF is even active outside your brain

> wherein it helps your muscles burn fat!

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/bdnf_at_the_crossroads\

> _of_brain_function_metabolism/> A lack of BDNF sets the stage for

> addictive behavior2

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref2> , including

> compulsive overeating3

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref3> . Those with

> the lowest levels of BDNF have the worst depression4

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref4> .

>

> You can activate BDNF with aerobic exercise

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/regular_aerobics_decre\

> ases_appetite_boosts_brain/> , even consistent moderate aerobics

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/bdnf_and_brain_size_bo\

> osted_by_mild_aerobics_in_elderly/> . Aerobics in older adults has been

> shown to stop brain shrinkage5

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref5> and boost

> BDNF while preventing depression. There are many nutrients6

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref6> that

> facilitate the production and release of BDNF (DHA Docosahexaenoic acid

> Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell

> membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via

> cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a

> supplement.

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/dha_brain_boosting_and\

> _mercury_protecting/> , pantethine7

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref7> ,

> acetyl-l-carnitine8

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref8> , zinc9

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref9> ,

> blueberries10

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref10> , curcumin11

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref11> , niacin12

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref12> , DHEA13

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref13> , and likely

> many others). Nutrients work very well to maintain BDNF levels in the

> face of high levels of stress14

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref14> , as

> clicking on any of the prior study links will explain. In order to

> properly activate BDNF it also requires proper function of thyroid

> hormone15

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref15> – an

> issue that is problematic in many people with depression.

>

> BDNF production in your brain occurs within glial cells (astrocytes). It

> is very important to understand that BDNF production can be activated by

> multiple signals coming into the glial cells, not just one type of

> input. In other words, we have glial cell activation in response to

> healthy behaviors like exercise and good nutrition, part of the ongoing

> process of keeping your brain rejuvenated and in tip-top working

> condition. In animal experiments following stroke, voluntary exercise16

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref16> helps

> produce high levels of BDNF and nerve regeneration whereas forced

> exercise does not.

>

> BDNF is also activated during times of brain injury, so as to repair the

> injury17

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref17> . Nerve

> cells do not split and divide like other cells in your body. Rather,

> nerve cells must either fix themselves or have a strategy to develop new

> nerve growth, and both processes require BDNF. Thus, one way to

> stimulate BDNF is to injure nerve cells.

>

> It is this latter strategy that SSRI antidepressants utilize – in a

> manner never intended by Mother Nature. The details of this rather

> bizarre method of operation are explained in a detailed review article18

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref18> . In brief,

> one way SSRIs are supposed to work is by enhancing the flow of serotonin

> – an effect that would be felt immediately upon taking. It is well

> recognized that an additional mechanism is in play, as for many it takes

> several weeks or longer before mood seems to improve. This latter effect

> is due to the SSRI medication progressively accumulating in glial cells,

> inducing a highly inflammatory toxic response, and triggering the

> release of BDNF. Now you can understand why taking anti-inflammatory

> drugs would interfere with SSRI function.

>

> It should be understood that such a strategy to boost BDNF production is

> highly problematic and can just as readily result in suicide or worsened

> depression. First of all, a person who is depressed is lacking BDNF.

> This means their credit cards for BDNF have been maxed out trying to

> cope with the stress in their life. In essence, SSRI antidepressants are

> like getting a new BDNF credit card from a loan shark. The interest

> rates are astronomically high, i.e., the loan is given in the form of

> excitotoxic brain cell injury. Talk about robbing to pay . A

> very short term remedy at best.

>

> According to the review article above, the method of BDNF activation by

> SSRI antidepressants utilizes a specific gene signaling pathway called

> TrkB (Tropomyosinassociated kinase). The overexpression of this

> particular gene signal is known to cause breast cancer19

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref19> . It is not

> that BDNF causes breast cancer. Indeed, just about every nutrient listed

> above that boosts BDNF production naturally also protects against breast

> cancer. This is the difference between nutrition and drugs. Nutrients

> and exercise act in harmony with the brain to bolster its natural

> function, while nourishing and protecting other areas of the body. In

> this case SSRIs are manipulating an injury recovery strategy to boost

> BDNF by actually poisoning brain cells. This strategy was never intended

> to be used on an ongoing basis. It is quite clear that the TNFa Cytokine

> involved with systemic inflammation and regulation of immune cells. It

> is able to induce cell death, and inhibits tumorigenesis and viral

> replication. When dysfunctional it is associated with a number of

> disease processes. activation of BDNF20

> <http://www.wellnessresources.com/freedom/articles/why_antidepressants_c\

> ause_brain_damage_breast_cancer_and_early_mortality/#ref20> can have

> deleterious effects on the nervous systems and may not help BDNF

> production at all. The science provides a direct link to cancer,

> especially breast cancer.

>