The body requires adequate, but not excessive, amounts of trace minerals and nutrients for proper functioning. Under certain conditions, excesses or deficiencies of many of these elements can set off symptoms of depression.

Subnormal levels of zinc, for example, are associated with treatment resistant depression.1 And deficiencies of magnesium can provoke a wide range of psychiatric symptoms related to depression, ranging from apathy to psychosis.2 Research on manic patients, on the other hand, has revealed elevated vanadium in the hair--significantly higher levels than those measured in both a control group and a group of recovered manic patients.3

Repeated exposure to pollutants in the food and environment can result in accumulation of toxins such as lead, mercury, and aluminum inside the body. One possible source of exposure is dental fillings made from amalgam, which contains mercury. Norwegian researchers found that 47% of patients with dental amalgam fillings reported suffering from major depression, compared to 14% in the dental control group.4 Exposure to other toxins, such as lead, can also elicit symptoms of depression.5

The Elemental Analysis measures levels of toxic and nutrient elements in the body using a hair sample. Each specimen type provides a unique window on element status.

References:

1 Maes M, Vandoolaeghe E, Neels H, Demedts P, Wauters A, Meltzer HY, Altamura C, Desnyder R. Lower
serum zinc in major depression is a sensitive marker of treatment resistance and of the immune/inflammatory response in that illness. Biol Psychiatry 1997;42(5):349-358.

2 Rasmussen HH, Mortensen PB, Jensen IW.
Depression and magnesium deficiency. Int J Psychiatry Med 1989;19(1):57-63.

3 Naylor GJ, Smith AH, Bryce-Smith D, Ward NI. Elevated vanadium content of hair and mania. Biol Psychiatry 1984;19(5):759-764.

4 Malt UF, Nerdrum P, Oppedal B, Gundersen R, Holte M, Lone J. Physical and mental problems attributed to dental amalgam fillings: a descriptive study of 99
self-referred patients compared with 272 controls. Psychosom Med 1997;59(1):32-41.

5 Maizlish NA, Parra G, Feo O. Neurobehavioural evaluation of Venezuelan workers exposed to inorganic lead. Occup Environ Med
1995;52(6):4088-414.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.