Do you know the link between depression and inflammation?  How do you know if you have inflammation and what’s it connection with mental health?

 

Firstly there are 2 types of inflammation the body experiences.

a)  Acute – when the body has a bump or cut and white blood cells are sent to protect the area.  That’s a good thing.

b)  Chronic – which is a problem.  It’s the leading cause of auto-immune disorders – and postpartum women are at high risk of this.   

 

Overtime, the white blood cells and protein cells are sent to the area which, over time fatigues your immune system and nervous system, leaving you feel tired, irritable and in stress. 

 

 

Chronic inflammation for postpartum women (and this is beyond the first 6-8 weeks), shows up as gas, bloating, hair loss, depression, anxiety, aching joints,  exhaustion and, as mentioned above, auto-immune issues.

 

When a mother is healing and recovery after birth, there is a natural acute state of inflammation to protect against infections, where their are wounds like where  placenta was and caesarean wounds.

 

Add stress to this, when a mother isn’t receiving the essential support, add lowered digestive enzymes and activated sympathetic nervous system due to the shock of the birth process, then chronic inflammation sets in.

 

You may have heard that the gut is now referred to as our 2nd brain.  A healthy micro-biome creates healthy cells, but when it’s out of balance it creates a weak cell lining which causes leaking of pathogens, bacteria and food particles into the body and blood stream.   

 

They do not ever belong there, and so the body responds with an inflammation response.

 

I will keep this light and not get too scientific here!  However, with scientific research, it has now been proven that inflammation is the root cause of bowel disease, diabetes, lupus, depression, Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism and more.

 

When digestive enzymes are lacking, such is the case with a new mother, even if she’s eating healthy foods, the foods most likely won’t digest properly which causes foods to sit in the gut and rot.  This builds up bacteria and eventually causes leaky gut, and therefore inflammation.

 

The hardest part, from my experience, is acknowledging and accepting this because having to change the way we eat can be one of the most challenging things to do.  Can you relate?

 

So…..inflammation in the gut equals inflammation in the brain!  They are inter-related.  Multiple studies show inflammation that’s measured within the body directly relates to the diagnosis of depression.  Now, while this is key, I just want to add here that I also believe depression can be due to the suppression of emotions, particularly anger and trauma.

 

Basically, chronic inflammation is a major cause of depression, not the other way around.

 

So many mothers are carrying burdens, are stressed to the eye ball, not eating well so therefore nutrient deficient, or having foods not being digested, and putting everyone’s needs first. 

 

We have a negative spiral being created, and so depression sets in, eating habits can become worse and inflammation keeps causing the depression.

 

When a mother is pregnant and has chronic inflammation, it will also impact the baby’s brain development.  New science shows if a mother is depressed, it’s likely to cause inflammation in the children and it’s actually quite a mystery to science.

 

Now on the positive side, when mothers are being supported in the best way possible, they are given nourishing foods that support the digestive system, that aid in healing after birth, can you imagine the positive impact on not only mothers, but their children, families and communities?

 

Healthy mothers are the foundation of healthy communities.  We can make changes, one step at a time and with the right education, guidance and support.

 

Maybe you’re already eat wholefoods, and you’re pregnant or have had your baby and you want to really ensure you’re looking after yourself, you’re wanting optimal health and nourishment for not just yourself but your little one through your breastmilk.

 

If  you want to feel confident you’re eating the foods that will nourish and support you with healing, bringing your energy back, your hormones into balance, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, I will support you. 

 

I work with mums who want to eat the best, nutrient dense foods that the body will easily digest and therefore receive maximum nutrition, without using supplements. 

 

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, let’s have a no-obligation chat.  You can book in using this link, or contact me here.