Brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine undoubtedly affect the quality of our day but did you know that we have frogs to thank for the first discovery of neurotransmitters in 1921? Austrian Nobel prize winner Otto Loewi’s inspiration to set up the groundbreaking experiment that discovered neurotransmitters came to him in a dream. A dream that would … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 52: Most prescribed – Saffron for Mental Health
Saffron has taken its place as one of the pillars of herbal medicine for mental health, and in this episode, take a deep dive with Philip on how it might help you. Click here to read the full article, or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! Welcome to the first in a new series of episodes of Free and Inspired Radio called Most … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 48: Is your blood sugar affecting your anxiety and depression?
Suppose the causes that affect your depression and anxiety may not be what you expect? In this Free and Inspired radio episode, learn how your blood sugar might affect your mood and anxiety. Click here to read the full article, or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! Personal responsibility disclaimer: If there comes a time when you feel like … [Read more...]
Your blood sugar can influence your mood and anxiety levels.
Sixty per cent of people with depression still do not seek medical help because of the social stigma around its perceived hindrance to their career or personal life.[1] Suppose you are one of those sixty per cent. In that case, managing your blood sugar and exercise could be two lifestyle choices that can begin your journey towards feeling better, especially if you are … [Read more...]
What is neuroinflammation, its symptoms and its causes?
Neuroinflammation is a broad term for an inflammatory response in the brain or the spinal cord.[1] I have a different name for it—a hot brain. One of most people’s first experiences of neuroinflammation is when they get the flu. When we get sick, the immune system uses inflammation to mobilise or activate its different components to respond to the … [Read more...]
Meditation for mental health in 2022?
A question asked many times over the last decade is whether meditation is more effective than medication in managing your mental health and health in general. I put together a small workup about meditation’s role in the brain when taking some personal responsibility for stress. In that article, I promised I would do a deeper dive and feel the time is right, so here we … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 34: Meditation in 2022
Is meditation more effective than medication in managing your mental health and health in general in 2022? Click here to read the full article, or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! Lifestyle practices such as meditation are the cornerstone of taking control of your health. Systematic reviews on meditation have also found … [Read more...]
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for mental health?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a nutritional compound that seems beneficial for mental health and everything in between. Or at least that’s how the initial research presented. Let’s look into how it might help you. NAC, as it’s usually known, is a popular over-the-counter supplement and FDA-approved drug used for paracetamol overdose.[1] Interest in NAC’s use spans multiple … [Read more...]
Herbal medicine for Anxiety and Depression – Part One
Herbal medicine used for anxiety and depression is becoming more common. One study of two hundred and sixty patients with depression showed that up to fifty per cent had tried some form of natural medicine.[1] Another study from the USA found that forty per cent of people with moderate depression and anxiety had tried some form of natural medicine, including herbal … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 29: Three Herbs for Anxiety and Depression
In this Free and Inspired radio episode, we look at some key herbs for anxiety and depression. Click here to read the full article, or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! One study of two hundred and sixty patients with depression showed that up to fifty per cent had tried some form of natural medicine. Seventy-four per cent of … [Read more...]