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. Welcome to the first in a new series of episodes of Free and Inspired Radio called Most Prescribed. In this series, you can learn more about the most frequently prescribed clinical herbs in Philip’s … [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. Personal responsibility disclaimer: If there comes a time when you feel like it is difficult for you to take action and the quality of your day is declining rapidly, then getting some … [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...]
Article: 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? Lifestyle practices such as meditation are the cornerstone of taking control of your health. Systematic reviews on meditation have also found beneficial effects on anxiety, depression and chronic pain scores. Not only this, but physical effects are also … [Read more...]
Article: 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 … [Read more...]
Article: 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. 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 mental health sufferers don’t seek professional help. A survey conducted in Iran articulated some common reasons why … [Read more...]
Article: Magnesium: Deficient in many, essential to all.
When it comes to magnesium and its role in around six hundred different biochemical reactions in the body, essential is an understatement. In this article, we’re going to break down some of the key reasons this vital mineral is one of the first interventions for me when patients initially visit me. We’ll look at some of the different forms, which one is best to take if … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 25: Can the same solutions still help insomnia post-pandemic?
In this Free and Inspired radio episode, find out what the most recent studies say about how the prevalence of insomnia has changed during and post-pandemic. Learn about the causes of insomnia in general and some solutions that you may or may not have considered. “Coronasomnia,” a phenomenon described in many research articles, is believed to be caused by a variety of … [Read more...]
Article: Is there a connection between the gut, your brain and chronic pain?
The answer is yes, there is a connection between the gut, your brain and chronic pain. Around 2 billion people are living with chronic pain worldwide.[1] For most people living with chronic pain, it is often considered a symptom of another condition. Usually, unfortunately, this leaves it inadequately treated. In my early years of practice, I saw many fibromyalgia … [Read more...]
Article: Introducing Cortisol, the stress hormone.
“I think stress is affecting my hormones.” And it’s so true. But not in the way many people may think. It’s not just your sex hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone that are causing reactions in your body but others such as insulin and the hormone we are looking at today, cortisol. Introducing cortisol, the hormone that allows your body to deal with stress … [Read more...]
FIR Episode 17: Can probiotics help your brain and mental health?
The answer is yes, probiotics can be beneficial for your brain and mental health. It's essential, though, to understand where the research is at. That's what we're going to be looking at in this Free and Inspired radio episode. Want to read the full breakdown in an e-book? Simply sign up to our newsletter for your free copy or scroll down to listen to the podcast on your … [Read more...]