Hormonal Causes – Most depression is related to adrenal or sex hormone imbalances. Lower than normal levels of DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, estrogen or progesterone will trigger a biochemically-induced depression. Neuroscientists at the National Institute of Mental Health in the US have stated that most depression is caused by adrenal hormone imbalances.

Hormonal imbalances cause immune suppression, which leads to chronic infections. People with undiagnosed chronic infections consistently become depressed simply because they are sick. Most chronic infections do not cause obvious symptoms so they are left untreated.

Digestive Causes – One of the well-established side effects of food intolerances and food allergies is depression. Further, inefficient protein digestion deprives the body amino acids from which you make many of the key brain chemicals.

The over consumption of sugar, drugs, caffeine and alcohol can affect the chemicals that regulate mood. These neurotransmitters include serotonin and dopamine, both of which can become depleted. Serotonin is primarily made in the digestive tract, so any inflammation from infections or food sensitivity will cause reduced neurotransmitter production and associated depression or anxiety.

Detoxification Causes – The inability to eliminate harmful chemicals or heavy metals from body tissues allows these toxins to build up to harmful levels. Many of these substances such as mercury and petroleum based chemicals easily penetrate our central nervous system, our brain and spinal cord, and can cause depression. These tissues tend to be fatty in nature and attract these chemicals, many of which are fat soluble and settle in the fatty tissues, where they build up over time. One of the most frequently reported benefits of a safe and effective detoxification program is alleviation of depression.