Dr Cory Couillard

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Over a decade worth of scientific studies have pointed to an association between the consumption of fish and the occurrence of depression.  Science is now showing that psychological health is often directly linked to nutritional deficiencies. In short, food can directly impact the physiology of one’s body which will directly impact one’s psychology or mental health. Numerous studies have shown omega-3 levels to be lower in people with depression than in people without. The rates of depression are much lower in populations that eat larger quantities of fish.  Specifically omega-3 rich fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. Two recent scientific reviews analyzed data from dozens of studies and they came to a similar conclusion: Omega-3s can help people with severe depression but are unlikely to help those with minor situational depression. Omega-3s deemed safe Fortunately, research has shown that eatin...

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net For many, the upcoming holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year or the most depressing.  Excessive stress is often contagious with the added financial strain of travel, costs of presents, food and/or entertainment.  It is no coincidence that the holidays are the sickest time of the year.  Poor food choices, diminished physical activity levels and excessive levels of stress can be linked to the physical and emotional symptoms of depression.  Highly processed food items are commonly loaded with carbohydrates that are a leading cause of nutritional imbalances.  Nutritional imbalances create deficiencies that interfere with proper brain function and hormone balance that causes poor concentration, feelings of guilt, lack of energy and other symptoms of depression. Sweet desserts and refined carbohydrates cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels.  This rapid fluctuation is known to caus...

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net A popular type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been linked to pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm birth.  A mother’s use of SSRIs during pregnancy has also been found to produce potentially life-threatening health conditions to the newborn. A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction has highlighted new warnings for women’s use of SSRIs during childbearing years.  Depression, infertility and birth defects are far too common and the occurrence continues to grow with no definitive prevention or treatment guidelines.  Are SSRIs the solution? Depression is now estimated to affect 350 million people and fewer than 10 percent receive proper care despite known, effective prevention and treatment techniques.  The diagnosis is more common in females, which can further complicate effective and proactive depression care in ...

Disease burden is the overall impact that health conditions have on an individual and society alike.   It is not limited to one’s disability, quality of life and life expectancy but also the financial implications associated with the development of serious health conditions.   The cost of disease far exceeds the cost associated with maintaining health.    Prevention, awareness and improved access to quality care can significantly improve outcomes locally, regionally and globally.   Prevention of disease is not early detection of disease but early action of health.    Many of the major health conditions have achievable solutions that are not limited by poor access to healthcare services.   If you’re looking for solutions – it starts with your personal choices.  Mother and Children Deaths Almost 15 percent of deaths in women of reproductive age are associated with preventable complications of pregnancy and childbirth. ...

In this day and age if the dark blanket of depression hasn’t descended upon you or someone close to you yet, chances are pretty good it will. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of every ten Americans has reported suffering from depression, and the numbers of those affected continue to rise. [1] From 1996 to 2005, the number of Americans taking an antidepressant doubled.[2] In fact, a very recent study showed that over 20% of American adults are taking at least one drug for psychiatric or behavioral disorders.[3] Depression has been directly and indirectly linked to obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and early death. It is observed daily in missed work-days, decreased productivity, strained relationships, and long-term suffering. Statistics like these are not only alarming, but cannot be ignored and placated by a medicinal label. A 2007 national survey published in Psychiatryonline.org found that 54% of women with depression reported the...

230 million prescriptions are now filled for depression every year. Antidepressants are one of the most-prescribed drugs in the United States. More than 1 in 20 Americans are still depressed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research over the last two decades has shown that people with cardiovascular disease are more likely to suffer from depression than otherwise healthy people. The reverse is also been found to be true, people with depression are at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The National Institute of Mental Health states that “people with heart disease who are depressed have an increased risk of death after a heart attack compared to those who are not depressed.” Cardiovascular disease now affects over 12 million Americans and is classified as one of the leading causes of death. The depression incident rates skyrockets to 1 in 2 for people who have survived their first heart attack according to the institute. Depre...