This week a large review was published in the medical journal Molecular Psychiatry (reference below). Reviews of this nature collate the results of a wide range of studies on a certain topic and aim to provide a consensus of the results. This study was of particular interest as it relates to the growing issue of mental health in New Zealand.
The review aimed to investigate the link between serotonin and depression. Most of us have heard of serotonin; loosely called the “happy hormone’ that influences mood and mental wellbeing. As such; pharmaceutical anti-depressants that are designed to boost serotonin have long been one of the primary treatment options for depression. However the conclusion of this review was that there is no definitive link between the hormone seratonin and depression. In turn this challenges whether traditional anti-depressants that act on this pathway are really as effective as what we thought. It is clear there are a small percentage of people who do experience genuine benefit from these medications. As such we shouldn’t consider throwing the baby out with the bathwater. However this review highlights that both the health sector and society at large should perhaps be looking to other treatment options that are known to have a positive effect on mental health. This is where exercise comes in.
Exercise even in the form of a simple walk has been shown to regulate hormone levels associated with stress, anxiety and depression. Exercise is also at the top of the food chain for managing Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, osteoarthritis, auto-immune disorders and more. As mentioned in a previous column, a world of “comfort” where our bodies are rarely exposed to any exertion, is the opposite of healthy. In fact as also mentioned previously; being physically active vastly improves outcome for those who contract COVID-19. Essentially when our body is deliberately exposed to ‘stress’ we actually become healthier and more resilient.
Perhaps the holy grail of treating many of our largest social ailments is the simplest…and it’s often free! By building a habit of even the simplest form of exercise- the health returns are both rapid and widespread. Admittedly the challenge in winter is that cold, rainy weather isn’t all too appealing. Perhaps a gym membership over winter is the answer? Maybe an exercise bike of which there are many on Trademe. That being said our skin is…surprise-surprise, waterproof!! When was the last time you went for a walk or run in the rain with your children? Jump in a puddle, get saturated and then a hot shower waiting for you at home! If we are wanting to improve our health be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual – exercise should be at the top of the list.
Disclaimer: This column does not intend to replace qualified medical advice on pharmaceutical interventions or management. Please discuss further with your GP/health provider if appropriate.
Moncrieff J, Cooper RE, Stockmann T, Amendola S, Hengartner MP, and Horowitz, MA. (7.20.2022). “The Serotonin Theory of Depression: A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Evidence.” Molecular Psychiatry. DOI 10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0
Nb. Written as Health columnist for the Hibiscus Matters.
