By: Erin Stair, MD, MPH Probiotics and prebiotics for depression: The connection between the microbiome and mood. Guess what? You are never alone. None of us are. It may not be comfortable to think about, but tons of tiny organisms live inside us and affect our health. The microbiome refers to all of the microorganisms […]
By Erin Stair MD, MPH Is there an herbal remedy for anxiety? Well, there might be several. Today I want to focus on KAVA, since you often see that marketed for anxiety and stress. Kava Kava ( Piper methysticum) is a plant from the pepper family and native to the South Pacific where it […]
By: Erin Stair, MD, MPH Sleep therapy for depression, and dietary interventions, might be the best first approach for cases of depression. Sleep and depression, much like the link between sleep with other chronic illnesses, has a Chicken-and-Egg relationship. I’m going to explain below, but thought I’d post one of my favorite Chicken and […]
What’s the scoop on antidepressant withdrawal? A hotly contentious scoop, that’s what. Those of you who’ve read my fictionalized memoir Manic Kingdom know that I have a vested interest in this topic for personal reasons. If you read Manic Kingdom, you’ll know that the main character Becka ( based off of me in medical […]
Tryptophan is most known for causing “Turkey coma” on Thanksgiving Day, but you’ve probably seen it sold in drug stores as a potential cure for depression. Can Tryptophan cure or help with depression? Let’s take a look at the evidence…, but basics first. What is Tryptophan? Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means that […]
By Erin Stair, MD, MPH What is the best diet for depression ? Let me start by saying that I don’t believe there is one best diet for everyone. I don’t buy into one diet being the best or the healthiest. The best diet for you is whatever diet you can maintain for the […]
By: Erin Stair, MD, MPH Ten health benefits of coffee? You bet! With research to back it up. Many people bash coffee as a wellness no-no, but I take a different approach. I think coffee, in moderation, is gold for your health- specifically black gold. I drink 2-5 cups a day, but the recommended dose […]
By: Erin Stair, MD, MPH This is Omega Three Fatty Acids and Depression Part Two. Please read Part One first for this to be the most helpful to you. In the last blog I explained the different theories for depression. They’re will probably be 20 more theories in 20 years, but that’s how research and […]
Erin Stair, MD, MPH Part I: Omega Three Fatty Acids and Depression. Can supplementing help at all? First, we need to take a look at the many theories of depression. The Theories of Depression: Major Depression is a chronic, disabling illness that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts it will become […]
What IS she talking about? Watch my latest video on Instagram that explains: View this post on Instagram Let's talk about #running and #depression . Who has tried a running program to help fight off the blues? If you have, the evidence is with you. . . Also, because I want folks to try the […]
Can the right supplement combination improve mood? Today I’m posting an interview I conducted with Dr. William Walsh, nutritional medicine guru, author of Nutrient Power and founder and president of the Walsh Research Institute. Dr. Walsh conducts physician training programs in advanced biochemical/nutrient therapies. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and […]
By: Erin Stair Since April is Autism Awareness Month, and since the Center for Disease Control just came out with the glaring statistic showing 1 in 50 kids are being diagnosed with autism, here’s an interview I did with Vitamin D expert Dr. John Cannell. I am also posting this interview, because it’s all about Vitamin D, […]
By: Erin Stair, MD, MPH When I became depressed, I was also anxious, stressed, sleep-deprived, eating terribly and poorly focused. I was everything BAD and the embodiment of the Chicken/Egg dilemma, as I had no way of knowing if poor sleep and a terrible diet were leading to my depressed and anxious state, or vice […]