Reading about the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain might surprise many because of the stereotypes associated with suicide, such as social isolation, financial problems, or a relationship crisis. The truth is these suicides occurred because the U.S. is experiencing an epidemic of chronic depression. Without depression or other psychiatric problems, suicide does not occur. Some experts have chosen to view the depression epidemic as simply the “over-prescription of medications.” Data suggests the use of anti-depressants is more than a “trend”; it is an avalanche.
Between 2011 and 2014, approximately one in nine Americans of all ages reported taking at least one antidepressant medication. Three decades ago, less than one in fifty did. Now nearly 19% of adults 65 years and older regularly take an anti-depressant.
Regarding suicide, half of U.S. states saw at least a 30% increase in suicide rates between 1999 and 2016. The most significant increase shown in “middle-aged adults” aged 45 to 64 years is responsible for the decline in the life expectancy of U.S. males for the last two years.
We are beginning to understand that chronic depression is due to a chronic inflammatory state called inflammaging. As we age, a rising level of chemicals called cytokines is released from white blood cells. These chemicals prevent the brain from recovering from emotional traumas and result in depression which is often chronic.
Chronic inflammation leads to chronic depression and sets the stage for suicidal thoughts and suicide when the individual experiences a crisis. Fortunately, many of the causes of inflammation are understood, and inflammation is greatly influenced by our foods.
Common and reversible causes of inflammation include dietary vegetable oils (soy, corn, safflower, sunflower oils, margarine, and shortening), a deficient intake of omega-3 from fish, excess AGEs consumption from foods cooked at high temperatures, and intestinal bacterial imbalance called SIBO.
Supplementing with COOC-certified extra virgin olive oil, high-quality fish oil, cooking foods at lower temperatures (crock pot, not grill), and supplementing with intestinal-friendly inulin fiber have been shown to reduce inflammation and even reverse chronic depression.
I have been testing and treating the Autonomic Nervous System for 12 years. I have developed a treatment program called “The Nemechek Protocol™ for Autonomic Recovery” (Patent Pending) specifically designed to reduce multiple sources of inflammation and restore the body’s natural brain repair mechanism.
I believe that the key to restoring our natural inflammation control mechanisms is to reduce inflammation throughout the brain and body using every scientific, nutritional, and bioelectric tool available.
I am an internal medicine physician (D.O.) from UCLA, and my Internal Medicine and Autonomic practice is in the Phoenix, Arizona, area. For additional information, go to AutonomicMed.com.
This post is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education and does not create any patient-physician relationship.
Hello Dr Nemecheck,
My daughter is born with Microcephaly, she is 2.7 years old and has Global developmental delay. So far no diagnosis other than delays. Can this Protocol fix Microcephaly as well in terms of growth of head circumference? I have hardly seen people posting stories on Microcephaly, so I had this question in my mind!
Thanks,
We are having some neurological improvements in children with microcephaly but to date, no reports of improvement in circumference.
My 16 year old daughter has OCD and depression. Can your protocol help or does she need a Rifaximin? She is not autistic and I don’t think she has PANS/PANDAS.
Some of the 16 year olds I treat respond to inulin but many generally require rifaximin
In my experience, my 16 year olds tend to do better with rifaximin.
Thank you so much for you work and research, and for allowing it to be so accessible. I am about to begin the NP for my almost 4 year old son who has an autism diagnosis. We have implemented many interventions but I felt there was a big piece to this puzzle that I was missing; I truly believe this is said piece. Upon further reading of your work and how it is applied to chronic depression, suicide, and PTSD, I have decided that I will also join my son on this healing journey. That being said, I am very… Read more »
We presently have 3 types of vagus nerve stimulators we use with our practice.
VNS devices are class II devices and can only be distributed after a physicians visit – you would need to be seen in my office.
It’s important to note that most children will recovery with the use of VNS.
My 9-year-old child who has Autism, and recently diagnosed to have PANS experiences sever motor and vocal tics, anxiety, and is also deficient in iron (has 11 units against the normal range of 32 – 277), and Vitamin D (has 20 units against atleast 30 units). He is currently on a physician prescribed dose of Vitamin D (1000 units), and Iron (325mg) supplements, antiinflammatory (Sulindac), antibiotics (Azythromycin), and Risperdone. I recently read your book where it is mentioned stop all the meds, and supplements. I am anxious to stop any meds at this point of time. Do you suggest a… Read more »
I’m sorry but due to the high volume of questions, I can no longer comment on individual circumstances and will focus instead on explaining the principles of the protocol.
You might want to consider reviewing our YouTube videos or a Skype consultation.
I have been on the protocol including rifaximin for 4 months with no relief in my severe depression of over 20 years. Is it possible the brain can not heal with it being that ill for so long? Would the VNS be beneficial or is it too late to expect significant healing at age 46?
NO, depression is easily recoverable with a VNS in addition to the other elements of the protocol.
Dear doctor my daughter 4 years old and she is autistic she has a lot of bad bacteria in her stomach and leaky gut and candida too the doctor advised me probiotics what do you think ?? Should I stopped probiotics or not
Never use probiotics.
Hi Dr. Nemecheck,
My wife is suffering from depression since last 4 years. It started as post partum, after our daughter’s birth, but it has continued since then. She takes Escitlopram 15mg everyday. She is able to do her job but keeps getting bouts of depression on and off. She is also PCOD and has hyperthyroidism. She takes Thyroxine sodium tabs 25 mcg every day.
Can your protocol help her? Also what dosage she should be given. I have read your book already. TIA
Chronic depression is due to underlying chronic inflammation within the brain.
Yes, my protocol is specifically designed to reduce CNS inflammation win adults.
hi dr.nemecheck…is this protocol can improved fine motors？
Yes, very much so.
We are treating my teenage sons anxiety and depression with 5htp, l-theanine and magnesium. I’ve just finished your book and I know that we are meant to discontinue supplements but I’m nervous to as I understand it will take a while for him to heal on your protocol.
I would not stop therapy for depression prior to starting the protocol.
My 10-year-old PANDAS {possible PANS?} daughter experiences sever motor and vocal tics, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and OCD. We are considering making a trip to you for Rifaximin {have been on protocol since March with no improvement – all correct dosages & approved brands, no supplements or probiotics.} How successful is NP with treating PANDAS/PANS kids with these symptoms?
Very efective
Can anxiety and depression get worse upon starting the protocol, before getting better?
I’ve never really seen than.
I would look for some other offending agent such as probiotics.
Will donor breastmilk help in nemechek process?
I have no idea.