Only a few days ago, news was released from McMaster’s University in Canada, finding that mothers, who took anti-depressant drugs during pregnancy, were potentially predisposing their child to a life of obesity and diabetes.
The specific type of anti-depressants in question here are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, particularly Fluoxetine.
The use of these antidepressants have raised concerns before in cases where they were obviously causing weight gain in the user, but this is the first time evidence has been seen of damage caused in the offspring as well.
The offspring of the mothers using these antidepressants had increased fat accumulation and inflammation of the liver as adults, which raises new concerns about the long-term metabolic impact this is having on future generations to come.
Some other more natural alternatives to treating depression whilst pregnant are: High dose fish oils can help, probiotic supplements and foods can improved emotions, mood and thought significantly- with the presence of our second brain present in our gut. Some studies suggest that simply smiling and pretend laughing, even if you’re not happy, can boost your real happy hormones, whilst foods, which can boost your happy hormones are: bananas, brown rice and cottage cheese.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Honor Tremain - Nutritionist and Health Writer
Honor is a qualified naturopathic Nutritionist and health writer. She is very passionate about nutrition and health, and has been working in the field for almost 20 years. Honor is the head nutrition writer for the multi-national Fitness First magazine, which won best app for an iPhone & tablet device in 2011 for the ‘Magazine excellence awards’. Honor also has her own ‘Ask Honor’ column and weekly health article in the APN newspapers for The Fraser Coast Chronicle and Observer in QLD. She designs weight loss meals and menu’s for Sydney based food manufacturer Core Food Concepts. Honor has lectured and supervised the Nutritional medicine students at one of Sydney’s largest Natural therapies college’s- Nature Care College. You can follow her and many of her articles on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HonorTremain
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