In case you’ve been prescribed SSRIs for the anxiety or the depression you’re dealing with, or for another problem you may be facing, one thing is for sure. You will expect these medications to work successfully and to change your brain chemistry in a way that is going to be quite helpful to you. And, well, that is the expectation that most patients have, and it is undoubtedly not an unrealistic one.
Of course, while the expectations aren’t unrealistic, you should know that you play a role in the effectiveness of these medications as well. As explained at Genesight.com, there is a link, or an intersection to be more prices, among mental health, SSRIs, and the food we are consuming. More specifically, the ultra processed food most of us so often eat. And, you need to understand that link in order to get a better idea about any kinds of dietary changes you may want to make when you start taking SSRIs.
The fact that you are here tells me that you are quite interested in that topic, and that you are ready to learn. And, well, if that is the case, then what you should do is keep on reading. Because, below we will tell you about the things you have to know about the interaction of SSRIs and UPF, and that will help you get a clearer idea on what to expect and what to potentially change. So, without any further ado, let us start answering the questions that you have on your mind right now.
What Are SSRIs?
First of all, we have to ensure that you understand what SSRIs are in the first place. After all, there is absolutely no doubt that you have to know more about these drugs if you are starting to take them. As well as in order to be able to understand their interaction with UPF, which is the thing we are here to talk about in the first place.
So, let me cut right to the chase. Basically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are antidepressants that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This means that more serotonin will remain “active” in your brain, so to speak, which can have a positive effect on your mood, as well as reduce your irritability, your anxiety, and your depressive symptoms. Go here to understand them better and have them compared with SNRIs, another important group of antidepressants.
What Is UPF?
Okay, you now know what SSRIs are and how they work. But, before we can start talking about the interaction between these medications and UPF, we have to make it clear what ultra processed foods actually are. In few words, we are talking about those foods that have gone through the highest levels of processing, and that are industrially formulated using certain refined ingredients, additives, as well as artificial substances in order for the flavor to be improved, the shelf life to be prolonged, and the convenience to be maximized.
We are talking foods like instant and frozen meals, chips and other snacks, sodas, processed meats, sweetened cereals and similar. Occasional indulgence is nothing to worry about. But, consuming these regularly is linked to obesity, inflammation, the metabolic syndrome, as well as depression. And, as you will see, it can also have a negative impact on the effects of SSRIs.
What to Know About the Interaction
Time to cover the main thing you want to know. How exactly do SSRIs and UPF interact? What is it that you should know here? Keep on reading to find out and thus better understand what you have to know about all of this.
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The Gut-Brain Axis
First things first, there is the gut-brain axis to be aware of. Basically, your brain and your gut communicate constantly, and then there is also the fact that a large percentage of serotonin is actually produced in the gut. So, it is no wonder that eating a lot of UPF is connected to depression, given that such foods can disrupt the gut microbiome and thus lead to lower serotonin production. Consequently making SSRIs less effective.
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Nutrient Deficiencies and the Effects of SSRI
Furthermore, there is also the fact that you won’t get the necessary nutrients through UPF. They are high in calories, but low in nutrients. And, well, that can also have a negative impact on the effectiveness of SSRIs, as well as on your overall functioning in general.
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Inflammation
Of course, consuming a lot of UPF can lead to chronic inflammation. And, there’s evidence that chronic inflammation is linked to depression. It can make your brain receptors less responsive to serotonin, thus reducing the effects of SSRIs.
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An Indirect Interaction That Has a Big Impact
As you can see, the interaction between SSRIs and UPF is an indirect one. They interact through nutrient status, gut health, and inflammation. But, their interaction has a big impact on the effectiveness of the medication, and your overall mental health, so finding a kind of a balance is key.
