Wellness Connection MD

Depression: A Functional Root Cause Approach


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Your Depression Might Not Be What Your Doctor Thinks It Is.

What If Your Antidepressants Aren't Working Because Nobody's Looking at the Real Problem?

You've tried the medications, and you've done the talk therapy, but nothing seems to be working. Or perhaps—you're stuck on drugs with side effects you hate, wondering if you'll ever feel normal again.

Most doctors follow a predictable script: you describe depression → they immediately get out the Rx pad and write for Prozac, or one of its many cousins. But what if your depression isn't a chemical  or neurotransmiter mbalance at all? What if it's really due to a correctable cause that's been overlooked the entire time?

In this episode of Wellness Connection MD, Dr. McMinn and Coach Lindsay Mathews reveal a completely different approach to depression—one that asks "Why do you have depression?” instead of "What drug should I put you on?” They walk through what may be the most complete list of root causes of depression that has ever been presented- the causes that most doctors never think about or look for. As usual on the Wellness Connection MD podcast- everything is supported by the evidence. Dr. McMinn and Coach Lindsay have done the homework for you. 

Key Root Causes Explored

Nutritional & Biochemical Factors: Vitamin D deficiency, B vitamin deficiencies (especially B12), omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, and amino acids all directly impact mood regulation.

Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid dysfunction, cortisol dysregulation, low pregnenolone, DHEA, estrogen (particularly during menopause and perimenopause), progesterone fluctuations, and low testosterone in both men and women can all trigger or worsen depression.

Inflammation & Food Sensitivities: Neuroinflammation disrupts mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Gluten sensitivity and other food triggers can significantly worsen depression.

Blood Sugar Dysregulation: Insulin resistance doubles the risk of major depression and can be corrected.

Infections: Chronic infections including Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, chronic sinusitis, recurrent UTIs, viral myocarditis, and parasitic infections are frequently overlooked depression triggers.

Gut-Brain Connection: Dysbiosis (altered microbiome) affects serotonin and dopamine production. Chronic yeast overgrowth can produce mood-altering metabolites.

Lifestyle Factors: Exercise, sleep quality, stress reduction, social connection, purpose, sunlight exp

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Wellness Connection MDBy James McMinn, MD

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