This book was written in 2012 and updated in 2014. Dr. Walsh has worked with over 30,000 patients with a variety of mental health issues. The book discusses many familiar themes: biochemical individuality and mental health, brain chemistry, methylation, oxidative stress, how nutrients support brain health, and epigenetics and mental health. The important takeaway is that everyone is different in how their biochemistry and their epigenetics respond to both natural substances and medications. What works for one does not work for everyone and specific protocols can be developed using muscle testing.

Walsh has identified the following biochemical imbalances that he has seen consistently with his patients. Some are more prevalent with certain disorders than others, but the bottom line is that these are what he calls “the repeat offenders.” He has determined that the underlying common factor is each plays a direct role in the synthesis or functioning of an important neurotransmitter.

For a refresher on neurotransmitters please review this article: Neurotransmitters

Here are the factors: copper overload, Vitamin B-6 deficiency, zinc deficiency, methyl/folate imbalances, oxidative stress overload, amino acid imbalances, fatty acid imbalances, glucose dysregulation and toxic overload.

Copper plays a key part of the synthesis of neurotransmitters, respiration, immune function, energy metabolism and growth. It is a cofactor in the synthesis of norepinephrine from dopamine. Therefore, excess copper lowers dopamine and increases norepinephrine in the brain. In the body copper and zinc work in opposition. Someone with excess copper is likely to have a zinc deficiency as well. Copper overload is also linked to excessive oxidative stress.

Vitamin B-6 plays a significant role in the synthesis of serotonin from 5-HTP, dopamine from L-Dopa, and GABA from glutamic acid. There are three different forms of B-6 which create further complications. Low levels of B-6 can cause reduced amounts of these three neurotransmitters. In addition, vitamin B-6 plays a part in over 80 other biochemical reactions in the body.

Zinc deficiency was the most observed chemical imbalance seen by Walsh with his patients. Zinc has been identified as part of over 200 enzymes that are involved in a multitude of bodily functions. Needless to say, it is a very long list of potential issues created by a zinc deficiency. The zinc deficiency can exist with the copper overload or on its own.

Methyl/folate imbalances is another way of saying methylation, another very complex topic we will try to keep simple. The bottom line – methylation is pretty much at the core of everything that is happening in our bodies. Here is a quick summary of the functions of methylation:

  1. Turn on and off genes (gene regulation)
  2. Process chemicals and toxins (biotransformation and detoxification)
  3. Build neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine)
  4. Process hormones (estrogen)
  5. Build immune cells (T cells, NK cells)
  6. DNA and RNA synthesis (Thymine aka 5-methyluracil)
  7. Produce energy (CoQ10, carnitine, ATP)
  8. Produce protective coating on nerves (myelination)

For a further explanation click here: Methylation Explained

Oxidative stress is caused by excessive cell damage and destruction caused by physical accidents, illnesses, infections, emotional trauma, and toxic metals. The cellular clean-up process involves the use of antioxidants to remove the free radicals created by the cell damage. Oxidative stress can deplete glutathione which can impact neurotransmitter activity.

Amino acids play a significant role in brain chemistry as they make up the underlying proteins that make up the neurotransmitters. The key amino acids include tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamine, GABA, aspartate, l-histidine, and methionine. We get amino acids by eating protein, so protein consumption can be a critical factor in mental health.

If someone calls you “fathead”, you should say thanks! It is a compliment. The human brain is about 65% fat and there are more than 300 different fats in the body. Unsaturated fatty acids provide fluidity to cell membranes and promote proper communication between brain cells. We are speaking here specifically of the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA commonly found in fish oils, along with AA and DGLA. DHA and EPA are omega-3, AA and DGLA are omega-6. While all these oils are needed, the modern diet is providing excess of the omega-6’s and insufficient amounts of the omega-3’s. An improper relationship between these two fats can produce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Glucose dysregulation is not an underlying cause of mental health issues but is a common occurrence in Walsh’s patient group. The resolution requires diet modification usually a reduction in carbohydrate consumption and increases in protein and/or fat consumption.

Walsh’s patient database includes many who have elevated amounts of toxic metals (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium), pesticides, or other organic chemicals in the general environment.

Other key nutrients that may be deficient include Vitamin D, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidants to reduce inflammation and free radicals.

One last potential factor is digestive challenges. Lack of strong digestion can reduce the absorption of nutrients from food. Food sensitivities can create inflammation and oxidative stress.

With the understanding of the potential underlying causes described above, we can now apply the principles of muscle testing. We can muscle test the specific organs that may be involved and we can muscle test the specific nutrients that address these causes. With this information we can create the specific list of supplements required for that individual, providing them with the proper balance of nutrients that their body requires.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Coeur d’Alene, ID. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (208) 771-6570 or go to www.brwellness.com.