Latest Trustworthy News from Dr. Mercola - delivered straight to your inbox!
Get 20% Off on Earth Day Sale Get 20% Off on Earth Day Sale

Antidepressants in Pregnancy Tied to Health Risks for Kids

  • November 01, 2016

The incidence of suicide has never been higher in the U.S. even though 1 out of 8 Americans are now on serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants. Clearly the glut of SSRI prescriptions is not lowering the national suicide rate.

The damage inflicted by these drugs is not isolated to individuals. Scientific American released a disturbing report that ties the use of a common SSRI drug with pregnancy health risks and childhood speech disorders.

The allopathic medical establishment is overly reliant on pharmaceutical interventions. The science supporting SSRIs is suspect and they rely heavily on expert marketing by multi-billion-dollar companies. The glut of SSRI prescriptions is not lowering the national suicide rate; rather, there is compelling evidence that the popular pills are actually contributing to suicide.

There are natural and healthy alternatives to the increasingly common and powerful psychiatric drugs that are used to treat depression. The foundation of proper brain function is nutrition. There are also a number of supplements that may be beneficial. Optimizing vitamin D levels is an excellent starting point. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a non-dietary and empowering practice that can be easily incorporated in a healthier lifestyle.

Nourishing your gut with fermented foods is vital to your mental and emotional health. Researchers have repeatedly demonstrated how the ideal balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut forms the foundation for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Learning how to incorporate more fermented foods into your diet can be an excellent first step to taking control of your health.