The Atlantic has a fascinating piece this week, discussing the link between allergies and anxiety/depression.
A number of studies have shown that those struggling with any type of allergy (pollen, food etc) are much more likely to develop depression and anxiety.
And not just “I feel down today” depression, but genuine, clinical depression and anxiety.
Researchers suggest it goes like this: Allergies trigger the release of cortisol which messes up your serotonin which messes up your mood.
Allergies also “cause inflammatory chemicals called cytokines to collect in the nose and sinuses. From there, these cytokines can leak into the blood, where they might affect the central nervous system and the way the brain functions. “
We’re finding more and more evidence that inflammation plays a huge role in depression/anxiety, so this makes sense.
Now the question is still whether the anxiety causes the allergies or vice versa.
Researchers suggest the allergies come first, and then of course, once the inflammation and depression set in, that can make our allergies even worse.
The Atlantic talks to Professor William Yao who has this money quote: “If you have allergies and anxiety and you ignore your allergy symptoms, it might be challenging to treat the anxiety.”
Oh, how the church needs this message.
Imagine a church where people’s first comment on anxiety isn’t: “Hey, trust in the Lord” but instead: “Hey, trust that God’s given us Benadryl and is all for taking care of your body.”
Of course, this isn’t to suggest mental health comes down to allergies.
But it is more evidence that our mental health is profoundly influenced by inflammation in our bodies.
Neil Hannon, ladies and gentlemen!
