Mental Health Biochemistry & Nutrients
Symptoms of mental health are often associated with underlying biochemical imbalances. BBH trains medical doctors and health practitioners to use a core set of pathology (blood and urine) tests to help identify biochemical imbalances. The results, in conjunction with patient’s symptoms and a detailed patient history, all assist in developing personalised treatment plans. Regular monitoring, through follow-up testing tracks patients’ progress to adjust treatment as needed, for optimal healing.
The correct nutrients play a vital role in balancing biochemistry and promoting mental well-being. Supplementing with the appropriate nutrients, as identified through appropriate testing, can enhance the body’s natural healing processes and, in some cases, may reduce the need for medication. This approach goes beyond symptom management, to address the underlying contributing factors, leading to more sustainable improvements in health and wellness.
BBH trained medical and health practitioners are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients by identifying the underlying contributing causes. Taking detailed patient histories helps in identifying potential triggers and stressors that may impact biochemical balance. Addressing these underlying imbalances, can help a patient reclaim their health and wellbeing.
Bio Balance Health is not a medical practice; we train medical doctors and health practitioners in these skills to incorporate into their own practice. Many trained doctors have long wait lists because of the positive experiences for their patients.
The same symptoms, and more, when used by a Bio Balance Health trained doctor are clustered into groups related to their biochemistry. This approach was developed by Psychiatrist Dr Carl Pfeiffer and continued by Chemical Engineer/ Mathematician, William J Walsh, PhD. Bill’s skill developed patterns related to the biochemistry and developed the use of the appropriate nutrients, for each individual, in high enough doses to supply the co-factors and co-enzymes needed, to stimulate repair and return to closer normal functioning. These concepts form the basis of BBH material, which has been further advanced through research and referencing of all training materials.
This has resulted in improved patient outcomes (Effectiveness of Targeted Nutrient Therapy) and an enhancement of the effect of psychiatric medication.
Zinc and Mental Health Disorders
In our extensive experience working with patients with various mental health disorders, BBH trained doctors have consistently observed a common biochemical imbalance of low zinc levels. Correcting this deficiency is an important therapeutic task in the treatment protocols.
Drawing from our own work and peer reviewed research from multiple centres we are confident to state the following:
Low zinc levels can be a predictor of treatment-resistant depression. The combination of zinc supplementation with SSRI medication is more effective in treating depression compared to zinc plus placebo.
When we started this work in 2004 conventional pathology companies cited the mean plasma zinc concentration in the general population as 20mm/l, however our findings among mental health patients revealed a mean zinc level of 14mm/l. Over time, as BBH trained doctors continued to assess thousands of zinc levels in mental health patients, pathology companies adjusted their reference ranges to reflect this lower mean plasma zinc level of 14mm/l. This adjustment likely reflects not only a decline in zinc levels due to inadequate dietary intake, but also the disproportionately high percentage of samples originating from mental health patients. BBH-trained doctors recognise that stabilisation of mental health symptoms hinges upon correcting zinc deficiency, with the target plasma level approaching 20mm/l.
Zinc forms an integral component of the core tests utilised by BBH-trained practitioners. While zinc supplementation may initially trigger detoxification symptoms in some individuals, these reactions can be managed by adjusting dosage and gradually increasing supplementation in smaller increments. Supplementing with antioxidants, such as Iron and Vitamin C, can also aid in managing these reactions. Regular testing of zinc levels is recommended until symptoms stabilise, followed by regular assessments to ensure ongoing balance.
It’s important to note that zinc testing should not be conducted in isolation, but rather as part of a comprehensive panel of core fundamental tests recommended by BBH. Addressing zinc deficiency as a foundational aspect of mental health treatment, aims to optimise patient outcomes and promote general well-being.
