
06. Depression | Ultimate Human Short
11/02/23 • 9 min
1 Listener
Get weekly tips on how to optimize your health and lifestyle routines - go to https://www.theultimatehuman.com/
Get more resources + information from Gary here: https://linktr.ee/thegarybrecka
BODY HEALTH - USE CODE ULTIMATE10 for 10% OFF YOUR ORDER
In this short episode of The Ultimate Human, we’re going to discuss the intriguing relationship between depression and neurotransmitters. Discover how the brain creates emotional states through a specific combination of neurotransmitters, and how an imbalance in these crucial chemicals can affect our moods. Listen in as we unravel the complexities of depression, from its definition as an inadequate supply of serotonin to the limitations of SSRIs in effectively treating this mental health condition. We’ll also uncover how certain nutrient deficiencies and overall gut health can impair our body's ability to synthesize serotonin, leading to anxiety and depression. We discuss the importance of supplementing with methylated nutrients and how genetic testing can help identify these deficiencies.
Statistics from Johns Hopkins: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics#:~:text=An%20estimated%2026%25%20of%20Americans,substance%20use%20and%20anxiety%20disorders.
(0:00:00) - Depression and the Role of Neurotransmitters
(0:07:51) - Genetic Testing and Nutritional Supplements
The Ultimate Human podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get weekly tips on how to optimize your health and lifestyle routines - go to https://www.theultimatehuman.com/
Get more resources + information from Gary here: https://linktr.ee/thegarybrecka
BODY HEALTH - USE CODE ULTIMATE10 for 10% OFF YOUR ORDER
In this short episode of The Ultimate Human, we’re going to discuss the intriguing relationship between depression and neurotransmitters. Discover how the brain creates emotional states through a specific combination of neurotransmitters, and how an imbalance in these crucial chemicals can affect our moods. Listen in as we unravel the complexities of depression, from its definition as an inadequate supply of serotonin to the limitations of SSRIs in effectively treating this mental health condition. We’ll also uncover how certain nutrient deficiencies and overall gut health can impair our body's ability to synthesize serotonin, leading to anxiety and depression. We discuss the importance of supplementing with methylated nutrients and how genetic testing can help identify these deficiencies.
Statistics from Johns Hopkins: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics#:~:text=An%20estimated%2026%25%20of%20Americans,substance%20use%20and%20anxiety%20disorders.
(0:00:00) - Depression and the Role of Neurotransmitters
(0:07:51) - Genetic Testing and Nutritional Supplements
The Ultimate Human podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode

05. Methylation | The Best Kept Optimal Health Secret
Get weekly tips on how to optimize your health and lifestyle routines - go to https://www.theultimatehuman.com/
Get more resources + information from Gary here: https://linktr.ee/thegarybrecka
BODY HEALTH - USE CODE ULTIMATE10 for 10% OFF YOUR ORDER
In today’s solo episode, Gary takes you through his career journey from assessing mortality risk for life insurance companies to starting a wellness franchise. He’ll share his experiences applying his knowledge of biomarkers and genetics to treat patients by looking at the root causes of disease. He’ll discuss his decades of research, striving to add not just years to your life but life to your years. He’ll also explore the role of gene mutations and nutrient deficiencies, focusing on the MTHFR gene mutation that affects up to 44% of the population and the impact it has on our body's ability to convert folic acid into methylfolate. He discusses the wide range of issues a deficiency in methylation can lead to, including anxiety, depression, and poor gut health. Listen in as we unravel the effects of a gene mutation called COMT on conditions like high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, hypercholesterolemia, and estrogen dominance. Learn how nutrient deficiencies can be the cause of common ailments, and how supplementing with the right nutrients can help restore things like estrogen balance. Join us on this journey towards becoming an Ultimate Human.
Additional Topics Covered Include: Anxiety, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Gut Health, and Brain Fog
The 2 Ingredients to Avoid In Your Supplements: Folic Acid and Cyanocobalamin
(0:00:00) - The Ultimate Human
(0:10:45) - Discovering Gene Mutations and Nutrient Deficiencies
(0:22:05) - The Role of Methylation in Health
(0:28:20) - The 2 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Supplements
(0:29:43) - Gene Mutation and Hormonal Imbalance Solution
(0:35:38) - Improving Health Through Natural Practices
JOURNAL ARTICLES REFERENCED IN EPISODE:
MTR and MTRR Genes: Methylation cycle and the need for Vitamin B12
Mtrr hypomorphic mutation alters liver morphology, metabolism and fuel storage in mice
Mitochondrial translation requires folate-dependent tRNA methylation
MTR and MTRR Genes: Methylation cycle and the need for Vitamin B12
On the mechanism of homocysteine pathophysiology and pathogenesis: a unifying hypothesis
The Ultimate Human podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode

07. Elevate Your Game: Stephen A. Smith's Path to Achieving Ultimate Success
Get weekly tips on how to optimize your health and lifestyle routines - go to https://www.theultimatehuman.com/
Get more resources + information from Gary here: https://linktr.ee/thegarybrecka
BODY HEALTH - USE CODE ULTIMATE10 for 10% OFF YOUR ORDER
In this episode, Gary welcomes the powerful and influential sports media figure, Stephen A. Smith. They'll explore his remarkable journey to better health and anti-aging, his struggle with constant headaches and cholesterol issues, and how he was able to reverse pre-diabetes in just a few short months. They also touch on the profound impact that Stephen's mother had on his life and how her sacrifices and unconditional love have shaped his convictions and approach to fatherhood. Finally, they'll discuss Stephen's frightening encounter with COVID-19, how he battled double pneumonia, and how his renewed commitment to his health saved his life. We also examine the changes he has made in his dietary habits and how these small but significant steps have greatly impacted his health. Tune in as we uncover the transformative power of good health and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
00:01 - Anti-Aging and Stephen A. Smith'sHealth Transformation Journey
11:48 - The Many Rewards of Sticking to Your Health Goals
17:08 - Small Changes, Major Benefits
27:05 - Stephen's Childhood
33:36 - Overcoming Struggles and Perseverance in Career
37:31 - Stephen?s Battle with COVID-19
48:47 - Commitment to Health and Self-Improvement
1:00:35 - How to Become Our Best Selves
The Ultimate Human podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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