Depression & Neuroinflammation
"Monamine Synthesis, Kynurenine Pathway & Epigenetic Expression"
Depression is not simply a 'chemical imbalance' — it is frequently an inflammatory condition where systemic cytokines shift tryptophan metabolism away from serotonin toward neurotoxic kynurenine.
From Lisa Cutforth — Clinical Nutritionist
"Treating depression requires quenching neuroinflammation and ensuring the enzymatic machinery has the raw amino acids and cofactor vitamins to build serotonin and dopamine."
Lisa Cutforth
BSc. Hons. (Nutrition & Psychology) · Walsh Protocol Practitioner
Cellular Pathways
Biochemical Mechanism & Systems Interplay
The body does not operate in silos. Here is the biochemical reality of how nutrient cofactors govern depression & neuroinflammation.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) activate the IDO enzyme. Tryptophan is converted to quinolinic acid instead of serotonin, leading to NMDA receptor neurotoxicity and profound mood lowering.
"When we correct enzymatic blocks with bio-available cofactors, physiology realigns naturally."
Standard blood ranges are designed to detect acute disease. We look for optimal functional biochemistry.
- hs-CRP & Inflammatory Cytokines
- Urinary Kynurenate & Quinolinic Acid
- Vitamin D (25-OH)
- Homocysteine
Therapeutic Nutrition
Where Nutrition Enters Depression
Nutrients act as chemical keys for the enzymatic locks controlling your physiological state.
Curcumin & Omega-3 EPA
Prescribed based on strict individual biochemistry, therapeutic dosing windows, and cofactor synergy.
Active B-Vitamins (B12, Methylfolate)
Prescribed based on strict individual biochemistry, therapeutic dosing windows, and cofactor synergy.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Prescribed based on strict individual biochemistry, therapeutic dosing windows, and cofactor synergy.
Vitamin D3 & Zinc
Prescribed based on strict individual biochemistry, therapeutic dosing windows, and cofactor synergy.
Expert Understanding
Frequently Asked Clinical Questions
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Connected Health Pillars
Women's Health & Hormones
Hormone synthesis, follicle maturation, and endometrial cycling require precise nutritional inputs across all 28 days. From heavy menstrual bleeding to perimenopausal transition, targeted nutrition balances oestrogen detoxification, luteal progesterone support, and thyroid interactions.
Gut-Brain Axis & Microbiome
Over 90% of the body's serotonin and a significant portion of GABA are generated in the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal dysbiosis and leaky gut directly trigger neuroinflammation through bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
Adrenal & Stress Physiology
Chronic stress alters the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, depleting vital cofactors required for cortisol synthesis, catecholamine regulation, and thyroid activation.
Restore Your Biology with Precision
Ready to resolve your symptoms at the genetic and biochemical root? Lisa Cutforth provides bespoke, confidential consultations in Brisbane and via Telehealth Australia-wide.