Episode 470: SSRIs on the Rise: Concerns and Safer Alternatives

SSRI prescriptions are more common than ever—but how much do we really understand about how they work, their true efficacy, and their potential downsides? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of SSRIs, breaking down their mechanism of action and why their use has skyrocketed in recent years.

We unpack the growing concern around emotional blunting, a well-documented effect that can leave individuals feeling flat, disconnected, or lacking drive. You’ll learn why the serotonin deficiency model falls short, what SSRIs actually do in the brain, and why so many people are placed on them without a root-cause approach. We also explore powerful food-as-medicine and lifestyle strategies proven to support mood: from low-glycemic eating and amino acid repletion, to gut health, micronutrients, and more. If you're looking to understand the full picture of SSRIs and discover evidence-backed alternatives for mental wellness, this episode is a must-listen.

Also in this episode: 

• Free Detox Webinar
• Naturally Nourished Black Friday Starts Now - use code SAVE10 for 10% off all supplements
• Naturally Nourished Academy Now Enrolling with Early Bird Pricing Through 12/31
• Give the Gift of Wellness with Naturally Nourished Gift Cards
• Episode 160: Neurotransmitters Part 1
• The Anti Anxiety Diet
• What is Serotonin
  • Sleep Support
• Low vs. High Serotonin
• What are SSRIs?
  • Fu-Ming Zhou, Yong Liang, Ramiro Salas, Lifen Zhang, Mariella De Biasi, and John A. Dani: "Corelease of Dopamine and Serotonin from Striatal Dopamine Terminals"
• SSRIs and Violent Crime
  • Associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and violent crime in adolescents, young, and older adults - a Swedish register-based study - PubMed
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Violent Crime: A Cohort Study | PLOS Medicine
• How to Naturally Boost Serotonin and Support Mood
• Protein
  • Whey Protect
• Magnesium
  • Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial | PLOS One
  • Magnesium supplementation beneficially affects depression in adults with depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
  • Relax and Regulate
• MethylFolate
  • Assessing Effects of l-Methylfolate in Depression Management: Results of a Real-World Patient Experience Trial
  • MethylComplete
• Movement
  • Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials | The BMJ
• Gaba
  • GabaCalm
• Keto for Mental Health
  • The use of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders - PMC
• Probiotics as Natures Prozac
  • Acceptability, Tolerability, and Estimates of Putative Treatment Effects of Probiotics as Adjunctive Treatment in Patients With Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Depressive Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry
  • Probiotic Challenge Protocol

Sponsors for this episode: 

This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save at https://fondbonebroth.com/ALIMILLERRD.