Continued Evidence: Inflammation Impacts Mental Health
Written by Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP
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“There is a story out there linking the gut microbiome with depression.”
-Jon Clardy, PhD Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
I recently wrote about the practice of gratitude and its role in decreasing inflammation, a known source of disease when it becomes chronic or is left untreated, and is more and more often being linked to mental health concerns. In a recent Harvard Medical School study, researchers pinpointed a clear indication of gut health impacting mental health. The study found that an environmental contaminant called diethanolamine (DEA) can occasionally substitute for a sugar alcohol in a molecule produced by M. morganii in the gut.
According to the researchers, this altered molecule triggers an immune response that the normal version does not, leading to the release of inflammatory proteins known as cytokines—especially interleukin-6 (IL-6). While definitive research is still needed, previous studies have linked (IL-6) to major depressive order indicating, in some cases, major depressive order could potentially be viewed as and treated as an autoimmune disorder.
Diethanolamine (DEA) is primarily used in the production of other chemicals, particularly those used in personal care products and industrial applications
Limiting exposure to this environmental contaminant appears to be indicated, especially if you are suffering with major depression or have a history of autoimmune responses. DEA and DEA-related ingredients can be found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, lotions, and hair dyes. It is used to create compounds that act as emollients creating creamy textures as well as foaming actions, and can also be used to balance product pH levels. Currently the FDA does not limit or restrict DEA in consumer products, however the European Union has banned it due to its potential cancer-causing nitrosamine formation, and Canada has flagged it as for future assessment (although currently does not restrict its use).
Most common DEA or DEA-related ingredients:
Cocamide MEA
DEA-Cetyl Phosphate
DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
Lauramide DEA
Linoleamide MEA
Myristamide DEA
Oleamide DEA
Stearamide MEA
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
Triethanolamine
Checking each and every label can be overwhelming and daunting. Unfortunately, the way our system currently operates, it is on the consumer to inform and educate themselves. Several apps help scan products and disclose potential issues, including banned EU ingredients. Yuka and Clearya appear to be good options. These apps scan product labels, including barcodes, and provide information about the ingredients, health impact, and potential concerns.
Yuka:
This app scans food and cosmetic products, offering a score based on nutritional value and potential risks. It also highlights ingredients and flags any potential concerns, including EU-banned substances. Yuka emphasizes its independence and lack of advertising to avoid conflicts of interest.
This app focuses on finding nontoxic products by scanning ingredient lists on product pages and checking against hazard lists. It can flag ingredients linked to cancer, infertility, hormone imbalances, and other health concerns, including EU-banned chemicals. Clearya supports various shopping websites, including Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP is a therapist at Blue Pines Counseling, Holistic Arts Studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. She is a board certified art therapist, nationally certified licensed professional counselor with advanced training in nutritional psychiatry, and is a certified clinical trauma professional.
References:
Bang, Sunghee, et al. “Unusual Phospholipids from Morganella Morganii Linked to Depression.” Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2025 147 (4), 2998-3002 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c15158
“Regulations on Diethanolamine in Cosmetics.” Alsglobal.com, 2025, www.alsglobal.com/en/News-and-publications/2025/02/Regulations-on-Diethanolamine-in-Cosmetics. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/diethanolamine