Depression can leave people who suffer from it feeling hopeless and unmotivated. Depression can be treated in a number of ways including medications that can have serious side effects. If you'd rather have natural alternatives, there are a number of herbal remedies that are used for treating the symptoms of depression. Always check with your regular doctor before taking any supplements to avoid negative drug interactions.
Antidepressant Alternatives
St. John's wort is used to help increase mood and can be as effective as antidepressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It is not without its side effects, but these are much less serious than those associated with prescription anti-depressants.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that are needed to promote healthy brain function and can also help in treating depression. You can obtain these omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating more fish and walnuts or by obtaining a supplement at your local vitamin supplier. Supplements are usually sold in either pill or liquid form.
Vitamins
Deficiencies in certain vitamins can actually cause depression in some cases. In cases of mild to moderate depression, it is often recommended that you take vitamin B complex, which contains B6, B12 and folic acid (B9), all of which can help in promoting healthy brain function. These three vitamins work together in controlling mood and serotonin levels in the brain. Taking in adequate amounts of magnesium is also necessary for serotonin production, which has a key role in effecting your mood. Vitamin D and calcium citrate can also help relieve some of the symptoms associated with depression. Make sure to get adequate amounts of all of these vitamins to help combat depression.
Natural Body Chemicals
DHEA is a hormone found naturally in the body. As DHEA enters the blood stream it is changed into other hormones needed by the body. You can buy a DHEA supplement at your local vitamin supplier. It is used to help treat depression and other mood disorders.
SAM-e is another chemical found naturally in the body. It is used to treat depression with the belief that it can help increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.
5-HTP is also used by the body naturally to help produce serotonin. Since 5-HTP produces serotonin it is used to treat depression in the hopes that the extra serotonin will help improve overall mood.
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