Natural remedies for depression
Millions of people in the United States suffer from depression in any given year. However, a lot of these victims do not seek help even though they can be cured with the right natural depression treatment. You should realize that the first step to get better is to talk with a health care professional. Depression is an illness that you should not face by yourself.
Meanwhile, depression can also be the symptom of another serious condition such as anemia and hypothyroidism. Also, if you are undergoing medications, you should not self medicate; instead, you need to consult with the doctor. Usually, you will be given antidepressants - a nastier choice to natural depression remedies - to treat this disorder but there are natural alternatives as well. Among these are:
1. St. John’s Wort – this remedy has long been used to treat sadness, nervousness, worry, and poor sleeping habits. Also, studies reveal that St. John’s Wort works better than placebo and it can be effective natural antidepressant for mild and moderate depression. This remedy is available in various forms including tables, liquid extracts, and capsules.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acid – this is the type of fat necessary for normal function of the brain. Our body cannot produce omega-3 acid on its own so people should get it through their diets. Some studies have linked the low intake of omega-3 acid with depression. In countries with high fish consumption, the depression rate is around ten times lower compared to North America. You should eat cold water fish such as salmon, anchovies, and sardines because they have a high amount of this fatty acid.
3. SAM-e – also known as Sadenosyl L-methionine. This chemical is found in the human body and researches believe that it increases the levels of dopamine and neurotransmitters serotonin. SAM-e is believed to be more effective than placebo and it is easily available over-the-counter in most food stores.
4. Folic acid – also known as folate. This B vitamin is lacking in people suffering from depression. Usually, folate can be derived from green leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, and other fortified grains. Using birth control pills and aspirin can cause the levels of folic acid to become deficient in the body.
5. 5-HTP – also known as 5-hydroextrptophan. It can be produced in the body to make neurotransmitter serotonin. Currently, there are not enough studies to prove that it can boost serotonin levels though. But if you decide to use this remedy, you should be careful not to combine it with antidepressants.