Natural Measures to Combat Depression
Approximately 20 million adults in the United States have depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many people do not seek treatment for depression, or they do not recognize depression symptoms that need remedy. The first thing to do, if you think you are depressed, is to talk with your usual doctor. Also, numerous natural remedies for depression may help you. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider. Now let's look at some natural depression relief options.
St. John’s Wort
The herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) has been around for a long time, used in folk remedies and herbal treatments for worry, sadness and to help with sleep. Many clinical research studies suggest that St. John’s Wort works better than a placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, and it also has fewer side effects than prescription therapies.
St. John’s Wort can take up to six weeks to work and there are a few side effects that you should make note of. These include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue and indigestion. Also, you must take caution when out in the sun, as this herbal depression treatment can lead to photosensitivity.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You probably have heard a lot about omega-3 fatty acids (called omega-3s for short) in the news. Many research studies have linked depression to low dietary intake of omega 3s, so experts suggest that taking supplements or increasing foods with these could help with sadness and worry. In Taiwan and Japan, there is a much lower depression rate than in the U.S. Experts attribute this to a dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
You can get the omega 3s in cold water fish, such as sardines, salmon and anchovies. However, fish contain mercury and PCBs, which are toxins, so limit your consumption to once or twice per week. There are many fish oil capsules available that serve as a good source of omega 3s, so consider this as a natural depression treatment.
SAM-e
Pronounced “Sammy," SAM-e is short for S-Adenosyl-L-methionine. This chemical is naturally found in the body, and neuroscientists claim it increases levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are deficient in most people with symptoms of depression.
Studies have proven that SAM-e works better than a placebo for depression treatment, and it is available in health stores, drug stores and online markets. Be sure you use an enteric-coated pill, for best absorption. Side effects are minimal with this natural product, but can include indigestion and nausea.
Folic Acid
Also called folate, folic acid is a B vitamin that has been around for a long time. Many people with depression are deficient in this particular vitamin, so taking it as a natural supplement for the treatment of this disorder makes sense. If you do not like taking pills, you can get folate from eating leafy green vegetables, beans, fruit and fortified grains.
Harvard University researchers have found that people who are low in folic acid, and have depression, do not do well on antidepressants. These specialists recommend that people who have depression symptoms should be screened for low levels of folate in the bloodstream, as this is a major cause of this disorder.
Dietary Measures for Depression Symptoms
- Reduce sweets – Avoid or reduce your intake of sweets, as fluctuations in blood sugar make depression symptoms worse.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine – Both of these substances will make depression worse. Alcohol will give you temporary relaxation, but the effects are short-lived. Also caffeine withdrawals aggravate symptoms of depression.
- Vitamin B6 – This B vitamin is known to produce mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. If you are deficient in this substance, consider taking a supplement.
- Magnesium – Many people do not eat a healthy diet, so they become deficient in magnesium. Good sources of this mineral include nuts, whole grains, green veggies and legumes.
Comparing BioTRUST and Natural Vitality Calm
BioTRUST is a supplement company that offers a range of products, including protein powder, vitamins and weight loss supplements. BioTRUST coupons can be found online and may offer discounts on specific products or orders over a certain amount.
Natural Vitality Calm is a magnesium supplement that is designed to help promote relaxation and reduce stress. It comes in several different forms, including powder, capsules and gummies. Coupons for Natural Vitality Calm may be available on their website or through other online coupon sites.
Ultimately, whether BioTRUST or Natural Vitality Calm is the better choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.