- Are you facing difficulty while concentrating?
- Are you feeling helpless frequently?
- Are you experiencing mood swings?
- Are you isolating yourself more often nowadays?
- Are you having low self-esteem?
- Are you finding sleep a very tough task?
- Are you talking or thinking about the death mostly?
- Are you blaming yourself for every wrong thing?
- Are you thinking about suicide as well?
well, if you’ve marked the answers of most of the questions ‘yes’, then, it is indicating that you’re suffering from depression. But, hey! Don’t get disheartened! Depression is not something which can’t be cured and managed, in fact, there are a very of options available.
Whenever you encounter depression, you would start panicking and immediately go for the doctor’s visit.
It’s good to get the anti-depressants sooner, but, do you know that you can get the anti-depressants effects with the help of the natural elements? Yes!
Swallowing the tablets is not only the option available in the market, you can do much more to improve your condition and get rid of this negativity.
Stay relaxed if you’re experiencing depression, because, you’re not alone who is battling with the depression. More than 18 million Americans suffer from the depression each year.
Opting on the antidepressants supplements could lead to the side effects and complications, but the good news about the natural anti-depressants is you won’t have any side effects and adverse reactions.
Excited to know what are those natural anti-depressants? Let’s begin the discussion!
1- Saffron
It is popular as the culinary spice in Asian countries, but its effects to alleviate the depression is worthwhile.
Saffron works same for the mild to moderate depression as the flouxetine( generic name for Prozac) works.
Due to its healing properties, it is believed that saffron is the best medicine to treat the depression naturally.
Besides with increasing the serotonin (happy hormone) levels, it is also rich in neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In fact, it is also revealed that if saffron is taken along with SSRIs, saffron can decrease the side effects.
Other than depression, saffron can be used to treat the sexual dysfunction, overeating, and premenstrual syndrome. So, use saffron in milk or in your meals to combat with the depression.
However, saffron supplements are also found, but it would be better, if you use the saffron in its natural form.
2- Turmeric
Turmeric is the most commonly used spice in all over the world. From digestive ailments to the treatment of systemic diseases, turmeric is the instant pill available in every home.
Turmeric increases the serotonin and dopamine levels, changing your mood and making you much happier.
It also reduces your stress hormone, cortisol, so that you would be more relaxed and stay calmer.
An interesting fact about the turmeric is if you take it along with other anti-depressants, the effectiveness of other anti-depressants will be geared up. If you’ve a severe depressive disorder, take the turmeric intake seriously.
If you’ve diagnosed with the obsessive-compulsive disorder besides with the depression, use the turmeric liberally in the warm milk or even in any food. How to incorporate the turmeric in your diet is up to you!
3- Omega-3 fatty acids
Do you know that the deprivation of the omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can lead to the depression?
Okay, let’s answer this question, how often do you eat seafood? Well, if you’re eating too little seafood, it can make you the omega-3 DHA deficient, dragging you towards the depression.
So, get the omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fatty fish, including, salmon and sardines to overcome with the deficiency!
Fish oil is the best source to get all the vital nutrients. And, it is found that fish oil can beat the depression.
In fact, in several studies, it is discovered that people who tends to eat more fish in their diet have lower rates of the depression.
If you’re not eating fish, fish oil supplements are usually suggested, but make sure that the doses shouldn’t be high enough.
Consult to your doctor first before buying any supplements. However, if you’re taking anti-depressants, eating fish would be more beneficial and effective.
4- Arctic Root
In the mountains of central china and Arctic, arctic has been found and has been sued as the Chinese medicine to maximize the physical stamina and minimize the fatigue due to the stress.
When the hidden reason of the depression is seasonal affective disorder, you should particularly use the arctic root. It is proved that Arctic root reduces the depression faster (within one week) than any pother medication.
5- Tryptophan
It is the amino acid working as a precursor of the melatonin and serotonin. These hormones can affect your sleep cycle. However, it is revealed that in several controlled study, the tryptophan worked similar as the anti-depressant drug.
Too little tryptophan is linked with the depression. Along with depression, reduced tryptophan can contribute in the ADHD, OCD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and seasonal affective disorder.
In chocolates, oats, dried fruits, cottage cheese, milk, egg, fish, and poultry, tryptophan is present in significant amount. So, whenever, you feel very low, munch the chocolates!
Nevertheless, tryptophan is usually preferred in the supplement form, but, before starting the tryptophan supplements, be sure that you’re not using the SSRIs.
If you’re using SSRI, then, don’t take tryptophan because, it can interact with the drug and cause serotonin syndrome.
6- Kava
People of south pacific drink kava for getting the ultimate relaxation. Primarily, kava is used for treating the anxiety, but recent studies suggested that it is affective for depression. Kava increases the release of GABA, soothing your nerves and calming you.
If you’ve a depression plus anxiety, get your kava supplement right away!
Lifestyle modification is the key of managing the depression. Do exercise regularly. Try pet therapy. Enjoy some upbeat music. Practice mindfulness. Have a visit in massage salon once in a week. Eat the food high in fiber.
So the bottom line is depression can be treated with the help of the natural ingredient. All you need to do is pay attention on the dosage and take consultation to the doctor.
Just try all the above listed natural anti-depressants and then, see the results!
REFERNCES:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/natural-treatments#1
http://bebrainfit.com/natural-antidepressants/
http://reset.me/story/natural-alternatives-to-zoloft-prozac-and-antidepressant-medications/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/04/natural-cures-for-depression_n_7502392.html
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20526272,00.html
