Dealing with depression is a constant life struggle. Finding natural ways to fight depression can be even more daunting. Self-loathing and the feeling of helpless are difficult to overcome without help. For those who need it, antidepressants work like a charm. But over time you might notice yourself slipping back into the downward spiral that is depression no matter the medication, leaving you once more, feeling helpless and sad.
You must face it, that wonder pill that is turning your frown upside-down may not work forever since most of the factors that affect the effectiveness of your antidepressant are out of your control. To learn more about the factors that affect antidepressants click here. There are many factors affecting how the drugs work and there is also antidepressant drug addiction rehabilitation available.
So what can you do to combat the depression that is just waiting for your body to change? Go all natural and introduce foods in your diet that help balance your mood and stimulate the brain to function the way it should. Instead of taking more or different drugs to suppress your depression, work with your body and help discover the root of the problem. Dr. Mark Hyman, practicing family physician, a nine-time #1 New York
Dr. Mark Hyman, practicing family physician, a nine-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, an internationally recognized leader, educator, speaker and advocate in his field suggests, “the real cure lies in rebalancing the underlying systems in your body that is at the root of all health and illness.”
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Finding a healthy source of Omega-3 fatty acids is not difficult at all. Omega-3’s play an important role in the function of the central nervous system. Scientific studies suggest there is a direct correlation between a lack of omega-3 fatty acids and major depressive disorders. Try to incorporate these foods into your diet: Avocado, cold-pressed hemp oil, chia seeds, cold-pressed olive oil, hemp seeds, flax, walnuts, almonds, dragon fruit, raspberries, strawberries, goji berries, blackberries, blueberries, and sea buckthorn berries.
Exercise and Yoga
Aging plays an important part of the effectiveness of antidepressants. By increasing your heart rate for 15 minutes a day, you can increase the effectiveness of the medications you are taking. Studies have shown that yoga is beneficial for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder as it helps control the stress response by reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and easing respiration.
Ginkgo Biloba
The effects of Gingko Biloba has been proven to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. One study found that taking 80mg of Gingko Biloba extract three times a day resulted in a significant reduction in the total score of the Hamilton Depression Scale. Gingko Biloba improves the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. This helps to reduce symptoms of cerebrovascular insufficiency (decreased blood flow to the brain) which normally results in tinnitus, headaches, short-term memory loss, carelessness, lack of alertness, dizziness, depression, and impaired mental performance.
Vitamin-B Complex
Many people associate B vitamin with energy drinks and increasing metabolic rate, but that is not all they are good for. The B vitamins like B6 and Folic Acid are known to reduce depression. B-Complex vitamins are important for mental and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, B vitamins can be destroyed by Alcohol, Nicotine, refined sugars, and Caffeine. Consider incorporating foods containing the Vitamin B-Complex into your diet to combat the effects of the foods that break them down.
Fruits that are high in B vitamins include avocado, breadfruit, dates, guava, mango, pineapple, watermelon, blackberries, loganberries, orange, banana, cherimoya, gooseberries, lychee, passion fruit, pomegranate, boysenberries, papaya, raspberries, and strawberries. Vegetables that are high in B vitamins include amaranth leaves, broccoli, butternut squash, celery, corn, french beans, kale, okra, potatoes, spaghetti squash, taro root, bok choy, brussels sprouts, squash, green pepper, peas, spirulina, sweet potato, cabbage, collards, and spinach.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a key role in regulating the production of Cortisol (a stress hormone which induces anxiety and depression). Chronic stress and Cortisol production lead to adrenal fatigue and depression. Supplements for Vitamin C are generally available at ever grocery store, however, if you prefer to ingest food that contains Vitamin C, there are plenty of foods out there. Plant-based foods high in Vitamin C include lemon, berries, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, pineapples, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, papaya, broccoli, oranges, watermelon and cauliflower.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a key role in biochemical reactions in the body and becoming deficient in this vital mineral could cause depression, behavioral disturbances, muscle cramps, ataxia, headaches, seizures, psychosis and irritability.
In 1905 the average magnesium intake was around 400mg a day and 1% of the American population reported having depression prior to the age of 75. When a similar study was conducted decades later, researchers found, that the average American gets less than 250mg a day. Natural sources for this mineral are figs, almonds, sea vegetables (nori, wakame, dulse, kelp), cilantro/corriander, bananas, swiss chard, cacao, pumpkin seeds, okra, spinach, beet greens, hazelnuts, dates and avocado.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body does not make and must be ingested. Once ingested, this amino acid is used to make key chemicals like niacin, serotonin and melatonin. Most antidepressants increase the levels of serotonin in the brain as a way to opposing depression. Unfortunately, when the antidepressant stops working, this leaves the serotonin supple in the brain depleted and struggling to meet demands. This causes a more severe depression, as Tryptophan is not in ready supple unless an increase of these foods are added to your diet.
Foods high in tryptophan are bananas, spirulina, potatoes, quinoa, rice, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, avocado, persimmon, pumpkin seeds, tamarind, cacao, oats, sesame seeds, kiwi and watermelon.
Knowledge is Power
Depression has been categorized as a debilitating disease that alters a person’s behavior to unhealthy measures to the point of harming one’s self. Some people need antidepressants as their family depends on them to function normally and productively. Check out this page for more information on antidepressants and know that there is options for your aliment.
