Are There Natural Depression Supplements to Help You Cope?
Depression is not an ailment that solely affects the mind, it also affects your body. It is estimated that nearly 20 million adults in the United States suffer from depression. Sufferers can experience bouts of hopelessness, irritability, worthlessness, insomnia, sadness, and a lack of interest in their normal daily activities. Although there are vast amounts of drugs on the market to alleviate depression, some people may prefer to use natural depression supplements for their treatment. Luckily for those sufferers, there is also a wide variety of natural depression supplements available.
The following are a few ingredients you will find in popular natural depression supplements:
- St. John’s Wort – this herb has long been used for its purported ability to combat sadness, nervousness, and insomnia. Numerous clinical studies have been done on St. John’s Wort and many believe that this herb is effective for treating mild to moderate depression with few side effects. People who have liver or kidney disease, bipolar disorder, or women who are pregnant or breast feeding are discouraged from taking St. John’s Wort.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – the human body cannot produce these types of "good fats," and therefore you have to obtain omega-3 fatty acids through your diet. Some studies have shown that a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the body may be linked to depression. Taking omega-3 along with antidepressants appears to be more effective than taking antidepressants alone. Fish oil capsules are popular natural depression supplements since they contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Folic acid – people who suffer from depression often lack this B vitamin in their system. Green leafy vegetables, fruits, beans and fortified grains contain folic acid. It is common for people to have a vitamin B deficiency because many people eat a poor diet.
If you are experiencing signs of depression, consult your physician. Also speak with your doctor first if you’re considering natural supplements as a complement to your prescribed antidepressants.
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