Natural Supplements for Treating Depression
On this page:
- What is depression?
- What causes depression?
- What are the symptoms of depression?
- How is depression treated?
- Natural supplements for treating depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a common problem that affects men and women of all ages, as well as children and teens. It is more than just the normal, temporary feelings of sadness and moodiness that come with the ups and downs of life. Depression can range from minor problem to a major, life-threatening illness. Fortunately, effective treatments are available for most people who suffer from depression.
What causes depression?
Depression is probably caused by a combination of factors, including the genetic traits that a person inherits from his or her parents. Most major depressions involve problems with chemical messengers (neuro-transmitters) in the brain. The amount of stress in a persons life and the way a person copes with stress also contribute to depression. Ongoing depression affects a persons body, mind, and social behaviors
Many things can trigger depression, including:
- Drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.
- Having a major illness or injury.
- Grieving the death of a family member or friend.
- Going through major life changes (loss of a job, divorce, children leaving home, retirement).
- Being under long-term stress, such as having a family member with a chronic illness.
- Taking certain medications or having certain health conditions.
- Having recently had a baby (post-partum depression).
What are the symptoms of depression?
Major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as "depression," can severely disrupt your life, affecting your appetite, sleep, work, and relationships.
The symptoms that identify depression include:
- Constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension, decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
- Loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
- A change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
- A change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
- Restlessness or feeling slowed down
- Decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- Thoughts of suicide or death
How is depression treated?
Antidepressant medications work for many people—they can make you feel better, and can improve or completely relieve your symptoms. But sometimes people have unrealistic fears or expectations about them. Some hope to feel better overnight; others worry that medications will change their personalities in ways they won't like. Both extremes are unlikely. The first step towards getting better and staying better is to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Here are some treatment tips to keep in mind:
- It takes time for antidepressants to work. Although you may start to feel better within a couple of weeks, the full antidepressant effect may not be seen for several weeks. It is important to be patient and give the medicine a chance to work.
- Once you feel better, it is important to keep taking your antidepressant for as long as your doctor tells you to. Continued use, if recommended by your doctor, can help lower your chances of becoming depressed again in the future.
- Although some people only become depressed once, others—especially those who have been depressed before or have several risk factors—may need longer term treatment with medication.
- If you want to stop taking your medication, do so ONLY after discussing this with your doctor.
- Like many drugs, depression medications can cause side effects and interact with foods or other medications. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and about other medicines you're using. If you experience drug side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Dietary supplements for treating IBS
The Omega 3 fatty acid is known on as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is important for the function of brain cell membranes and the transmission of brain signals. Omega 3 regulates the release and performance of these neurotransmitters. Depression has been linked to low levels of DHA; omega 3 fatty acids help regulate mood by increasing serotonin the hormone that relieves depression. Omega 3 can also strengthen cell membranes, improve brain functioning and help give better blood circulation which can alleviate mood swings.
Incontestably the richest and most complete source of total organic nutrition in the world,. Unlike any other individual herb, Spirulina contains high concentrations of the nutrients needed to cleanse and heal the body. It is a naturally digestible food that aids in protecting the immune system, absorbing minerals and reducing cholesterol. NZ Pure Health Spirulina is a tiny aquatic plant offers 60% vegetable protein, essential vitamins, amino acids, fatty acid GLA and antioxidant beta-carotene. It has the ability to strengthen the immune system, release high stress and help the body to cleanse. Therefore, spirulina effectively release depression by detoxifying the intestine and stop constipation.
NZ Pure Health Royal Jelly is produced solely for feeding the queen bee. Royal Jelly contains all the B-complex vitamins, including a high concentration of Pantothenic acid (B5). It is a natural source of acetylcholine which plays a role in memory, learning and sexual function.
Some of the health improvements normally experienced when taking Royal Jelly are increased vitality and energy, stronger nails and hair and a more radiant complexion. Other commonly claimed benefits are stress relief, better digestion, improved liver function, insomnia alleviated, fatigue alleviated.