mental alertness

What are the different remedies for Depression?

What is Depression?
• Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders.
• It may be manifested in feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection.
• Depression is a very unpleasant malady.
• The mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

Depression Symptoms
• Acute sense of loss
• Inexplicable sadness
• Loss of energy
• Lack of interest
• Loss of appetite
• Giddiness
• Itching
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Impotence or frigidity
• Constipation
• Aches and pains all over the body
• Lack of concentration
• Indecisiveness
• Low body temperature
• Low blood pressure
• Hot flushes
• Shivering

Causes of Depression
• Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension.
• Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs.

Natural Remedies for Depression

1. St. John’s Wort
• The herb St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used for long in folk medicine.
• This is used for sadness, worry, nervousness, and poor sleep.
• St. John’s Wort works better than a placebo.
• It is as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression.
• It has fewer side effects.
• St. John’s Wort is not effective for major depression.
• It’s available at health food stores, drug stores.
• It comes in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, or tea.
• St. John’s Wort may take 4 to 6 weeks to notice the full effects.
Side effects may include
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- St. John’s Wort increases photo-sensitivity.
- Caution should be taken to protect skin and eyes from sunlight.
- St. John’s Wort is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with bipolar disorder, liver or kidney disease.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of good fat.
• This is needed for normal brain function.
• Our bodies can’t make omega-3s on its own.
• We must obtain them through our diet.
• Studies have linked depression with low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
• In countries with higher fish consumption like Japan and Taiwan, the depression rate is 10 times lower.
• Postpartum depression is also less common in these places.
The richest food source of omega-3 fatty acids are:
- Cold water fish
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Fish oil capsules

3. Fish oil capsules
• Fish capsules are considered a cleaner source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Many companies filter their fish oil so that these chemicals are removed.
• Fish oil capsules are sold in health food stores, drug stores, and also available online.
• Most brands should be stored in the fridge.
• This is to prevent the oil from going rancid.
• The key active components for depression are EPA and DHA.
• Fish oil capsules may interact with blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin and aspirin.
• Side effects includes indigestion and bleeding.
• Fish oil should not be taken 2 weeks before or after surgery.
• Fish oil can also cause a fishy after taste.
• Try taking the fish oil just before meals.

4. 5-HTP
• 5-HTP is short for 5-hydroxytryptophan.
• It’s produced naturally in the body.
• It is used to make the neurotransmitter serotonin.
• Taking 5-HTP in supplement form may theoretically boost the body’s serotonin levels.
• It should not be combined with antidepressants.

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Vitamins and minerals —>

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