Depression is a common problem that can be so debilitating that it requires treatment. Many of the traditional prescription medications have significant side effects that can require discontinuation of the medications. Are there natural approaches to treating depression?
It's important to note if you have severe depressive symptoms or thoughts of suicide or homicide, you should seek medical attention immediately. Natural treatments for depression are not a substitute for medical intervention in severe cases. If you're experiencing mild symptoms, natural supplements may be all the treatment you need. Natural treatments can also be used in conjunction with conventional medical therapy to increase their potential benefits. Your doctor should always be made aware if you're using any type of natural treatment so he can adjust any of your prescription medications accordingly.
What types of natural solutions are available to treat depression? Here are some treatments that have been documented to work:
Exercise
Exercise has been shown to alter some of the mood producing chemicals in the body resulting in an increased sense of well being. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that an exercise program can improve depressive symptoms faster than conventional antidepressant medications. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise carried out on a daily basis may be quite effective in the natural treatment of depression.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional interventions that have been shown to be effective include decreasing your consumption of high glycemic carbohydrates such as those found in white bread, rice, potatoes, pastries, and other sweet treats. Consuming too many high glycemic carbohydrates can wreck havoc with your insulin levels which can result in unpleasant mood changes. Your daily protein intake should also be increased. Proteins are the precursors of amino acids which form the neurotransmitters associated with mood. By increasing these precursors through a higher protein intake, you can potentially alter brain biochemicals resulting in improvements in mood.
Relaxation Techniques
Studies have shown that some techniques used to promote relaxation such as biofeedback, meditation and yoga may have a positive effect on mood. These interventions may work by reducing stress levels or subtly altering brain biochemicals to give increased energy levels and reduce symptoms of depression.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is a flowering plant that may be beneficial in fighting depression. The extracts from this plant have been shown in some studies to be as effective as prescription antidepressants in relieving mild depressive symptoms with fewer side effects. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to get a high quality form of St. John's Wort in the United States. When a variety of brands of this supplement were tested, many were found to be of inferior quality. If you choose to use this particular supplement, be sure to purchase it from a reputable nutrition center.
Ginkgo Biloba
This is a natural supplement extracted from the Ginkgo Biloba tree which has been shown to reduce the level of certain stress hormones associated with depression It has been shown to be particularly effective in improving sleep problems which are so common among those suffering from depression. This supplement can usually be found at your local health food store.
Amino Acid Supplementation
Amino Acids are the building blocks of brain neurotransmitters which are the chemicals that control mood in the brain. Deficiencies of certain amino acids including L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, phenylalanine, 5-HTP, and SAMe have been correlated with depressive symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a 24 hour amino acid urine screen to check for these deficiencies. If amino acid deficiencies are found to exist, a special amino acid formulation can be compounded by a pharmacy for you to take on a daily basis.
Fortunately, there are natural treatments for depression that appear to be effective in some cases of depression, but it's best to seek the expertise of your doctor before trying any of these natural remedies.
