Natural Remedy for Depression - Is Treating Depression Naturally Possible?

A natural remedy for depression may be suitable for patients suffering from this condition. With a lifetime of dependency on medication being a possibility, many who suffer want to try treating depression naturally. To alleviate the symptoms so they can live normally in spite of the depressive condition, a depression natural treatment is seen as an option to explore.

St. John\'s Wort has become a popular choice for many. There have been studies done on the effectiveness of St. John\'s Wort and the results have often been positive. Claiming it to be better than Prozac, many people who use it stand by the positive results they get. They believe nothing else is needed when St. John\'s Wort is used daily.

The positive results are due to the slowing down of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin being absorbed by the body. These three neurotransmitters have a known affect on depression. This slowed absorption rate lets the body have more time to communicate with the brain. Caution should be used in taking it with other medications as there may be interactions between them. It is advisable to talk to your doctor before starting to take a natural remedy for depression.

Good results have also been seen in some other supplements. One example is supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oils. Though they are found in other sources such as hemp, walnuts and canola oil, it appears that only fish oil contains the type of omega-3 fatty acids that has anti-depressant action. The brain uses the DHA fatty acids as nourishment and the use of omega-3 fatty acids helps the brain replenish what it needs.

A person wanting a depression natural treatment could also take several of the B vitamins. There is research that indicates that many adults suffering from depression have low folic acid levels. According to tests, people missing this vitamin can have episodes of depression and not respond sufficiently to prescribed medications due to the lower levels of the vitamin. Evidence proves that the mood can be enhanced by increased folic acid levels. Another proven mood enhancer is thiamine, also called vitamin B-1. It can even enhance the mood of people who are not depression sufferers if it is taken.

One more natural remedy for depression is 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is a derivative of the amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP in the body and that is then changed to serotonin. The mood can be enhanced and serotonin levels can be more balanced when 5-HTP is used for treating depression naturally. 5-HTP has also been used for other conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, stress, insomnia and weight loss.

For women past the age of fifty, menopause may be a problem that can affect the mood and vitamin B-12 being low can contribute to this. After the age of fifty, women\'s bodies begin to have diminished levels of this vitamin and are likely to have only about half the amount as they should have. Vitamin B-12 supplements can help improve the mood. Premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, can be helped by vitamin B-6 supplementation which is another important vitamin for menopausal women as well. The B vitamins can improve the mood when used singly or in combination.

Another proven natural remedy for depression that is a mood enhancer is exercise. There is a belief that this is partly due to the fact that the body can better absorb medications and nutrients when the person exercises. Exercise also seems to increase production of chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. Even a walk in the park can be of benefit. The mood can be improved by any kind of exercise, especially exercise that one enjoys.

Another option to try is light therapy. There are people who have been shown to suffer with depression due to not getting enough sunlight during the winter when the days are shorter and there is less sunshine. Two possible answers exist to help this problem. The first is to simply enjoy the sunshine outside as much as possible during what daylight time there is. Having the curtains pulled back to let the sun shine in during the daytime will also help. Second, using light therapy with the guidance of a qualified professional may be very helpful.

Treating depression naturally or any treatment of a depressive condition, for that matter, will require patience. It\'s important to keep trying various approaches with the help of one\'s health care professional until a natural remedy for depression is found that works for the patient. It is worth trying each one, alone or in combination, for anyone who suffers with this life altering condition.

Copyright 2008 InfoSearch Publishing

Read more about treating depression naturally - Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - visit the website for a variety of natural health articles.

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