Depression levels range from minor mood disorders to severe depressive symptoms, which manifest both cognitively and physically. Depression can be medically managed through prescription drugs and therapy, however there are also natural health supplements that can boost mood and help alleviate symptoms.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, "Depression is a condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. When these feelings last for a short period of time, it may be a case of 'the blues.' But when such feelings last for more than two weeks and when the feelings interfere with daily activities such as taking care of family, spending time with friends, or going to work or school, it's likely a major depressive episode."
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Here are four natural health supplements that can help boost mood:
1. St. John's wort: According to the Mayo Clinic, extracts of St. John's wort are a common natural treatment for depressed mood. "Studies have shown St. John's wort may be equally effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants for mild to moderate depression."
2. SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine): This compound is found naturally in body tissue and fluid and it facilitates the use of the brain chemicals serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.
According to Dr. Tiesha D. Johnson of Life Extension, "Long prescribed in Europe to alleviate depression, SAMe has been demonstrated to be as effective as certain pharmaceutical drugs in improving mood and a host of other conditions - without the side effects often associated with such drugs."
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3. 5-HTP: 5 hydroxy-tryptophan is a compound in the body that is used to regulate serotonin levels and may be useful in regulating mood including depression and anxiety.
According to NYU Langone Medical Center, "Several small studies have compared 5-HTP to standard antidepressants. The best one was a 6-week study of 63 people given either 5-HTP (100 mg 3 times daily) or an antidepressant in the Prozac family (fluvoxamine, 50 mg 3 times daily). Researchers found equal benefit between the supplement and the drug. However, 5-HTP caused fewer and less severe side effects."
4. B Vitamins: In his book, "The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First" Dr. Mark Hyman calls B vitamins the "mighty methylators for mental health."
According to Hyman, problems with methylation and sulfation are involved in neurological dysfunction including depression. "For methylation to stay on track, your body needs a daily source of three special vitamins — B12, B6 and folate."
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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