If you have been diagnosed with depression, it is important that you take a supplement for depression before your condition becomes unmanageable. In addition to the herbal and vitamin B-complex vitamins, a supplement for depression should also contain a good amount of protein. It is best that your supplement for depression contain amino acids that are needed for normal functioning of your body. The amino acids are essential in providing the body with the right amounts of amino acids and vitamins, as well as maintain your body’s protein levels.
Supplements Available In Market
While there are many supplements available in the market, dosages on these supplement for depression must be carefully monitored by a doctor. As with all medications, there are possible side effects of using antidepressants. Hence, it is very important that you inform your physician about the type of supplements that you are taking. Most importantly, make sure that you do not exceed the recommended dosages to avoid undesirable results.
Natural Supplements
Natural supplements for these conditions are best because they are less likely to produce side effects. The two most common supplements for these conditions are ginkgo biloba and relaxation techniques. Both of these herbs have different effects on the body, so it would be best that you discuss with your doctor which herbs you wish to use.
Gingko biloba increases levels of serotonin in the body. It has been known to improve mood, memory and improve daytime sleep in patients suffering from depression. There are many studies on this herb and the herb is used both as a stand alone herb and as an ingredient of other herbal supplements for these conditions.
Curcumin is the main component of turmeric, a widely used spice in India. It is also known to have antidepressant activity. The herb curcumin enhances production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
These substances are needed by the brain to perform certain functions. When there is an imbalance in neurotransmitters, the result is depression and inflammatory disorders. The recommended herbs for treating inflammation and promoting serotonin production are fish oil and the herb omega-3.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is an excellent source of these important substances. It contains high levels of DHA and EPA. DHA is another essential fatty acid that is needed by brain cells. Higher levels of DHA have been shown to reduce the risk of depression and may contribute to the reduction of inflammation.
Ashwagandha
One of the lesser-known herbs that can increase mental health and prevent depression is the herb ashwagandha. This herb is part of the fagus group of plants. Indian ashwagandha is used to treat a variety of conditions including stress, fatigue, anxiety, and sexual problems. It has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Ashwagandha is available in both herbaceous and flowering forms.
Green Tea
Another adaptogenic herb that can benefit mood disorders is green tea. Recent studies have suggested that drinking several cups of green tea daily can improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression in patients with mild to moderate depression. This is the first research to suggest that green tea can be used to treat mood disorders. Although more evidence is needed to support these claims, it is clear that green tea is a promising source of antioxidants that could benefit people with mood disorders.
Saffron
One other herb that can be used as a natural supplement for depression is saffron. Like with green tea, saffron is a plant product that can be taken in either herbaceous or flowering form. Saffron strands and extracts have been used for thousands of years to treat a range of conditions including diabetes, cancer, infections, fatigue, and depression. Saffron can also be purchased in tablet and powder form. Although it can sometimes be difficult to get authentic saffron from the Middle East, you can still use saffron to improve your health if you buy the right products.
There are a number of nutritional supplements on the market that contain a specific mixture of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that have the ability to treat depression and improve mood. These include NutraSweet and brown rice fiber, fish oil, and probiotics. NutraSweet is produced by soaking raw brown rice in salty water for several hours then grinding it into flour. The resulting product is a sugar-free, thick and chewy snack that is sometimes referred to as chocolate chip cookies.
Herbal Supplements
Another type of herbal supplements for depression is manufactured from dried mushrooms called shatavari. The active ingredient in saffron, which is called “aris”, is similar to the chemical compounds found in saffron. In fact, it is the chemical compounds that give saffron its yellow color. Other ingredients found in these products include vitamin B6, iron, and calcium. Some of these products are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from your doctor.
