Antidepressants are often the first line of defense used in the treatment of depression. Many people feel uncomfortable taking prescription medication for a variety of reasons, including affordability and wariness about side effects, while others may want to enhance their treatment in combination with alternative approaches. No matter what the reasons are, interest in alternative medicine is increasing and becoming popular in treating depression. Research and studies are showing, completed with positive results, that some alternative treatments may be helpful in treating depression.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is an herb that works by averting nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. In the past 22 years, there have been more than 30 clinical studies validating that St. John's Wort can be useful in treating depression. The active property of the herb is hypericin, which seems to inhibit monoamine oxidase, the chemical most often associated with depression.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
S-Adenosylmethionine simply known as Sam-e (pronounced "sammy") is not a natural herbal supplement but a compound produced by our bodies. This compound is known as methionine, an amino acid that affects mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, like serotonin. Studies in Rome suggest that Sam-e was "superior" to placebos when treating depression. The expense of Sam-e in the United States could be considered a drawback for some people.
Exercise
Research at the Mayo Clinic suggests that exercise can significantly improve the symptoms of depression. It is thought that exercise raises mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. It is believed that since depression can spiral into lethargy and helplessness, exercise can motivate people and create more energy while improving motivation and positive self-esteem. As little as 15 minutes a day four to five times a week can improve symptoms of depression.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Many people experience relief from mild to moderate depression by using the supplement 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The amino acid tryptophan converts to 5-HTP and is then converted to serotonin, an important brain chemical that affects moods. When there is a deficiency in serotonin levels, depression can occur. 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels and help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
The brain is made up of 60 percent fats and part of the brain fat is made of docosahexanoic (DHA) which is a major component of omega-3 fatty acid. These fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and can be optioned through diet or supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help keep the brain's traffic pattern running smoothly and stabilize moods. This fatty acid helps serotonin production, which is what certain antidepressants do. This, in turn, can help elevate the mood and may aid some people with mild to moderate depression.
References
- Dealing with Depression Naturally; Syd Baumel; 2000.
- Natural Alternatives to Prozac; Michael and N.D. Murray and Michael T. Murray; 1998.
- The Prozac Alternative; Ran Knishinsky; 1998.
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