Feeling sad or miserable at times is normal, particularly after a difficult life situation or major life change. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, exercising, and participating in hobbies or activities are among the many ways that may help you to overcome bouts of depression. Nutritional supplements may also help. If depression lasts longer than two weeks or interferes with daily life, MedlinePlus suggests consulting a doctor.
Fish Oil
Derived from food sources such as fish, plants and nut oils, omega-3 fatty acids are essential to health. In supplement form, omega-3 fatty acids are available in fish oil capsules, available at pharmacies and health food stores, and are purported to have beneficial effects on the heart, brain and joints. MedlinePlus suggests using the supplements to help fight depression, though mixed studies exist regarding their efficacy. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some people who combined fish oil with prescription antidepressants saw greater improvements in symptoms than those using prescription medication alone.
DHEA
DHEA, a hormone that occurs naturally in the human body, is produced in laboratories using chemicals found in wild yam and soy; however, simply eating these foods does not increase DHEA levels, according to MedlinePlus. In supplement form, the hormone is used for a wide range of conditions and diseases---even as a preventive measure. It is also used to treat psychological conditions, such as schizophrenia and depression. When shopping for DHEA, buy a quality product, as some products contain little or no DHEA, while others could have more than the labeled amount.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin, is often added to cereals, breads and bakery items. More than one-third of folic acid is in fruits and vegetables, according to The Ohio State University Extenstion. The body needs folic acid to make new cells, and it is especially vital during pregnancy, as it helps prevent major birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend women get 400mcg of folic acid every day. When used in conjunction with conventional antidepressants, folic acid may be effective at treating depression.
