If you feel sad, irritable, have lost interest in the things you used to love and are having trouble sleeping, you may be suffering from depression. Conventional antidepressants do not work for everyone, and some people may not be able to handle the often harsh side effects. Luckily, there are some gentler, natural treatments available for depression. But talk to your doctor before taking any supplements; depression-like symptoms may be the result of thyroid imbalance, nutritional deficiency or another physical disorder.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort (Hypercium perforatum) has been used for thousands of years for depression and anxiety. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers believe that St. John's Wort increases the availability of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, and works in the same way as---and can be just as effective as---prescription antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft or Celexa. St. John's Wort is also used to treat bacterial infections, premenstrual syndrome, eczema and more. St. John's Wort is available in capsule, tea or tincture forms and should be taken according to the directions on the package. Do not take St. John's Wort if you are on prescription antidepressants. St. John's Wort may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and other medications and may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
5-HTP
Also known as 5-hydroxtryptophan, 5-HTP is derived from an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia. It helps your body produce tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, which in turn brightens your mood, regulates your sleep pattern, increases appetite, calms anxiety and reduces pain. 5-HTP comes in capsule form, and the recommended dose is 50 mg taken one to three times a day. 5-HTP should not be taken with prescription antidepressants, and it may also interact with migraine medications. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take 5-HTP.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The brain requires high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to function at optimum power, and a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can result in depression, fatigue, poor memory and mood swings. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended as a primary treatment, but because they have few side effects or drug interactions, they are a good choice for complementary treatment with other depression medication. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in capsule form, and are also found in many foods, including flax seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds and oily, cold-water fish like salmon. Some may experience digestive upset from taking straight flax, hemp or fish oil. Begin with 1 tbsp. a day, and work your way up.
