Natural Cures for Depression

Depression involves a prolonged period of experiencing sadness, loss of interest in activities that one once enjoyed, low self-esteem and in some severe cases, one may even contemplate committing suicide. There can be many causes of depression. However, research shows that the basic physiology behind depression is changes in the biochemical reactions in specific areas of the brain. There are certain compounds that are naturally produced in the body. These compounds are responsible for maintaining proper mental health. This discovery has triggered research into the natural cures for depression. Proper dietary intake, herbal remedies for depression and alternative therapies can act as natural cures for anxiety and depression.

Natural Cures for Depression - Nutrition

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are a good type of fat that are essential for health of the human brain. Our body cannot synthesize these nutrients. Hence these should be included in the dietary intake. Fish, especially fatty ones like salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and herring are rich sources of these compounds. Studies have found that Omega-3 fatty acids result in low levels of depression. People of Japan and Taiwan, who have high consumption of fish, are found to suffer 10 times less from depression than North Americans. In fact, when taken with these nutrients, antidepressants are known to produce better results than when taken alone. However, an overdose of Omega-3 fatty acid may cause diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn.

SAM-e: S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a compound that is naturally produced in our body. Many biochemical processes like mood regulation related to depression depend upon the availability of the methyl group. Methyl group deficiency is known to be an important cause of depression. SAM-e is an important methyl group donor that maintains the availability of important neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that is responsible for producing a feeling of calm, satisfaction, and contentment. Studies have shown that SAM-e is an effective anti-depressant. It is a very popular natural remedy for depression as well as osteoarthritis. However, its probable side effects include constipation and nausea.

5-HTP: Short for 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP is a compound that is made naturally in the body. This compound plays an important role in the synthesis of serotonin - the neurotransmitter that controls fundamental physiological processes in the brain like sleep, appetite, memory, aggression, and regulation of mood. Low levels of serotonin is associated is disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

Natural Cures for Depression - Herbal Remedies

St. John's Wort: St. John's wort provides one of the most popular herbal remedies for treating depression. Prolonged use of this herb helps one in dealing with mild forms of depression with very few side effects.

Gingko Biloba: Gingko biloba works by helping the brain to release certain chemicals that helps fight depression. It increases blood supply to brain and is an effective anti-depressant and antioxidant.

Valerian Root: This herb alleviates insomnia caused due to depression. Ensuring proper rest to brain, valerian root ensures better mental health.

Besides those mentioned above, basil, ginger, clove, and rosemary are known to work as excellent herbal remedies for depression as well.

Natural Cures for Depression - Alternative Therapies

Yoga: Yoga was developed thousands of years ago with the aim of ensuring both mental and physical health of an individual. Certain exercises in yoga promote production of the neurotransmitters and hormones that lead to positive feelings and help fight depression. Yoga works on the premise that body's energy system is comprise energy centers and meridians that need to be activated to relieve the system of negative emotion and to mobilize blocked energy. Yoga practitioners use this reason to explain why one feels rejuvenated and relieved after having done yoga.

Meditation: Meditation is an altered state of consciousness. It is similar to sleep when the mind and body is free of stress. While the body rests, the mind focuses on one thought. During this state of relaxation production of catecholamine (chemical that is associated with stress response) and cortisol (stress hormone) is reduced. It lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. All these changes reduce the level of stress and helps one to deal with depression better.

Acupuncture: It is an ancient form of alternative medicine that originated in China. Acupuncture is based on the premise that overall health of the body depends upon the balance of the energy known as the 'Qi'. Acupuncture in the treatment of depression sets the balance of these energies right by manipulating energy flow through specific points believed to cure all ailments, lending credence to the link between acupuncture and depression.

Aromatherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment are some other alternative therapies that can bring relief in depression. However, these therapies are effective only in case of mild depression. They help in maintaining good mental health and hence prevent one form going into depression. These therapies yield better result when practiced along with other treatments of depression.

Although depression can be treated through drugs, these synthetic supplements may have severe side effects. Discovery of natural substances in the body that can fight depression has resulted in an increased interest in finding natural cures for depression and anxiety.