Natural Remedies For Depression

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"Fortunately there are natural remedies for depression that work."

It is completely normal to experience feelings of sadness from time to time. We've all felt that way at one time or another.

However, when those feelings seem to last much longer than you would expect for the situation you're facing, there may be a problem. You may be suffering from clinical depression.

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is an illness that involves your entire body and mind.

It affects your moods, your thoughts, and your behavior. It changes the way you see yourself and the world around you.

Causes of Depression

What causes depression? There are many possible triggers. Here are some of them:

Tension and stress
Traumatic life events

It is normal to experience feelings of sadness from time to time.

Chemical imbalances in your brain
Chronic constipation
Digestive problems and upset stomach
Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies
Eating refined sugar
Lack of exercise
Allergies (food and environmental)

There are other health issues (e.g., thyroid disease, hypoglycemia, hormonal imbalances, etc.) that can cause you to feel depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

There are many different symptoms that come along with depression. Click here to learn about them.

Prevention

Before we look at some natural remedies for depression, here are some steps you can take to avoid it.

Eat a healthy diet - What you eat affects your moods. A poor junk food diet will leave you feeling terrible and depressed.

Follow the 8 rules for healthy living - They will help you have a balanced body and a balanced mind.

Trust in God and rely on His promises - Memorize comforting portions of scripture and review them when you're stressed. This is one of the best natural remedies for depression.

Surround yourself with people who love and support you - Drop the friends that drag you down. Instead, spend your time with people who truly care.

Be grateful for what you have - Get in the habit of counting your blessings every single day. Also, try to maintain a positive outlook on life.

Help someone who is less fortunate than you - You'll make them happy and you will experience a sense of joy. Repeat often.

Take breaks and time to refresh yourself - Take time out on a regular basis for some rest and relaxation. You don't have to buy into the rat race mentality.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Diet And Nutrition

Did you realize that what you eat has an effect on how you feel? It affects how you feel both mentally and physically. Changing your diet is one of the most important natural remedies for depression.

Dietary changes that can help brighten your mood:

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables - they contain the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals you need for healthy brain functioning. You will feel lighter, fresher, and happier.

Eat brown rice, millet, and legumes - they are a great source of complex carbohydrates. That helps to increase mood regulating neurotransmitters in your brain.

Eat soybeans and soy products - they are high in protein. Protein also helps to increase mood regulating neurotransmitters.

Eat nuts and seeds - walnuts, flaxseeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, etc. all contain essential fatty acids which you need for normal brain function. are needed for normal brain function.

Omit or limit wheat products from your diet - wheat gluten has been linked to depression. Try cutting gluten out of your diet for a couple of weeks and see if you feel any better.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats - these foods lead to sluggishness, fatigue, and slow thinking.

Avoid refined and processed sugars - sugar causes a temporary high followed by fatigue and depression. Choose natural sweeteners instead.

Limit (or eliminate altogether) alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods - these foods do not provide the kind of nutrition your body needs to look and feel your best.

Nutritional Supplements For Depression

Some nutritional supplements that you may find helpful are:

Zinc - People who suffer from depression tend to have lower levels of zinc. So, supplementing is a good idea.

Vitamin B Complex - B vitamins are essential for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system.

Folic acid - Depressed people tend to be low in folic acid.

Calcium - this mineral has a calming effect. You need it for your nervous system.

Magnesium - works in conjunction with calcium.

Essential fatty acids - you need essential fatty acids for normal brain function. Good sources are evening primrose oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil, and borage oil.

Selenium - selenium helps to improve your mood and decrease anxiety.

Herbs For Depression

CAUTION: If you are on any medication, do not take herbs or other natural remedies for depression without first consulting with your medical doctor or qualified health care practitioner.

St. John's Wort - this herb has anti-depressant and nervine qualities. It is a nervine tonic and nervine relaxant. It works in the same way as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, but is less harsh on your system. This herb requires time to work so take it for at least one month.

Oatstraw - this herb also has nervine tonic and relaxant properties. As a nervine tonic and a nutritive herb, oatstraw functions to feed your nervous system and to strengthen it.

Vervain - this herb is useful because it is a nervine tonic and a hepatic herb. According to herbalist David Hoffman, this herb is useful in easing depression and melancholia. It also has a "bitter principle" which helps to remedy any liver and digestive system dysfunctions that often contribute to depression.

Lavender - this herb (taken as a tea) has a gentle relaxing and nourishing effect on your nervous system. It lifts your spirits and eases depression. It also helps you to get some refreshing sleep. Smelling lavender herb is also therapeutic. Lavender essential oil smells wonderful and has a calming relaxing effect. It is suitable for external use only.

Lemon balm - This soothing herb helps your stomach and digestive organs to function properly during stressful times.

Other herbs that you can use as natural remedies for depression are: Siberian ginseng, gotu kola, valerian root, and skullcap.

Lifestyle Changes

Get physically active - increase your physical activity, especially in the open air. Walk, swim, or try any activity you really like. Vigorous exercise helps you produce endorphins and enkephalins which give you that natural "high." It one of the most helpful natural remedies for depression. Click here for some exercise ideas.

Avoid stressful situations - It really is okay to say "no." Let go of unnecessary obligations and commitments and free up your schedule so that you have time to rest and reflect.

Learn to recognize and reroute negative thoughts and thinking patterns - make a conscious effort to switch to more positive thinking. No matter what situation you're in, there's hope!