Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is rampant these days and people are becoming disabled with depression at increasing rates and younger ages. Antidepressant medication comes with its problems – namely scores of side effects that are sometimes as bad as the condition itself! Thankfully there are safer, and effective natural remedies for depression that you can investigate on your own or with the help of a trusted health care practitioner.

Exercise
Exercise has been proven in several studies to be just as effective for mild to moderate depression as antidepressant medication or therapy. Engaging in exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s happy hormones. The difficulty may lie in getting the depressed person to exercise, so coaching and accountability may have to come into play here.

Omega 3s
Omega 3 fatty acids are showing amazing promise in studies as a natural remedy for depression, especially among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, who are often unable or unwilling to take the risks of antidepressant medications. Omega 3 fatty acids inhibit inflammation, which can play a role in depression. While you can obtain Omega 3s from foods such as salmon, grass fed beef and flax seeds, supplementation is easy and inexpensive too.

Sunlight
Sunlight is free and easy to avail yourself of. It’s also absolutely essential for good health and good mood. Far from being an evil cancer cause, the sun is our friend especially if we have a mood disorder. Some people are especially sensitive to light deprivation. If you become blue on overcast, rainy days or in the wintertime, this might be true of you. While it’s easy enough to simply spend time out of doors in nature, you might need to invest in a lightbox to use during the winter that will expose you to light that mimics the sun’s rays. Sometimes insurance companies will reimburse you for these products if you can get a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Nutrition
While it may be difficult to believe, food plays a powerful role in how we feel. Eating spicy foods for example, cause the body to flood itself with endorphins. Eating white flour products and sugar, on the other hand, cause blood sugar imbalances that can lead to chronic mood disturbances. If you think this may be contributing to your low mood, try eating a high protein diet with frequent small meals – such as every 3 hours. Focus on whole foods and avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

There are other herbal remedies that have been effective for many individuals who are depressed, and it’s certainly worth exhausting these options before considering expensive, potentially dangerous medications. Talk with a Naturopath about your feelings and see if you can find a plan that will help you feel happier again.