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What Types of Alternative Medicines For Depression Are There?
Alternative medicines for depression are growing in popularity in part because people are sick and tired of all the pharmaceuticals being prescribed for them and are looking for healthier alternatives. Of course, if you have severe depression with suicidal thoughts you will need to see a physician. But for the thousands of people with a feeling of being down, or sad or working through a life experience that has you feeling depressed, alternative depression medications may be your answer.
Europeans have been using St. John's Wart for many years and is now a top US seller. Many clinical studies prove that St. John's Wart is more effective as an alternative medicine for depression. It may take up to six weeks for full results to be noticed for mild or moderate depression. And, although safe, in some people it can cause stomach upsets such as heartburn, so take with plenty of water or food and if symptoms continue to persist, quit taking the herb. Others side effects are dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth. St. John's Wart can interfere with some prescriptions and over the counter drugs like HIV drugs, organ rejection drugs, oral contraceptives and antidepressants. Photosensitivity is a rare result, but usually only if taking high doses and if you have fair skin. Stick with the recommended dose and you should not have any problems. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you are taking any other drug to learn more about interactions.
Alternative medicine for depression might include SAM-e. This is a chemical found in the body and thought to increase serotonin and dopamine levels which regulate moods. Another chemical produced by our body is 5-HTP to make serotonin. This can be purchased as a supplement but the facts in studies are conclusive if it actually boosts serotonin levels. This supplement should not be taken with antidepressants.
Sometimes a change in diet can turn around a mild depression. Constant up and down blood sugar levels can play havoc on your endocrine system. Studies show that some nutrients have been found to be deficient in depressed people. These are;
The good fat of omega-3 fatty acids needed for normal brain function. Our bodies can't make omega-3s you have to add them to your diet. Low intake of these good fats has been linked to depression. Also, using antidepressants with omega-3 might be more effective than using antidepressants alone according to some studies. Rich supplies of omega-3 are in salmon and sardines, but can also be taken in capsule forms which have filtered out the chemicals making them a good resource if you do not eat these types of fish. If you take capsules look for EPA and DHA in the ingredients as these are the best for depression. Some drugs such as Warfarin and aspirin can interact with fish oil so be sure and let your physician know if you are planning on taking them.
The B vitamins, especially folic acid or folate and B6 help to produce serotonin and dopamine which influences depressive tendencies. Again your diet can reflect this deficiency. Are you eating enough green leafy veggies, fruits and beans which all have high levels of folic acid? Certain medications like contraceptives and aspirin can cause a deficiency. Taking a multiple B is an excellent addition to your vitamin regime.
Other diet modifications that can affect mood that you may want to change are consumption of caffeine and alcohol. If you are prone to mood swings, anxiety and depression both can cause ups and downs that only worsen feelings after the initial effects have worn off.
Exercise has been proven in many studies as more than a stress or mood elevating benefit. Exercise decreases stress and chemicals in the brain are released which can lift your mood and improve brain function, strength and even memory. These and other health benefits of exercise are well documented. You don't have to be a marathon runner, just get out and walk every day for half an hour, take stairs, park further away from your destination; you get the idea.
Alternative depression medications have been proven to work for some people. Your body could be more sensitive than most and a natural medication may be all that is needed. Pharmaceuticals can sometimes make your imbalance more pronounced. Any of these suggestions are worth a try. Use prescription drugs as a last resort.
