In 2019, 7.8% of all US adults suffered from at least one major depressive episode during the year. Many prescribed medications for depression come with a long list of unwanted side effects, dependency being one of them.
For many people choosing to fight depression on their terms, natural supplements for depression offer an alternative to prescribed drugs. When paired with positive lifestyle changes, natural supplements can help to combat depression and help restore balance in your life.
Let’s take a closer look at a few natural supplements for depression and how they can help.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is affectionately known as the sunshine vitamin. Not only do we absorb most of our Vitamin D from direct sunlight exposure, but it is responsible for regulating our mood and warding off depression.
Unfortunately, for many people living north of the equator, vitamin D deficiency is rife. It is estimated that Vitamin D deficiency affects over 40% of the US population.
If regular exposure to midday sunlight isn’t an option for you then supplementing Vitamin D is a must.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
NAC is an amino acid and a precursor of glutathione. It helps to decrease the number of molecules that are responsible for inflammation in both the body and the brain.
One of these molecules is interleukin-6, which is thought to play a role in the development of depression as well as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. NAC has been found to help with overthinking and negative self-thoughts.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of processes including our mood, stress, and pain response. CBD influences how the brain responds to serotonin, which can lead to an overall improved sense of well-being.
Kratom
Kratom is popular in Eastern medicine. It is an extract from an evergreen plant that contains the active ingredient mitragynine. Mitragynine interacts with the body’s opioid receptors. While it shares a similar chemical structure to opioids, it is not classified as one.
It is important to find out more about what is Kratom before you dive in, but it could prove effective at tackling mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that is needed for every single physiological system within the human body. It is essential for our immune system, wound healing, and neural functioning.
Many studies point out that zinc deficiency is often found in people suffering from depression and other mood disorders. Zinc can safely be taken in daily doses of up to 25mg.
Melatonin
Melatonin might not directly affect our mood, but it helps us sleep better. In busy times that involve staring at screens throughout the day, our melatonin levels are often way below what they should be.
This can have a negative on our sleep patterns, from difficulty getting to sleep to the quality of our sleep overall. Taking a melatonin supplement before bed can help improve sleep quality.
Stock up on Natural Supplements for Depression
Battling depression is no easy feat, but these natural supplements for depression can help give you a fighting chance. Using natural supplements alongside positive changes in your life, such as exercise and pursuing a healthy diet can help restore the chemical balance in the brain and keep depression at bay.
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