What Are Some Natural and Safe Remedies For Depression?

If you are looking for natural and safe remedies for depression it is probably because you have learned that medications are not always the best choice. Drugs, after all, contain chemicals, many of which are potentially hazardous to the health when consumed in large amounts at one time or over the course of several months or years. It's true that while many of the ingredients do treat depression symptoms, they do not do so without compromising your general well-being.

Treating depression with medications is a double-edged sword - you can't win the battle without harming yourself in the process. And so many search for natural alternatives. Yet, many are also left wondering, are there really natural remedies for depression that are not only safe but effective as well?

Natural Depression Busters

Mother Nature will always have something for seekers of natural remedies, surely. If you want to go natural, here are your options:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. What most people know of Omega-3 fatty acids is that they are good for the heart, but (probably) not many realize that these fatty acids are essential to brain health as well. In fact, studies show that low levels of these fatty acids contribute to depression. These essential fatty acids are not produced by the body; you have to get them somewhere in order to enjoy their health benefits. Accordingly Omega-3 fatty acids are found richly in fish such as the likes of salmon and sardines. Then again, it is not wise to consume too much of these fish as they may be contaminated with mercury and other toxic chemicals. Experts recommend taking Fish Oil with Omega-3 fatty acid instead. But you also have to be choosy when it comes to Fish Oil Supplements. Make sure the fish source is free of toxins and the supplements themselves molecularly distilled to ensure that you are getting the most benefits without the chemicals.

B Vitamins. The B Vitamins are very helpful in warding off depression as well as in reducing some symptoms of depression. Especially helpful are:

Vitamin B1 (known also as Thiamine) which is involved in the conversion of glucose into energy

Vitamin B3 (known also as Niacin) which helps in detoxifying the body preventing anxiety attacks that can worsen into a serious mental disorder

Vitamin B5 (known as Pantothenic Acid) which is needed to produce hormones that are essential in regulating depression

Vitamin B6 (known as Pyridoxine) which is needed in the production of the brain chemical serotonin, the chemical responsible in regulating mood.

Vitamin B9 (commonly known as Folic Acid) which is important in the synthesis of DNA.

Vitamin B12 (known also as Cobalamin) which is needed to form red blood cells.

Vitamin C. A lesser known fact about Vitamin C is its key role in the production of serotonin.

St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort is an herb that's been used for many generations now to relieve sleeping problems, nervousness, anxiety, and sadness. Clinically it's been tested to work effectively in relieving symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Results are usually seen in a month or two. Side effects are rare and mild. Patients may have dry mouth or suffer from indigestion. Some report to feeling slightly dizzy. If you are going to take this herb, be sure to protect your skin and eyes as St. John's Wort has been shown to increase sensitivity to light. Another thing, don't take this herb if you are using other antidepressants or oral contraceptives.

Diet. Not least in importance in warding off depression is the act of avoiding foods that appear to trigger depression in the first place, such as sweets, caffeine, and junk foods. Ironically you might call these "comfort foods", but remember their magic works only temporarily. Once the effects have waned, you'll find yourself in a far worse mood than before.