Depression Treatment with Natural Medicine
February 2nd, 2010 | 
Author: 
Realizing that anyone can get Depression, makes this an important topic for anyone to learn more about. According to Depression.com, Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.
Other causes may be your family history (Genetics), stress and trauma, negative outlook, serious medical condition, anxiety and other psychological disorders. When something bad happens, most people bounce right back, but there are others who sink into a world of darkness. No energy and just sleeping all the time.
Clinical depression is currently the leading cause of disability in North America as well as other countries, and is expected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide (after heart disease) by the year 2020, according to the World Health Organization. The odds are not looking too good!
What are you going to do about your Depression? Is natural medicine a good alternative? These are some tough questions, but the natural way does sound like a good choice. One herb has been flying off of the shelves in nutrition stores all over the world. This popular herb is St. John’s Wort and it may aid
in dealing with mild to moderate depression.
Cathy Wong, ND, CNS, is a licensed naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition specialist has said that
more methodologically rigorous studies of St. John’s Wort for severe depression are needed. Until then,
it may be prudent to limit its use to mild to moderate depression under the careful supervision of an
appropriately trained health practitioner.
I have always been impressed with the studies on Omega-3 fatty acids, which Dr. Perricone and Dr. Andrew Weil fully support and use in their diets. Omega-3 fatty acids may help with the brain functioning in a Depressed person. Not to mention, Omega-3 fatty acids are said to be cancer fighters. The science of the future will hopefully shed some more light on these cancer fighting studies.
Joseph Hibbeln, M.D., a psychiatrist at the National Institute of Health, thinks omega-3’s might explain
why the rate of depression is rising in the United States. In a health-conscious push to rid our diets of
saturated fats and cholesterol, Americans have been eating less red meat and eggs, two good sources of
omega-3’s. Furthermore, we have been switching to the polyunsaturated fats, such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oils, which are relatively low in omega-3’s. The above excerpt is from the WebMD site.
If Omega-3’s can help with Depression then you may need some salmon now! I list some companies at Herbal Remedy Online.net that have superior all-natural products. I have one company that has the best canned salmon I have ever tasted! Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B6 is said to be a marvelous mood enhancer. So, we have Omega-3’s, SAM-e (increase levels of neurotransmitters), Folic Acid, 5-HTP (makes the neurotransmitter serotonin), reduce your intake of sweets(stevia is a good alternative), avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Researchers have observed that in places where fish features more prominently in the diet, the incidence of depression is lower states Maureen Williams, ND Healthnotes Newswire (September 20, 2007). Walking is an exercise that anyone can do and it is fun! You can go for a nature walk with friends or hike through a large cemetery. Omega-3’s with the other supplements listed above and taking 30 minute walks everyday may bring some relief.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before using any herbal products.
By: DeWayne Strickland
About the Author:
Posted in Depression
February 2nd, 2010 7:21 pm
Thanx for sharing such a useful information. I am definitely going to use it.
February 3rd, 2010 2:10 pm
Great combination of vitamins and advice about exercise. By the way, the folic acid and Vitamin B12 are essential for the body to build SAM, the nearly famous anti-depression molecule, that is mentioned above.
February 4th, 2010 10:03 am
So it’s pretty much about Omega-3 fat and doing your exercises. Your previous post also listed some other (non-medicinal) treatments for depression like listening to music. But it’s good that people know more about this disease as those who suffer from it would be helped by some attention from people in their direct surroundings.
February 4th, 2010 8:37 pm
Another great natural way to treat your depression is to move your body! A personal trainer can motivate and encourage you into not only doing that, but doing it in a way that will suit your own personal body fitness, weight, type and age.
February 10th, 2010 2:44 pm
I’d also choose natural remedies in treating depression rather than pharmaceutical medicines (anti-depressants?). I don’t want to be dependent on it. Natural remedies, on the other hand, will not only cure our depression but will also help us live a healthy life.
February 16th, 2010 12:29 am
A healthy diet and regular exercise is the way to go. Some of the side effects mentioned on anti-depression drug advertisements are frightening!
March 1st, 2010 10:06 am
Fish is the food of the brain. I’ve gained more knowledge this time about depression. And that is to engaged yourself in exercise and more positive activities as well as positive thinking. This is highly informative!
April 24th, 2010 9:50 pm
It ais true that depression give effects to everyone. And fighting depression is not an easy task. People from the surrounding will have to work together with the depressed and give full support too. Surely some of the depressed don’t want to meet other people and keep on spending their own time on their own but this is a no no for them.
April 26th, 2010 4:45 pm
Many people struggle with depression. Thanks for your article and stressing the importance of exercise and a balanced diet!
Thanks
Melissa