In addition to prescription medication, talk therapy and other therapies available many people diagnosed with Depression or Anxiety also take supplements recommended by their doctor that are found to aid in their symptoms.
Here’s a list of 5 supplements that are most commonly recommended.
1. Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 Fats or essential fatty acids are not created within your body, but within your diet. Found from rich sources like salmon, herring, trout, and fresh tuna, fatty acids can come in the form of EPA and DHA. EPA is medically known to be the most potent natural anti-depressant, making it important for those with depression to make sure Omega-3’s are in their diet.
2. Amino Acids
You may have heard of Serotonin before, it is a chemical made in the brain from the amino acid called Tryptophan which is converted into another acid called 5-HTP. Tryptophan is found in meat, fish, beans and eggs and it turns out that people nourished in food with little to none of this acid, can become depressed almost instantaneously.
3. B Vitamins
B vitamins are important for the maintenance, metabolism, and regeneration of cells in your central nervous system. In order to stabilize your nervous systems and balance your moods and feelings, a diet full of B Vitamins is essential. B vitamins can relieve stress and help mild depression.
4. Folic Acids
Found in fruit, veggies, and some other foods, Folic Acid is a form of a B vitamin that is often deficient in depressed people’s diet. It has not been pinpointed as an actual treatment for depression, but it is compared to a placebo found in Prozac and is an important addition to the diet of someone with depression or anxiety.
5. GABA
GABA, or Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, is created in your body and it can help control anxiety, improve moods, relax, and reduce PMS. A deficiency in GABA is also directly linked to psychological illnesses like Depression and Anxiety, researchers are saying. This is why there are now GABA natural supplements you can take to curb depression and balance your body’s creation of the helpful acid.
It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before adding supplements to your treatment plan. Post a comment below if you have any questions. If you are experiencing severe to mild depression that lasts more than two weeks you should contact your doctor immediately.
Live Mentally Healthy,
Cognitive Psychiatry of Chapel Hill