Depression is a debilitating problem for many people. But treating it with pharmaceuticals can sometimes cause more harm than good. Before resorting to chemical solutions, trying a natural approach can often help. Here are some natural remedies for depression that can help you find balance in your life.
Eat Well
Diet alone may not cure depression, but a eating properly is the foundation of a healthy body. If you regularly consume highly processed foods you are contributing to the toxic buildup in your body. This buildup leads to a variety of problems, including depression.
Eliminate sugars and high fructose corn syrup, controversial ingredients included in many processed foods and drinks these days. Eating too much sugar can cause highs immediately after eating, followed by a crash. This can make you feel worse than you did before you ate.
It’s believed that adding more folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids can also help combat depression. You can find omega-3s in fatty fish such as sardines, salmon and tuna. Avocados, green leafy vegetables and seeds are good sources of folic acid.
Eating low glycemic vegetables along with avoiding sugar, sugar substitutes, and processed carbs can level out your blood sugar, which can often lift not only depression, but also brain fog and lack of energy.
You might be pleasantly surprised at just how much eating well can change your mood.
Exercise
Moving your body can keep it healthy and can promote a chemical reaction in your brain that makes you feel good. Endorphins – the chemical responsible – are called the feel good chemical. Your body naturally produces endorphins when you exercise.
You can start out small by just walking a for a little bit each day, even as much as 10 minutes will help boost your mood. The more you begin to move your body the better you will feel. In fact, you may find that you begin to crave the exercise for the feel good reaction.
Restful Sleep
Getting proper sleep is important to a healthy mind and body, but depression makes it hard to get a good rest. Even though you may feel like you’ve slept, it doesn’t mean you are getting proper sleep.
If you have trouble getting restful, deep sleep try some relaxation techniques, such as turning off all applications and TV at least one hour prior to your desired bedtime. This will help your mind to relax from those distractions before trying to sleep. Another would be reading a lighthearted book that promotes good feelings. Meditation can be used to calm your mind and body before going to sleep. You can also try warm milk as the tryptophan in it can be mildly sedative for some people.
Go Outside
Sunlight is not only good for the soul it promotes the production of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps boost your mood.
Herbal Supplements
St. John’s Wort is an herbal supplement that comes from a flower of the same name. Proponents say it can be as effective as pharmaceutical anti-depressants for treating mild depression. You can make tea from dry St. John’s Wort, but the most common way to take it is in pill or liquid form. You can find St. John’s Wort in health food stores.
Depression can be a debilitating disease, but the treatment is often expensive and carries its own unpleasant side effects. Before resorting to chemical cures, give these natural remedies a shot. Chances are you’ll feel better without the added cost and chemicals.
